Every industry has inherent gaps or challenges, waiting to be turned into business opportunities. Entrepreneurs who can identify these gaps and find innovative solutions have the potential to create successful ventures that address specific needs in the market. One such entrepreneur is Suman Shanbhag, who seized the opportunity to establish Kick Start Work Hubs by identifying the gap in the market and leveraging her understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

Suman recognized the uncertainties and limitations imposed by lockdowns and restrictions on in-person meetings, hindering progress for many individuals and businesses. Motivated by the situation and her own experiences as an entrepreneur, Suman had an innovative idea: to provide a cost-effective solution where entrepreneurs wouldn't have to invest a significant amount of money to grow their businesses.

With this vision in mind, Suman conceptualized Kick Start Work Hubs—a business aimed at providing affordable office spaces conveniently located near people's homes. Her innovative approach and dedication to supporting these entrepreneurs have helped Kick Start Work Hubs become a trusted and sought-after destination for those seeking an affordable and collaborative workspace.

Tell us about your prior industry experience and how does it empower you to be a better leader.

In my career, I have been involved in the life skills training HR and I have worked with various NGOs. These experiences have allowed me to gain valuable insights into understanding people's needs, priorities, and challenges they face. My years of experience working with NGOs, as a training professional, a life skills teacher and an HR personnel have strengthened my ability to connect with people effectively. Building strong connections and establishing rapport with anyone I encounter is a significant asset that I bring to the table.

What was the motive behind establishing Kick Start Work Hubs? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of specialization.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I contemplated on how I could establish a business that would genuinely help people. I wanted a venture that would benefit both my clients and myself, especially considering the uncertainties that surrounded us during that time. Lockdowns and restrictions on in-person meetings had become common, hindering progress for many.

Being in Bangalore, the startup hub, I recognized the challenges aspiring entrepreneurs would face and sought ways to support them. I also encountered my fair share of obstacles when starting my own business. That's when I had the idea to provide a cost-effective solution where entrepreneurs wouldn't have to invest a significant amount of money to grow their businesses.

Motivated by this situation, I conceptualized Kick Start Work Hubs, a co-working space equipped with essential amenities like high-speed internet, conference rooms, comfortable seating, power backup, and even coffee/tea facilities. My goal is to create an ideal workspace that fosters productivity and collaboration while eliminating the financial burden for budding entrepreneurs.

Throw some light on the major responsibilities you shoulder as the Founder of Kick Start Work Hubs.

As the Founder I shoulder several major responsibilities to ensure the smooth operation of the co-working space and the satisfaction of our clients. My major responsibilities include maintaining coordination with clients, ensuring equal importance to all, creating a comfortable workspace, and facilitating smooth collaboration among the clients. By fulfilling these responsibilities, I aim to provide a positive and productive co-working experience for everyone involved.

"By shouldering major responsibilities & prioritizing client satisfaction, kick start work hubs fosters productivity & collaboration, empowering entrepreneurs to overcome challenges & succeed"

What are the key challenges you encounter in your current role and how do you overcome them?

In my current role, I encounter several critical challenges that are inherent to the nature of the co-working industry. One of the significant challenges is the high turnover rate of clients. Sometimes individuals come up with startup ideas that do not work out as expected, leading them to discontinue their presence in the co-working space. This necessitates the need for a continuous backup of clients and maintaining effective communication with previous clients.

To overcome these roadblocks, I take proactive steps to ensure the sustained operation of Kick Start Work Hubs. Firstly, I prioritize client retention by staying in touch with all my present clients, understanding their evolving needs, and actively engaging in networking to attract new clients and expand our base.

What are some important facets of your life beyond work?

I'm an aspiring entrepreneur striving to strike a balance between my personal and professional life. Being both a mother and an entrepreneur, I face numerous daily challenges that require careful management. Ensuring equal attention to both aspects of my life is my primary goal, which I consider as the main challenge across all facets of life. I hold an engineering qualification and possess diverse interests. I am a singer, classical dancer, TV serial artist and a trained yoga instructor from a Deemed University. I find great passion in pursuing these various interests. Additionally, I am dedicated to managing my business while also taking care of my children at home.

Tell us about your professional milestones and the success mantra.

One major milestone was achieving business profitability within a relatively short timeframe. Our company reached the break-even point within 18 months of inception, which demonstrated the viability and success of our business model.

Another important milestone was the loyalty and trust we gained from our clients. Despite having multiple options available, clients who had previously stopped their business operations chose to return to our co-working space when they decided to restart. This indicates the value they see in our services and the positive experience they had with us. Being featured in a Global Hues, business magazine as one of the Top 10 best co-working service providers in India was another significant milestone for us.

The success mantra behind these achievements lies in effective networking, strong communication, a persistent attitude and problem-solving skills. I prioritize building relationships with clients, maintaining open lines of communication, and constantly seeking feedback for improvement. Additionally, I have learned to be patient and proactive in resolving issues that arise in our co-working environment, ensuring a positive and conducive workspace for our clients.

Suman Shanbhag, Founder, Kick Start Work Hubs

With a deep understanding of thechallenges faced by startups, Suman has created an affordable and convenient workspace that fosters productivity and collaboration, empowering entrepreneurs to thrive in their endeavors.