Hey! Who are you, and what are you working on?
Hey, I am Dave from the UK. I have a background in interior and brand design and have been living in Ericeira for the last two years. A lot of my recent experience in the UK was working with co-work spaces, for clients, and for myself.
When we first moved here there was a clear need for a cowork space where a community vibe allowed people to connect and feel at home. I love being around people as I had worked so long as a solo freelancer and I love designing spaces that nurture people and allow them to connect. Initially, I partnered with a Portuguese person as I felt uncomfortable opening a business in a country where I hadn't lived for longer the 3 months.
Along with her we opened Salt Studio, the first only cowork space in town. There was also Ericeira Business Factory and Sunago but we were the first. After a few months of pouring my heart and soul into that business, it became clear that my business relationship with the partner was not working and I had no other choice other than to walk away.
It was a very difficult time. I gave myself 6 months to recover financially and emotionally and then I was ready to go again. In October 2020 we opened Kelp Cowork with my girlfriend and now we are building a fantastic community of workers (both ex-pats and Portuguese) and we are working hard to ensure that we are not living in a cowork ex-pat bubble.
We try and keep our prices as low as we can as we are fully aware of the Portuguese minimum wage. We are also working with the local community to arrange a beautiful series of events and talks.
How did you come up with the idea?
I have been involved in interior design for the last 10 years. Prior to this I worked as a toy packaging designer, I worked in such a stark and soul-less environment that it sparked my interest for nurturing and natural interiors.
I had the chance to design a cowork space in my hometown of Brighton for a client and from there the idea grew. My girlfriend and I opened our first cowork space in Brighton 2 years later - a small victorian coach house that was renovated and hosted 8 people and a small artist studio next door.
What are the main challenges in your business right now?
Covid is definitely stopping so many people coming over for workcations, but we are finding that a fair few people are moving from around Lisbon up here to Ericeira so that is encouraging for new business.
Keeping our prices as low as possible so that it is a profitable business but at the same time trying to make it accessible for everyone. Booking systems and access. Using digital systems and tweaking them on site without annoying everyone who is currently working here!
What is your favorite surf spot and why?
Can't tell you the name but it is very close to Kelp :)
