Silvana Arzeno Toledo is the founder of Collab & Play. Collab & Play is a really fun coworking space that also provides on-site childcare. As someone who has worked out of a virtual office for several years now & also visited several shared workspaces, the unique selling point of Collab & Play is that it offers childcare. I know so many mompreneurs that would love to have a space where you can work on your computer presentation, meet with your business partner or even hold a team meeting in a business casual environment – all the while your little ones are happily playing with an onsite nanny in another area!
I met Silvana at a networking & business referral group for mompreneurs. We talked about the power of social media & the challenges of being a small business owner. Coworking spaces are not a new concept, but I like how Silvana was able to put her own spin to it & fill a need for many working moms (and dads!).
Please meet the latest Real Mom of the SFV, Silvana Arzeno Toledo!
How/why did you begin your business?
Silvana: I began this business with the purpose of creating a community of support and resources for working parents. This environment helps freelancers, business owners, and basically any remote workers. Moms don’t have to quit breastfeeding, they don’t need to be separated from their children for long hours. Here, babies are steps away from their parents. They get to work while we take great care of them.
As a working mother, what is one tip or piece of advice that you would give to other female entrepreneurs?
Silvana: Since time is of the essence in a working mom’s life, my one piece of advice is to follow the Pareto Principle of 80/20. For those not familiarized with this principle, the 80/20 rule is a tool widely used to grow business by determining which 20% of your time produces 80% of your overall business’ results
Spending 1 hour a month reassessing all the activities you do, and prioritizing which ones you will dedicate most of your time is a very strategic decision. This rule will help you organize and prioritize your time and resources to achieve better results.
What do you like best about having a business in the San Fernando Valley?
Silvana: There is a strong sense of belonging to the community in this area. Women are incredibly resourceful and supportive of each other. Since I have opened my business, I have met so many amazing women. All with very similar goals, striving in our careers while being great mothers. So inspiring!
If there was one thing you wish you knew before you began your business, what would that be?
Silvana: I knew coming in that I would learn so much when creating a business. There are so many aspects to running any business. I wish I had made a list of all the aspects that I was not comfortable with so that I could easily identify who to contact and ask for help in each of those areas.
I had never heard about the 80/20 rule, but hearing Silvana break it down really makes sense! I know we talk a lot about time management & prioritizing in these Real Mom interviews, but this Pareto Principle really resonates with me. Thank you Silvana for sharing that tip!
I completely agree with Silvana about all the different aspects of running a business. It’s important to reach out to your support group or business community & ask for assistance. I have a feeling that the freelancers & entrepreneurs that meet in her coworking space may do some collaborating & share advice. Speaking of collaborating & playing – for readers of my blog, Silvana is extending a wonderful promotion!
Collab & Play is offering 2 hours FREE coworking + on-site childcare or one coworking day free pass (this is without the childcare). Just use the promo code “RealSFVMom.”
For more information on Collab & Play (or to book that fab coworking deal), visit the website here. Also don’t forget to check out the company’s Facebook page so that you can get the latest updates!
Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. The image shown in this post is used with permission. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.
Sarah Harris | Makesmewander.com says
What a genius idea! Seriously! What a great way to give other women a step up in this world!
Sarah Harris | Makesmewander.com recently posted…YOU WENT WHERE? VEGAS! (WITH KIDS)
Jennifer says
It truly is a unique concept. Thanks Sarah for stopping by my blog!