Your journey

From the garage to a storefront, in nine steps.

Written from your side of the desk: what you are likely to feel at each step, what you need from us, and exactly what we do. If we are not doing it, tell us.

01Before you visit
You find us
You feel
Curious, and a little suspicious of the word “community”.
You need
The price, a picture of a real desk, and proof that the events are not a pitch night.
We do
Prices on the page, GST extra.
A dated list of what happened on the floor last month, with how many came.
An email address a person answers.
02The email
You ask
You feel
Exposed. Nobody likes writing “I make hot sauce” to a stranger.
You need
A small ask and a fast, human answer.
We do
A short form: name, email, one line about what you make, and nothing you have to think about.
One reply within one working day, signed by whoever is on the desk that day.
No list, no follow-up sequence.
03Twenty minutes
You stand in it
You feel
Judged, or expecting to be.
You need
To see someone like you, and to be left alone afterwards.
We do
A twenty-minute walk: the commons, the desks, whichever offices are free, the board room, the kitchen, the parking.
You meet one member who makes something.
A straight answer on which desks are free, then we stop talking.
04Day one, week one
Your first days
You feel
The new kid. Where is the kettle.
You need
Wi-Fi that works, a mug, one name, and permission to not talk to anyone.
We do
Your desk id or room number is on the plan by the front desk and the desk is clear.
Two introductions, then we leave you to it. Headphones on means nobody interrupts.
A card with this month’s calendar and the Wi-Fi password. One check-in message at the end of the week: is the chair right, is anything missing.
05Month one
You settle, or drift
You feel
Either at home, or quietly wondering.
You need
Someone to notice which.
We do
Two questions from the floor manager: what are you working on, what is stuck. We write the answer down.
If parking or storage is the sticking point, we tell you what is free and when the next stall comes up.
If it is not working for you, we say so and help you leave cleanly. Month to month means that.
06Month three
You give something back
You feel
Wanting to be useful, not only served.
You need
A small stage and a real question.
We do
Five minutes at Show & tell on the thing that broke.
Your first masterclass; you leave with your own numbers filled in.
Your name on the kitchen rota, if you want it there.
07Month six
You need customers
You feel
The product is fine. The problem is the next order.
You need
A buyer, a supplier, a room to meet them in.
We do
The board room for the buyer meeting, with the screen and the mics.
The customs broker, the freight forwarder and the shared container that came out of supplier night.
Introductions when we have them. That phase is not built yet, and we will not pretend otherwise.
08Month twelve
You outgrow the desk
You feel
Proud, and worried about losing the room.
You need
A storefront decision made honestly, and a way to stay connected.
We do
The storefront masterclass and our honest read on whether it is time. Our sister company is a brokerage and may be the one who shows you the space; we say that out loud.
The board room and Pastries & products stay open to you at member rates.
Your story on this site, in your own words, if you want it there.
09After
You graduate
You feel
Like the garage was a long time ago.
You need
To come back for the pastries.
We do
Pastries & products stays open to you.
You mentor a month-one member, if you are willing.
Your desk goes to the next garage graduate.