Finding Joy and Community at Co-Space: My Journey into Full-Time Entrepreneurship
- Renee Rivers
- Jan 26
- 6 min read
Entering full-time entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster of emotions—equal parts scary, overwhelming, exciting, and exhilarating. As I embark on this new chapter, I’m reminded of why I joined Co-Space: it’s where I got my joy back.
How One "Yes" Changed Everything
When my family and I moved back to Miami, I couldn’t see the good in the decision at first. Looking back now, I realize it was one of the best choices we ever made. But during those initial few months, I felt trapped in a cycle of frustration and irritation. Every area of my life seemed overwhelming—my marriage, my career, the move itself. I couldn’t stay in that space of overwhelm, though.
I ended 2023 with a prayer, a reminder to myself that while I couldn’t control everything happening around me, I could control my attitude. That shift in mindset marked the beginning of my transformation. I decided to stop retreating and start connecting.
Discovering Co-Space
After months of hesitation, I finally introduced myself in the Black Moms Miami group chat. To my surprise, within a week, I received a message from my now friend, Sasha. She invited me to attend an event hosted by her Embrace Your Sisters Book & Social Club, a space designed for women to connect, dream, and support one another.
The event? Their annual vision board gathering, held at Co-Space. Sasha asked if I would assist by leading a vision board activity with a therapeutic lens. Although I was hesitant, I leaned into my commitment to embrace life’s opportunities.
I had just finished reading Shonda Rhimes’ transformative book, Year of Yes, and this felt like my first “yes” of many. In her book, Rhimes shares how saying “yes” to things that scare her brought new opportunities, relationships, and growth into her life. Inspired by her story, I knew I had to lean into the unknown and say “yes” to opportunities that could reignite my joy.
Lessons from Leaning into "Yes"
When I participated in the vision board event, something shifted—I said yes. That one “yes” set off a chain reaction, leading me to say yes again, this time to attending the 3rd Annual Black Moms Miami Galentine’s event. There, I met Vivian Olodun, the co-founder of Flourish Media. She extended an invitation to a few women, including me, to be her guest at the Flourish Media Conference.
Almost a year later, I’m now ready to pursue entrepreneurship full-time, and I’m proud to say I’m a member of the Flourish Media community. As a member, I’m excited to be attending this year’s Flourish Media Conference, happening February 21–22. For more information, visit: https://www.flourishmediaconference.com.
Needless to say, I’ve already secured my tickets to Black Moms Miami’s 4th Annual Galentine’s Event happening on February 9th. I’m so excited to connect, celebrate, and create new memories with all the amazing ladies. Looking forward to it!
The Power of Community
You never know what someone is going through when you connect with them, and I’ve learned that those moments of connection can spark profound change. For me, Co-Space became more than just a place to work—it became the place where I found my tribe.
At Co-Space, I’ve met some of the most inspiring and supportive people who have truly helped me grow, not just as an entrepreneur, but as a person. Every time I link up with Aniola, I leave feeling renewed and motivated. Our conversations feel like therapy—deep, meaningful, and healing in ways I didn’t even know I needed. She’s a reminder of the power of authentic relationships and the value of having people who genuinely see and hear you.
And then there’s Joy, the founder of Co-Space, who built this incredible community out of necessity. What she’s curated is nothing short of magical. Her ability to connect people is unmatched—she’s not just introducing me to impactful business connections; she’s creating opportunities for personal growth and collaboration that I never expected. Whether it’s through a quick introduction or an intentional conversation, Joy has a way of making every connection matter.
What initially drew me to her was her radiant energy on social media. Joy would post her daily walks, smiling brightly as she interacted with her audience—whether through a wave, a shoutout, or an encouraging word. That same warmth and authenticity radiates when you meet her in person. The thing I love most about her is that she keeps the same energy—genuine, uplifting, and consistent. She’s built Co-Space as more than just a co-working space; it’s a vibrant, inspiring community where collaboration and connection thrive. Joy’s vision and dedication have truly made Co-Space a sanctuary for so many, myself included.
At Co-Space, it’s more than just working in the same environment—it’s about working together, vibing together, and building something meaningful together. It’s a space where collaboration and community thrive. We work, we vibe, we tribe.
When you surround yourself with people who uplift, inspire, and push you to be your best, you’re not just building your network—you’re building your foundation for success and fulfillment. For me, Co-Space has been that foundation, and it’s truly been life-changing.
Tips for Building Your Own Joy and Community
If you’re looking to find joy, reconnect with your purpose, or build a community, here are some steps to help you get started:
Say Yes to Opportunities - Inspired by Shonda Rhimes’ Year of Yes, commit to stepping outside your comfort zone. Attend that event, join that group, or volunteer for something new—you never know where it might lead.
Find Your Community - Seek out spaces like Co-Space that prioritize authentic connection and collaboration. Look for environments where you feel inspired and supported.
Shift Your Perspective - While you can’t always control your circumstances, you can control how you approach them. Focus on gratitude and the opportunities within your reach.
Engage Locally - Join groups, clubs, or organizations in your area that align with your passions and values. Spaces like Co-Space can be incredible hubs for networking, growth, and community-building.
Invest in Personal Growth - Read books like Year of Yes that encourage self-reflection and empowerment. Learning from others’ stories can help you discover new ways to show up for yourself.
Recommended Reads: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
As a therapist, I often recommend books that help clients reflect, reset, and grow. One book I wholeheartedly recommend is Shonda Rhimes’ Year of Yes. This powerful memoir is both an inspiring call to action and a guide to breaking free from fear and self-doubt.
Here are a few standout lessons and quotes from the book:
“Yes is the gateway to change.”Rhimes teaches us that saying yes to opportunities, even scary ones, is the first step to unlocking growth and transformation.
“Ditch the dream and be a doer, not a dreamer.”This quote reminds us to stop waiting for the “perfect” time and take actionable steps toward our goals.
“You can only truly love others once you learn to love yourself.”A simple but profound reminder that self-love is foundational to every healthy relationship.
The biggest takeaway? Growth happens when we embrace discomfort and lean into opportunities that challenge us. Whether you’re struggling with fear, self-doubt, or stagnation, Year of Yes offers practical insights and heartfelt encouragement to help you move forward.
Discover Co-Space: A Place for Community, Collaboration, and Growth
If you’re looking for a space to find your footing, grow your network, or dive into entrepreneurship, Co-Space might be just what you need. Located in Miami Gardens, Co-Space is more than just a co-working environment—it’s a vibrant hub of community, creativity, and collaboration.
Here’s what they offer:
Coworking Spaces: Flexible workstations and private offices designed for focus and productivity.
Networking Events: A calendar filled with opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals and entrepreneurs.
Workshops and Panels: Expert-led sessions covering topics like business growth, wellness, and creativity.
Community Vibes: A welcoming atmosphere where collaboration and connection thrive.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or creative professional, Co-Space is a place where you can build community, find inspiration, and grow personally and professionally.
Visit their website at www.welcometocospace.com to learn more about memberships, upcoming events, and how you can get involved.
Final Thought
In life, the key to finding joy often lies in connection—both with yourself and with others. By saying “yes” to new experiences, opening yourself to authentic relationships, and finding spaces like Co-Space that align with your values, you create opportunities for growth, healing, and transformation.
In a previous post, I reviewed the Envision Me Conference, which I only knew about because my friend Saisha invited me to take her place at a brunch she couldn’t attend called Bloom Where You’re Planted. That one simple “yes” sparked something in me and became part of my journey of embracing new opportunities.
2024 was my Year of Yes—a year of stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing the unknown, and allowing growth to unfold in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Now, as I step into
2025, it’s my Year of Embracing the Possibilities—a time to build on the foundation I’ve created and fully lean into the limitless opportunities ahead.
It’s incredible how a single “yes” or invitation can lead to transformative experiences. Here’s to continuing to say yes, embrace the possibilities, and bloom wherever life plants us.
Call to Action
Ready to start your own year of yes? Pick up a copy of Shonda Rhimes’ Year of Yes for inspiration and consider visiting Co-Space to explore how a collaborative community can support your journey.
Reflection Question
What’s one opportunity you can say “yes” to this week that could help you build joy, community, or personal growth?
Omg,thank you for such a heartfelt & beautifully written piece about Co-Space and your entrepreneurial journey. We're honored to have been part of your transition into full-time entrepreneurship and thrilled that you’ve found joy and community here. Stories like yours remind us why we do what we do—creating a space where connection, growth, and dreams are intentionally front & center. Wishing you continued success on this amazing path!