Meet Emma and Juliet from The Balance Project

People Behind the Space: The Balance Project

Emma and Juliet, founders of The Balance Project

In this edition of People Behind the Space, we chat with Juliet and Emma, co-founders of The Balance Project, a coworking space designed with wellbeing and connection at its core. With locations in Auckland and Christchurch, these two are redefining the workday by placing as much importance on community and calm as on productivity and growth.

From their oceanfront St Heliers hub to their passion for building purposeful spaces, discover how they’re helping professionals thrive, not just hustle.

The Balance Project | St Heliers

Tell us a bit about yourselves and what inspired you to create The Balance Project.

Emma: Juliet and I both come from backgrounds where we saw the need for a different kind of workspace. We wanted to create a space that fosters productivity but also prioritises wellbeing. We're both passionate about creating environments where people can thrive, not just survive, in their work lives. We saw a gap in the market for a space that truly understood the importance of work-life balance.

Juliet: We were inspired by the idea of building a community, not just renting desks. We wanted to create a place where people felt supported and connected. We both experienced the isolating nature of traditional office setups or working from home, and we knew there was a better way. We wanted to build a place where people could come together, collaborate, and feel supported.

The Balance Project | Christchurch

What do you love most about The Balance Project, and how does it differ from other coworking spaces? 

Emma: What I love most is the genuine sense of community. We've intentionally curated a space that encourages connection and collaboration. We differ from other coworking spaces because we place a strong emphasis on wellbeing and a calm, productive atmosphere. It is also the combination of professional and personal connections that is fostered.

Juliet: For me, it's the diversity of our members and the positive energy that permeates the space. We're not just about providing desks; we're about providing a
holistic work experience. We have a focus on creating a beautiful place to work. We differ because we place as much importance on the people as the space.

The Balance Project | St Heliers

Can you describe the types of businesses and professionals that make up The Balance Project community? day to day?

Emma: We have a wonderful mix! We see everything from freelancers to established small businesses. We have creatives, consultants, tech professionals, Engineers, Facilitators, and everything in between. It's a really vibrant and diverse group.

Juliet: Our members are typically driven, passionate individuals who value connection and collaboration. They appreciate a space that supports their professional growth while also prioritising their wellbeing. They are people who understand the value of community.

The Balance Project | Christchurch

How does being based in the oceanfront village of St Heliers influence the atmosphere and work-life balance for your members?

Emma: St. Heliers provides a beautiful and calming backdrop. Being close to the ocean allows our members to easily take breaks and recharge. It creates a sense of
tranquillity that's reflected in the atmosphere of our space. It creates a feeling of being able to step away from work easily.

Juliet: The natural beauty of the location definitely contributes to the relaxed and balanced atmosphere. It's easy to step outside and get some fresh air or take a walk along the beach. It's a reminder that there's more to life than just work.

The Balance Project | St Heliers

If you could invite any three inspiring individuals to work from The Balance Project for a day, who would they be and why? 

Emma:
- Jo Malone: Her entrepreneurial journey, marked by creativity, passion, and a true understanding of her market, would be inspiring.
- Brené Brown: Her research on vulnerability and courage would spark fascinating conversations.
- David Attenborough: His passion and dedication to the planet would be incredibly inspiring.

Juliet:
- Richard Branson: For his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking.
- Serena Williams: For her incredible drive and focus, her strength, persistence, and confidence.
- Simon Sinek: His insights on leadership and purpose would be invaluable.

The Balance Project | St Heliers

Are there any exciting projects, collaborations, or community initiatives in the pipeline for The Balance Project?

Emma: We're exploring partnerships with local businesses to offer more services. We are also expanding our social events, and looking to create more opportunities for our members to connect and collaborate across our Auckland and Christchurch locations.

Juliet: We're always looking for ways to enhance our community. We're planning to expand our community outside of the space. We are also looking to offer more
events focused on wellbeing and professional development.

The Balance Project | St Heliers

What role does creativity and collaboration play in shaping the culture of your space? 

Emma: Creativity and collaboration are at the heart of our culture. We encourage our members to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and think outside the box. We believe that diverse perspectives and creative thinking lead to innovation.

Juliet: We've designed our space to foster interaction and spontaneous collaboration. We encourage our members to connect and share their expertise. We believe that the best ideas come from collaboration.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of running The Balance Project, and how has it influenced your journey as business owners?

Emma: The most rewarding aspect is seeing the positive impact we're having on our members' lives. Hearing stories of how our space has helped them achieve a better work-life balance or grow their businesses is incredibly fulfilling. It has reinforced the importance of creating a business that aligns with our values.

Juliet: For me, it's building a strong and supportive community. Seeing our members connect and support each other is incredibly rewarding. It has taught us the importance of creating a business that is driven by purpose and connection.

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