Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily Shiper.
Hi Lily, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Fuquay Works is an innovative co-working and office space in downtown Fuquay-Varina. We are located in one of the fastest-growing towns in the Triangle, dedicated to serve the local community — cultivating a space where startups, entrepreneurs, and established businesses can thrive.
Fuquay Works exists to offer businesses, individuals, creatives, etc. the ability to step away from other responsibilities and distractions to have focused, productive time in a beautifully curated workspace. It’s a one-of-a-kind place to use your gifts and abilities to make this world a better place.
At Fuquay Works, we believe and abide by the abundance mentality. We believe that each individual has talents, gifts and abilities that they can use to fulfill their responsibilities well and help others with — whether in business, professional or personal means. That is how we believe community naturally happens.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We opened our doors during COVID which has come with its own set of setbacks and challenges but also many blessings like getting our space remodeled quickly. Our private offices filled up quickly but co-working has been in less demand than we expected.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We are a four person team here at Fuquay Works. Whether it’s our own home, one of our rental properties or this office space— we love creating and providing a space where families, friends, students, creatives and professionals can meet, work, gather, connect, grow and thrive.
We have transformed a funeral home into an office space. This building was brought to new life and purpose. As a team, we compiled our best efforts to make this building an office oasis our private office occupants and co-working members can enjoy.
I (Lily) handle the creative, photography and social media aspect of the business (and am also the plant mama). My husband, Igor Shiper is the investor and brains behind the business. Z & V assist us in operations.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Finance and worked for the federal government as a bank examiner for five years before becoming a stay at home mom to 5 children being born within seven years. I traveled and worked in a wide variety of places and spaces — from conference rooms in high rises to bank basements in the most rural towns. Like all examiners and auditors, we coworked before coworking was a thing.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
We see this business continuing to thrive; the traditional workspace is becoming more flexible and less traditional! We are seeing more employers and entrepreneurs work “when” they want and “where” they want. We believe this industry will continue to attract more entrepreneurs, w2 employees with the ability to work remotely, and those with a blossoming side hustle. If you are in Fuquay Varina or Southern Wake County area, we would love to meet you! Below is our pricing and contact info.
Pricing:
- $200/month (coworking)
- $275/month (dedicated desk)
- $600+/month (private offices – fully occupied)
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@fuquayworks.com
- Website: https://www.fuquayworks.com/
- Instagram: @fuquayworks
- Facebook: @fuquayworks
