Bridgid Coulter - Founder of Blackbird Collective
When Bridgid Coulter (she/her/hers) set out to find a co-working space to house her design studio in, she became fascinated with what made each space special. After trying other women-centric co-working spaces, she started to dream about what it would be like to have a space that centered around women of color and their needs in business, entrepreneurship, wellness, & life.
She didn’t see it, so she created it herself.
“We were only waiting for this moment to arise.”
From that, Blackbird House was born. In the years since it’s inception in late 2018 Blackbird found it’s physical space in LA and also a growing community of women of color and allies in-person and online. From the beginning of her ideation of what Blackbird would become, Bridgid knew that she wanted the space to be focused on women of color yet open to allies. She believes that there are tough conversations that need to be had and the time for those is now - she wanted Blackbird to be a safe space in which to have them.
Before the shutdown in March, Blackbird House had hosted numerous events from sound baths to debate watch parties, movie screening + panels and campaign trail stops for Kamala Harris and more. Bridgid had already been thinking about how to engage her community online when the COVID pandemic hit. The temporary closure of their space didn’t stop the community from supporting each other and growing together. Blackbird Collective is currently finding it’s home online through their Nomad Digital Membership, the first global collective workspace founded by & for women of color; welcome to allies.
While these trying times have kept us all physically apart from those we love to be with, work with, and create with, Bridgid has found a way to allow her community to flourish - online for for now, and in-person once again soon.
Favorite motto or quote that keeps you inspired?
Be bold and trust your instinct.
Book(s) that inspire you/your company?
Other content, music, anything that is inspiring you right now?
Prince & The Revolution, Stevie Wonder, Fine Artists (Kara Walker, Yo Yo Landers, etc)
In your personal life, what is one daily practice or habit you have to keep you centered and grounded?
Breathwork.
Who or what was the biggest motivator for you when you started your business?
Creating a space for our community to thrive in balance.
How do you hope that your company can create a better world?
Blackbird Collective will create a global network for women of color and allies for positive change for each other and the world.
Favorite business tools that your company uses?
Favorite business/leadership podcast?
Favorite other business/leadership resources?
LinkedIn, SBDC, FFA, LADIES WHO LAUNCH!!!
What are your top three goals for your company this year?
Expanding our digital membership.
Marketing our brand for impact.
Raising funds for launch back into physical space.
Your favorite other women led businesses we should know about?
Autumn Breton