The Making of Maven Space
Leslie Bailey
The term maven can be used as a noun to describe a person who is exceptionally knowledgeable, experienced, or an expert in a particular field or subject. This term is often used colloquially to refer to someone who is highly skilled or enthusiastic about a specific area of expertise. And in Indianapolis, one woman is on a mission—not just to cultivate her inner maven but to empower an entire community of mavens.
Leslie Bailey is a Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Editor-in-Chief of Indy Maven, a lifestyle media company and community for women, by women in Central Indiana. She also happens to be the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Maven Space, a femme-powered coworking space, event venue, and social club. She’s a wife, a mother, an avid reader, an exquisite chef, and she’s fueled by a passion to help other women succeed. A need that’s direly needed in today’s post-pandemic reality where women are leading in their churches, families, and communities without the support they need.
According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research’s Status of Women in the United States, Leslie’s hometown state of Indiana received a D, ranking 43 in employment and earnings, and an F, ranking 51 in work and family. Leslie reports that these rankings are due to Indiana’s lack of a baseline understanding that it’s important to support women and support the issues that women care about. So, instead of waiting for the state to change its posture toward women, Leslie took matters into her own hands.
In 2019, Indy Maven launched as a digital media platform that offers lifestyle content to delight an audience of highly engaged women in the greater Indianapolis area who want to stay informed and be inspired. And for almost three years, Indy Maven grew into one of Indianapolis' top resources for women—offering a weekly newsletter, featured events, and countless opportunities for mavens to support each other. Three years later, in the spring of 2022, Leslie opened the doors to Maven Space.
With amenities that include a Mother’s Room, private and community spaces, an in-house fitness center, a kitchenette and free lending library, a cafe, podcast studio, meeting and event space, a dual monitor hot desk bar, and rotating artwork featuring local creatives, Maven Space makes it difficult not to come for a meeting and stay a while—which is the whole point. At Maven Space, women business executives, startup entrepreneurs, creatives, civic leaders, and allies can unite to build a vibrant network of support all while elevating the ecosystem for women-owned businesses in Central Indiana.
Maven Space is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and offers onsite parking. Women interested in working at Maven Space can explore a day pass or ten-pack before committing to a monthly membership that ranges from $45 to $2,950 per month.
Whether you’re a business owner, a remote worker, or in the market for a beautiful space to pursue your side gig, check out Maven Space.
Check out the Maven Space.