Building Cococo – #4 – Ready To Build

Last month was chaos. This month things seem to work out. I hope that's the new reality.

I started to work 3 full days a week on CoCoCo, which gives me time to get shit done. The architectural plan with the engineers' approvals is signed, the brand visual identity is here, I'm hunting for a Coliving space to rent, and we're starting construction in a few days - that ain't too bad.

Final construction plan

While the plans are already approved, my contractor gave me more time to change the electrical structure. That's important, cause as my friends from the photo below told me: "You can never have too many outlets in a Coworking space".

Rosie and Jamie have been living in Siargao for a few months and joined the digital nomad community from the very beginning. Lucky me, both were Community Managers in a big UK Coworking space chain, The Trampery.

I couldn't ask for a better match as they know the island, digital nomads, and Coworking spaces.

I bribed them with lunch for a long meeting where we decided on the furniture structure of the working areas. Where should the tables face, what kind of furniture is better, and so many other things.

We even decided to change the big conference room to a "Community room" or a "Game room", not sure yet, but basically a cozy room to chill the fuck out, play, and meet other nomads. This decision came from understanding better the nature of the future customers, who are more solo/couples looking to meet people and not big companies. There is still another conference room upstairs in case we need it.

I built a new asset describing each room, which will help me further when I find an interior designer. Can't even imagine how much money and frustration this meeting probably saved me. I can now set the final spots for the outlets, lights, and ceiling fans, knowing where the tables will be.

Looking for a Coliving deal

Another thing that kept me busy this month was looking for a resort/hostel for rent. Since I want to make my offer more valuable, and I know how important it is for digital nomads to live with other nomads, I want Coliving to be part of the deal.

I wrote in my last post why I eventually couldn't build one. I started looking for deals around the island. I'm mostly hoping to find a place that is already fully built and functioning. My cash flow can't suffer another big investment. I am willing to take 3-5 years rent contracts, as I believe by that time, I'll be able already to execute my plan to build a proper Coliving space next to the Coworking space.

Apparently, this is pretty doable. Few resort owners on the island seem to be happy to get time off. I'm not in a rush, since I'm looking to start renting from Jan 2024, so I can allow myself to not settle for something that isn't a good match.

I already looked at some places, the nicest one was a resort called "Kawili". Central location, by the beach, a nice pool, and a common area - but only 5 bungalows. They are pretty big and nice, but that's better for families rather than singles/couples, which most of the digital nomads are. I hope to get something that will fit more, with at least 8 rooms, to create a "Community" feeling. This one is still an option, but I'll keep on looking.

Visual Identity

It's been a while, but finally, I have a visual identity for CoCoCo, made by a local graphic designer. I am very happy with the color palette and the visuals. Not super happy about the logo itself, but sometimes, better "done" than "perfect", and I gotta keep going.

I wanted to deliver the message that this is a professional space, not another cool island-vibey cafe, but without being too corporate. I think we kind of got that.

This finally allows me to redesign the website and Social accounts and create more of a "character" to the brand that people can memorize better.

If you're interested in the graphic side further, it's all under the Visual identity asset.

Construction is around the corner

Can't believe it's happening, but in a few days, it does.
My contractor already got all his workers and the relevant permits to start.
I'm super excited to see this dream finally getting real, and also super terrified, as I heard some horror stories from friends who've been through the process.

I have a good feeling, though.