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An Ex-Banker Founded New York City's Latest Co-Working Space

   
Lonny
This article originally appeared on Lonny
 
 
We have always been huge champions of female empowerment. As far as we’re concerned, it’s wonderful to see women collaborate and accomplish big things together. And doing so in an aesthetically pleasing space? Even better. 

Over the past few years, all-female co-working spaces have been sprouting up faster than you can say “girl power.” You’ve probably heard of The Wing, The Assembly, and The Allbright, but another one you need to know about is Luminary, which just opened its first location in New York City. 

Luminary is not just another co-working space; it’s an environment for women to make a positive change in both their personal and professional lives. For founder Cate Luzio, the opening of Luminary serves as a new chapter in her own professional playbook. 

With nearly 20 years in financial services under her belt — she was most recently the EVP and global head of multinational corporate banking for HSBC — Luzio was climbing up the corporate ladder but noticed very few women were at the leadership table with her. After speaking to a mentor about her passion for female empowerment, Luzio left her big corporate job to create a space that put the ladies first. 

“Women needed a collaboration hub to invest in themselves and their professional development, to inspire and feel inspired,” she says. “Luminary is reimagining a space for women with an emphasis on building relationships, diversity, investing in self-development, wellness, and flexibility.” 

With over 15,000 square feet of space spanning across two floors (and a private rooftop that will open next year!), Luminary is poised to become the ultimate playground for ambitious women. It's where you can work, work out (really!), and network over a glass of wine. 

Click through to learn more about Luminary and tour the space.
 
A New York Minute
Nestled in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, and a few blocks away from the Empire State Building, Luminary acts as a home base right in the middle of the city that never sleeps.

“This concept is anchored around bringing the things we need and want to do in one space,” Luzio says. “We sweat the small stuff when it comes to personal touches. It's your home away from home.”
 
Warm Welcome
While Luminary is packed with a bunch of standout design moments, Luzio says one of her favorite parts is the reception area.

“Our welcome billboard at reception is special. It’s an opt-in digital display where members can choose to list that they are in the space and our community managers can facilitate introductions within Luminary,” she shares. “This is a personal touch that really matters to me because I always missed connecting with people when I was traveling or worked out of coffee shops."

"It’s intimidating to walk into a space and this makes it fun and easy to meet new people, and perhaps even find your next client, business partner, colleague, mentor, or friend.”
 
Spread Out
Thanks to its open floor plan, there's no shortage of great working spaces.

“I created the space to encourage connection and conversation,” Luzio shares. “I want you to see who is in the space and to get to know each other.”

We’re totally eying those dreamy, candy-colored booths!
 
Personal Space
Or, if you need to take a call, camp out in one of the private photo booths. There's also a handful of conference rooms on the lower level.
 
Snack Time
Need a lunch break? Luminary has partnerships with several companies like Stumptown Coffee and Ancolie, a healthy and sustainable food business. Come happy hour, you can enjoy a glass of Gotham Project’s wine, which is on tap. Cheers!
 
An Artistic Edge
Speaking of partnerships, Luminary also sources its art from William Ris Gallery, a women-owned business in Long Island. Luminary will switch out the pieces every so often, but if you see something you like, you can buy it for your own home.
 
Work It Out
The space also features an exercise room, locker room, and showers, so members can break a sweat. Luminary teamed up with XTEND Tribeca to offer HIIT and barre classes 
 
.Hello, Gorgeous!
After your class, spruce yourself up at Luminary’s Beauty Bar. You can either book a blowout with Glam+Go ahead of time or use the complimentary toiletries from companies like R+Co on the fly.
 
Hello, Gorgeous!
After your class, spruce yourself up at Luminary’s Beauty Bar. You can either book a blowout with Glam+Go ahead of time or use the complimentary toiletries from companies like R+Co on the fly.
 
Mother Knows Best
Luzio wants you to feel at home and has created several special rooms that will work with your lifestyle, not against it. 

“We consider what women need,” she shares. “That’s why we have a meditation/prayer room to unplug and a private lactation room with a refrigerator for nursing mothers.” 

New moms can kick back and relax on this cozy chaise lounge.
 
Mother Knows Best
Luzio wants you to feel at home and has created several special rooms that will work with your lifestyle, not against it. 

“We consider what women need,” she shares. “That’s why we have a meditation/prayer room to unplug and a private lactation room with a refrigerator for nursing mothers.” 

New moms can kick back and relax on this cozy chaise lounge.
 
Passion Project
“I’m self-funding Luminary and it’s a decision I made so that I could fulfill the mission and vision I started out with,” Luzio shares. “I’m putting my money where my mouth is, and I have poured everything into this space."

"Women founders and businesses are often pitted against each other and in competition, whether it’s in the press or for funding, and we need to destroy that mindset," she notes. "I advocate for collaboration over competition — always. Working together will always prevail and will be a key factor for advancing women. We are stronger together and need to collaborate to create real change."
 

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