Savage Coworking: A new space for entrepreneurs and digital nomads in the heart of Estepona

The coolest coworking in Estepona promises not just a workspace, but a community that grows together while enjoying local life

In the heart of Estepona, just a few steps from the sea, a new coworking space was born, not only aiming to be a place to work but also a meeting point for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and anyone who values collaboration and community life. Savage Coworking, the project of Inés and Nik, has successfully caught the attention of both local residents and newcomers who arrive with the intention of sharing their ideas and projects.

During a conversation in their new space, they shared how their personal paths came together to bring this initiative to life and how, despite the challenges, they managed to create an environment that goes beyond a shared office.

An unexpected start

Estepona Info: Good morning, how are you? We are here at Savage Coworking and we would like to introduce your business and hear a little about your professional lives before starting this venture.

Nik: Well, how did it all start? Yes, well, I began my professional career as a kite surfing instructor, so nothing to do with coworking. But I’ve always been traveling a lot around the world, always feeling part of a community of people who thought the same. I also have a great interest in computers, so I started working a bit more as a software programmer.

And that remote working life, working from home, became more solitary, especially when COVID hit. I felt very isolated and found my community in coworking spaces. And well, I grew up here in Estepona, so as I say, I enjoy living here, so I thought, okay, I’ll try to find this space around here, we saw it was missing, and so we decided to create it.

The birth of the idea

Estepona Info: What led you to start this business instead of something else?

Inés: Well, the idea actually came from the fact that we were developing a finance application and we needed a space for our team. Initially, we thought of setting it up in an industrial area, but then, as Nik said, we decided against it due to traffic and other issues, and we said, well, let’s head to the promenade, and there we found this incredible place, and that’s how it all started.

Overcoming obstacles: finding the right space

Estepona Info: How were the first obstacles in finding the space you wanted?

Nik: Well, as Inés just said, the first obstacle was the location. Where were we going to do it? We discarded several options, and in the end, we decided to go for the center and the Estepona promenade. This particular location, in fact, we had seen one just two streets away, but they told us it was already reserved, and I got a bit frustrated. But Inés said, well, let's keep looking, relax, it’s okay, and we passed by here, saw the “for rent” sign, called, and five minutes later, the lady was here to show us the place. The next day we were signing the contract and said, yes, it has such a good energy here. It felt great.

Coworking philosophy and approach

Estepona Info: What were the first challenges you faced? How did you decide on the philosophy and approach for this coworking space, and what type of environment did you want to create for your members?

Inés: Well, one of the challenges was, since we were new to this, we didn’t know what kind of people would join us. But in the end, everything just flowed. All the people who joined have been amazing. The philosophy is that we wanted it to feel like a second home, to generate that sense of community because I also come from another country, and that’s what people often need when they move: a little support, a bit of guidance, or at least to know where to go, where to hang out.

Nik: Yeah, everything just clicked, it was incredible.

The final step: opening the doors

Estepona Info: How would you describe the moment when you finally decided to open the doors and say, “Okay, we’re going to start now?”

Nik: Well, I remember that moment very well. Essentially, we were pushed a little bit. It happens sometimes.

The idea came up, I’m more of a dreamer with a strategic personality. I think about the next six months, not so much the now, and I’m more of a person of the moment who gets things done right now instead of putting them off. So it was that initial push, okay, let’s do this. And that’s when Inés took the lead.

Inés: But Daniel, one of the first ones said he wanted to be the first and pay the first invoice, so one week before April, he said, okay, I’ll pay. That was one, and then Nik also.

Nik: But it really pushed us to say, well, now we have to open, no more delays, we have to open. That was one of those moments you never forget.

Differentiation in the offering

Estepona Info: What features do you think make your coworking space attractive compared to others in the area?

Inés: Well, one of the differences is that we’re on the promenade, with these incredible views of the sea and the possibility to go to the beach in two seconds, come back, take a shower, and enjoy. It’s about achieving that balance between life and work, not going to an office and thinking, okay, I have to work and be enclosed, here it’s much more relaxed.

Nik: Well, the community, the open spaces, the mutual respect, and the coffee.

Inés: Yes, the specialty coffee, we are incorporating it now, and well, that’s it. Can you tell us the name? Or is it a secret?

Nik: Well, it’s a bit of a secret because we’re testing a couple of brands, and one is winning in quality. You’ll have to come try it!

Inés: Exactly, exactly. Everyone is invited to our Savage Friday on the third Friday of each month. It’s not just for members.

Lessons learned and the challenge of entrepreneurship

Estepona Info: What lessons have you learned throughout this process? Even though you’ve been open for a short time, I’m sure you’ve learned quickly.

Nik: For me personally, it’s about taking the leap. When you have an idea, don’t overthink it, just take the leap. I’ve always considered myself a bit more shy, more reserved, but I’ve realized that when starting this business, the focus is on the community, how the world sees you. It’s not necessarily how you see yourself, but how the world sees you. Don’t listen too much to that voice inside you and just take the step.

Digital nomads and the local community

Estepona Info: What do you think about the relationship between digital nomads and the local community?

Nik: Well, there are many types of people, right? But Estepona, in general, attracts a crowd that doesn’t just come to a hotel to drink and stay on the beach. Many of the digital nomads who come here also want to be part of the local culture. They want to get to know the town, its customs, like the other day with the San Isidro fair, the ham fair. We also try to involve them in that.

Inés: Exactly, and we also want the local people to open up to this new world, this market. Many want to work in a sunnier place with a beach but also want to be part of the local culture.

Nik: That’s right. And one of the things that has really impacted me, seeing our members now, is that almost all of them are taking Spanish classes. They’re making an effort to speak our language and live our culture, and I think that’s very beautiful. Globalization can’t be stopped. That train has been running for decades and can’t be halted. For us, as entrepreneurs, it’s about shaping that process in the best way possible, bringing everyone together and growing together.

Innovation and future plans

Estepona Info: What plans do you have to continue innovating, offering something new to entrepreneurs?

Inés: We want to include a lot of networking. We are going to do something with Javier from Mejorllamaajavier. And later, we’re going to create a podcast area, encourage entrepreneurs, help people who want to grow, like a coach or a programmer. Those are our plans: bringing everyone together to grow together.

Looking towards the future

Estepona Info: If you could go back in time, would you do something differently?

Inés: Honestly, I don’t think we would change anything. Everything has unfolded incredibly well. We always dreamed of having an open space, but the details and arrangements came together as we moved forward.

Long-term goals

Estepona Info: What are the long-term goals for your coworking space? How do you see yourselves in 5 or 10 years?

Nik: We want to continue creating that community space, fostering friendships, making people feel comfortable here. Regarding strategy, it’s changed a few times, but now our focus is on having the community grow and being known for that unique environment.

Inés: Our focus is on our members, ensuring they’re happy, enjoying the space, and finding that place to relax. Step by step, with many ideas we can’t reveal yet, but they’ll surely make the space grow even more.

Final invitation

Estepona Info: Do you have any final comments or an invitation for the people reading this?

Inés and Nik: Well, on June 27th, we’re hosting a networking event, and everyone is more than welcome. Also, every third Friday of the month, we organize “Savage Friday,” which is open to everyone, not just members. You can come, have a drink, make friends, and enjoy. We also offer a one-day trial for new visitors to experience the space.

Estepona Info: Thank you so much for your time. We wish you the best of luck with this new project!

Inés and Nik: Thank you, see you soon!