Before Covid-19 hit, Createscape was a bustling, energetic coworking office. In March, we were even on the cusp of hiring a new community manager to help with day-to-day operations. But when Texas sent workers and students home to quarantine, like businesses everywhere, we were forced to cancel events and delay launching new programs. We also watched our membership dwindle as workers were laid off and businesses cut funding allocated for coworking desks. 

While we reopened at the beginning of June, it took a few months for the energy around the office to come close to resembling pre-pandemic life. Finally, in October, it felt like we turned a corner. To be sure, the virus is just as dangerous as ever, but by following CDC guidelines — including but not limited to requiring masks, separating work stations, and enforcing social distancing — it felt like we could operate safely. Once members started to return and the office began  to feel somewhat normal again, we hired Vana Ash. We recently sat down with her to ask her questions about how she got here for November’s Create.Chronicle newsletter.  

• What do you do outside of Createscape, for fun and professionally?
  For fun, I love crafting, playing games, baking and cooking. Professionally, I spend half my time at Createscape and the other half trying to make new art!
  

• Where did you grow up?
  I was born in Florida, and moved around a lot as a kid. When I was 11, we moved back to Texas. My dad is from here and I grew up and lived in various towns around DFW, pre and post college.
  

• What brought you to Austin and how long have you been here?
  Five or six years ago I decided I needed a change of scenery. I was tired of surrounding myself with the same people I’ve known since middle school. Between school trips and weekend visits with friends, I visited Austin a lot growing up. Just before I decided to move, I was debating between living in Austin and Denver. Austin won out for the warmer weather and the fact that making an in-state move was easier — haha.
  

• Where did you go to high school and college?
  I went to Keller Central High School in Ft. Worth, then did a year at Tarrant Community College in Ft. Worth where I studied web and graphic design. I got offered my first job in my field when I was 20. So I left school to work as a graphic designer in the communications department at an insurance brokerage. 

• Did you try to get the job by telling Keller you went to Keller High School?
  I did mention I grew up in a town with his name. I don't know if it increased my chances though.

• Keller is also from the DFW area. Did you ever run into him at the mall?
  Depends, was he a Town East or a North Park kid? [Ed. note: Not a clue.]

• That’s a trick question because ever since social media, malls are places for elderly people to walk laps in the morning.
  The lap-walkers went to the outlet mall where I grew up.
  

• How did you find Createscape?
  Applying to work here! I remember seeing the ad and thinking "This sounds perfect for me!" I was looking for a job that would fit my skill set but wasn't necessarily in my field. This was right before Covid hit. I joke that because of the virus, this was the longest job interview ever. [Ed. note: It’s true! We originally contacted Vana in early March and were ready to offer her the job. Then businesses in Austin were shut down. We finally got back to her in August.]
  

• Is this your first time at a coworking office?
  Working at one, yes. Working out of one, no. I used to work out of Cap Factory downtown when I was on assignment for Rover. 
  

• What kind of art do you do?
  It’s a mix of photography, painting, sculpting, and resin art. 

It's been great having Vana join our Createscape team and help out members. If you haven’t had a chance to say hello yet, stop by and introduce yourself!