Support soft(spaces) for BIPOC, the LGBTQ Community & Allies

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HELLO SUNSHINES!

We’re Tochi & Lex, a queer couple based in The Bronx, NYC, & your fellow co-dreamers, looking to raise $300,000 towards our community-focused social enterprise, soft(spaces).

What began as a love for curating meaningful guest experiences through Airbnb naturally evolved into a journey of learning how to steward both communal and residential spaces with care. From this grew an eagerness to address the lack of residential & communal spaces that center BIPOC & the LGBTQ+ community, the rigidity in the NYC rental experience & the need for more intentionally curated third spaces – from this, soft(spaces) was born.

ABOUT SOFT(SPACES)

soft(spaces) is a community-focused initiative that centers the residential and communal experiences of Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC), the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. We provide flexible residential experiences, thoughtfully activated communal spaces & inclusive third spaces that center BIPOC, the LGBTQ+ community and our allies.

Our spaces are grounding in:

• Creating: Bringing ideas into existence

• Communing: Sharing experiences

• Resting: Relaxing, refreshing & recovering

• Playing: Engaging in activity for enjoyment & recreation

Born from a deep passion for people, space and hosting, our mission is to operate as an ecosystem dedicated to providing more intentionally curated and consciously approached methods to sharing & accessing space. Our collective vision is for (soft)spaces to serve as an initiative with two main branches:

1. Reshaping the residential renting experience by adopting The soft(spaces) Framework, a model that prioritizes flexibility, ease and community.

2. Providing folks with communal & third space activations to connect, gather & socialize on a consistent basis.

Since we started hosting Airbnb in 2018 we have hosted over 140 guests. From 2022 to date we have had 2 tenants where we adopted the traditional 1-year lease agreement, from April 2024, when we began transitioning into The soft(spaces) Framework, to date (October 2024), we have welcomed 15 soft(spaces) residents and in the past 2 months we have received multiple enquiries from folks about working with us to sublet or rent out their apartments using The soft(spaces) Framework.

Through our experiences hosting over the past 6 years, we’ve discovered that the Residential Experiential Model exists beyond college campuses – when people have access to spaces that truly center them, they’re able to thrive in areas of their life that may otherwise be neglected.

Our focus on BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks is in response to the historic & systemic marginalization that these communities have faced when creating and/or accessing spaces. We intend to collectively continue to build and foster these spaces by operating as a membership club, allowing members & guests to access our residential spaces, communal events & third spaces. The fundamental intention behind operating as a club? So that our vision can be held together by a collective commitment.

SOFT(SPACES) MEMBERSHIP CLUB

We have decided to utilize a membership club model because in addition to creating a collective container for this vision to be held, it allows for a more sustainable, community-driven ecosystem that aligns with our mission to center community engagement and offer our members amenities that prioritize flexibility, ease and meaningful connections. Unlike traditional business models, a membership framework gives us the room to cultivate a space where folks are more invested in the collective experience, not just as consumers, but as active participants.

SOFT(SPACES) RESIDENCES

We are based in The Boogie Down Bronx, New York City (yerrr!) and currently own two residences. One is a one bedroom/ one bathroom apartment and the other is a two-family townhome that currently operates as our Main Residence, and The soft(spaces) Clubhouse, with the first floor 2 bed/ 1 bath apartment serving as one of the soft(spaces) apartments.

Our residences are fully furnished, all utilities included, 420-forward, pet/ service animal friendly and operate on month-to-month lease agreements. Unlike the conventional rental framework that comes with superfluous upfront rental costs, we don’t have broker fees and don’t require that folks pay first month’s rent, last month’s rent and a security deposit. Instead, we have created what we call The soft(spaces) Framework, a model that gives folks alternative options to be held accountable to our lease agreements.

SOFT(SPACES) COMMUNITY SPACES, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES

Currently, we utilize the clubhouse’s second floor lounge, backyard and large front porch as our community spaces. From dinner parties & photoshoots to co-working sessions, coloring sessions & affirmation workshops, these spaces offer a range of opportunities for us to individually & collectively gather & ground. Our intention is to continue hosting events & experiences with the goal to expand by acquiring additional community space and partnering with local businesses.

SOFT(SPACES) PRODUCTS

Our goal to offer intentionally curated products is made possible by our relationship with TCHHNNH, a wellness brand that designs products & experiences for people’s self-care routines. From our aromatherapeutic Grounding Spray to TCHHNNH’s deck of motivational affirmation cards, each product is crafted to help cultivate calm, clarity and connection. Our goal is to continue partnering with TCHHNNH to provide folks with wellness and self-care products.

YOUR SOFT(SPACES) CO-DREAMERS

Currently, soft(spaces) is 100% run and managed by me (Tochi) and my partner Alexis,, Bronx residents with a passion for people, space and hosting.

I (Tochi) am a multidisciplinary creative with a passion for curating spaces and experiences. She received her Masters in Architecture from Parsons School of design, delving into the corporate space designing NYC public schools & airports. From architectural design and project management to construction management and owner’s representation Tochi has developed a colorful relationship with the architecture. Tochi expanded her passion for creating and stewarding space beyond the built environment by serving on the executive board for the New York Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects. She also created a course she now teaches at Fordham University, The Ethics in Architecture and Design, where she inspires students to explore design with intention and social impact.

Lex is a creative polymath with a deep appreciation for communication outside of the verbal conditions that have been defined as the status quo. With 15+ years of musical education and experience in media operations, creative arts, community programming & entertainment management, Alexis has developed a uniquely intimate relationship with how folks engage with space. As a neurodivergent multi-instrumentalist, her deep understanding of how communication exists beyond verbal language has influenced her passion to curate and create warm, inclusive and inviting spaces. Through her analytical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and high social-emotional intelligence, Alexis’ academic, corporate and personal experiences pushed her to learn how to transform complex ideas into innovative solutions.

Lex and I’s lived experiences as queer Black women, our commitment to positive community impact, passion for people and dedication to creating space is what fuels us to continue building the soft(spaces) ecosystem, and providing soft(spaces) that center the experiences of BIPOC, LGBTQ+ folks and our allies.

SOFT(SPACES) IMMEDIATE GOALS (1-3 MONTHS)

01 - Space Renovations/ Upgrades

> The soft(spaces) Main Residence/ Clubhouse Roof Replacement

Our current main residence (also what we like to call The soft(spaces) Clubhouse) is in need of a complete roof replacement.

> The soft(spaces) Main Residence/ Clubhouse Fence & Fence Foundation Replacement

Our neighbor (Ms. Catherine – an elderly woman native to NYC) has two fully grown oak trees, 40+ years old, whose roots are cracking our fence foundation. These cracks have gotten significantly worse over the last two years and are jeopardizing the integrity of both our fences & their foundations. Our goal is to remove, re-do & fix the fence foundation and replace the fence with more robust material.

> The soft(spaces) Main Residence/ Clubhouse Paver Replacement

Our front pavers are extremely loose & need to be replaced with concrete to ensure longevity (& to be less of a hazard)

> The soft(spaces) Main Residence/ Clubhouse Security Upgrade

Adding external security cameras to the front and back
Reinforcing the front door frame
Replacing the external front and side gates

SOFT(SPACES) SHORT TERM GOALS (3-6 MONTHS)

01 - Space Renovations/ Upgrades

> The soft(spaces) Main Residence/ Clubhouse Making Studio & Creative Lounge

The soft(spaces) Main Residence/ Clubhouse has a full basement we want to transform into a Making Studio & Lounge that can be used as a lite creative center by day, and community gathering space by night.

02 - Space Expansion

> Community Space

We are looking for a commercial space we can transform into a community space that can be used for co-working, workshops & events. We’re ultimately looking for a place our members can just be. Additional space will also allow us to expand our programming & membership capacity.

> Tenant Management

We intend to begin our tenant management services by working with folks who would like us to manage the process of subletting/ renting out their space to tenants who align with the soft(spaces) ethos. This would include tenant selection, lease agreements and tenant management. By working with folks to fill/ utilize their available space(s), we are able to expand soft(spaces) residences without needing to own the spaces ourselves & support our community.

SOFT(SPACES) LONG TERM GOALS (6-18 MONTHS)

01 - Professional Services

> Architectural Design, Project & Construction Management

With my (Tochi’s) background in architecture, we have been approached by people who want to work with soft(spaces) in bringing their visions for space to life. We intend to work with folks who have a vision for space(s) and need a licensed design team to make that happen.

> Property Management Services

We intend to begin our property management services by working with soft(spaces) certified landlords/ property owners/ lease holders who would like us to manage their properties/ space utilizing the soft(spaces) framework, essentially ensuring that their properties/ spaces align with the soft(spaces) mission and ethos.

02 - soft(spaces) Online Automation

> The soft(spaces) Website/ iOS & Android App (Phase 1)

- At this time, all of our systems operate manually with little to no automation. As a result, we are unable to operate at our desired speed/ efficiency. Our goal is to develop an app that will:

Allow our members to rent our residences, access our spaces and sign up for events/ experiences.
Allow us to automate the data collection process that we need in order to work with members and non-members interested in utilizing our Property + Tenant Management services as well as folks interested in having us share their available space(s) with our network.

JOIN US IN EXPANDING SOFT(SPACES)

Up until this point, soft(spaces) has been fully self-funded. From our savings accounts and loans from family to our 9-5 checks & revenue from our wellness products, the foundation of soft(spaces) has been built from our collective belief in this ecosystem & our community showing up to experience it.

Now, more than ever, the demand for flexible residential spaces, inclusive community spaces & intentionally curated third spaces has been growing, and we are in need of financial support to expand the soft(spaces) ecosystem & move it to the next level.

We are raising $300,000 towards the growth and expansion of the soft(spaces) ecosystem. Every dollar donated will contribute directly to our immediate, short-term and long-term goals.

The funds raised will be allocated to operational expenses, growing our online presence, renovations of our Main Residence/ Clubhouse, acquiring additional community space, developing our website & mobile app which will automate & streamline our processes & expand our residential space options by launching soft(spaces) Tenant Management (a service where we work with folks who want us to manage the process of subletting/ renting out their space to tenants using The soft(spaces) Framework).

Thank you in advance for your support and paving this path with us. We’re really excited for the future of soft(spaces) & welcome you to join us on this journey.

Please join us in this effort by making a donation today—your support ensures that soft(spaces) remains a consistent resource for everyone.

See below for the breakdown of how the $300,000 will be utilized:

~ 5% ($15,000): Operational Expenses

~ 15% ($45,000): Website/ App Coding & Development

~ 30% ($90,000): Main Residence/ Clubhouse Renovations

~ 50% ($150,000): Residential & Community Space Expansion

KEEP IN TOUCH!

If you’re interested in being kept up to date with what is going on at soft(spaces), we welcome you to visit our website , sign-up for our mailing list & follow us on Instagram !

Please note: No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or promotions are offered in exchange for any donations made to our GoFundMe.

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