CHRISTIANSBURG, VA — On Tuesday, September 9, Skyward Studios celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting at 37 W Main Street, Suite B, in the heart of downtown Christiansburg. The event was attended by the Christiansburg Mayor, local officials, community members, and representatives from People Incorporated of Virginia. People Incorporated Financial Services (PIFS), a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) located in Abingdon, VA, was also present and played a major role in the launch through business support and funding programs.
The launch of Skyward Studios was also supported by several regional organizations including Launch Christiansburg, FemCity Roanoke, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, and the Roanoke Valley Women’s Circle, all of which helped Rachel build her business and grow her presence in the local community.
Skyward Studios is a new coworking and community event space founded by local author and entrepreneur Rachel Coleman, who envisioned a creative and collaborative environment for professionals seeking a “third space” outside of home and work.
“At our grand opening and ribbon cutting, I was super stoked to see all the support. That means so much to me,” said Coleman. “Signing the lease was a big milestone in the journey — finding a place and a landlord who could see the idea and the vision. I’m all about community, connection, and creativity. I want to host craft nights, maybe even karaoke. Just allow people to have what is known as a third space. We have work and we have home, and some people don’t have a third space outside of that.”
Located in a beautifully restored building dating back to 1910, Skyward Studios blends historic charm with modern functionality. Originally home to a classic movie theater, the space features high white-tile ceilings, warm wooden floors, and a flexible layout that includes private offices, conference-style rooms, a shared kitchen, and a spacious community lounge. Each office is uniquely furnished, offering a personalized feel for tenants and creating an inviting atmosphere for collaboration and creativity.
Skyward Studios offers flexible memberships, day passes, and event rentals for up to 40 guests. The space is ideal for freelancers, remote workers, small business owners, and community groups looking for a welcoming and professional environment.
Before opening Skyward Studios, Rachel Coleman participated in the Launch Christiansburg program, an initiative supported by the Town of Christiansburg and People Incorporated of Virginia. The program offers education, mentorship, and grant opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs in the New River Valley, helping them build strong foundations for their businesses.
Rachel credits PIFS as a key part of her success. “People Inc. was absolutely instrumental in securing this place. There was no way I could have started it without them,” she said. “They gave me the bread and butter for the deposit and first month’s rent. I couldn’t use the space to earn income without that.”
Rachel received an SBA microloan, a small-dollar business loan, and a personal loan through People Inc. to help keep the doors open and manage early cash flow. She also benefited from business classes and support services offered through the agency.
Much of that support came through Sam West at PIFS, who worked closely with Rachel to secure the funding she needed and connect her with practical tools for success. West introduced her to new business planning software that helped refine her plan, strengthen her projections, and brush up on accounting details. Even with her own strong background in accounting and consulting, Rachel found the platform to be a valuable refresher and a resource she could lean on when she needed guidance.
“Working with Rachel was a real partnership,” said Sam West, Business Development and Lending Officer at PIFS. “Even though she already comes from a strong background in accounting, she was excited to explore new tools. I introduced her to our planning platform, which helped refine her business plan and financial projections. Watching her take those resources and pair them with her own expertise to bring Skyward Studios to life was incredibly rewarding.”
Together, the funding, guidance, and planning tools gave Rachel the foundation she needed to bring Skyward Studios from an idea to a reality. Her story reflects the kind of hands-on, personalized support that People Incorporated provides to entrepreneurs across the region.
“It is our privilege to assist Ms. Coleman in her business endeavors and in realizing her vision. Ms. Coleman’s Skyward Studios serves as a community hub that promotes collaboration, networking, and professional growth,” said Bryan Phipps, President and CEO of People Incorporated of Virginia. “As a Community Development Financial Institution, PIFS is committed to economic empowerment through financial literacy and lending programs. We wish Ms. Coleman great success!”
Rachel Coleman is also the author of 42 Things To Do Before You Go: Finding a Reason to Stay, a bestselling book published in December 2023 that offers prompts to help readers reconnect with themselves, their community, and nature. The book was born out of Rachel’s personal history with depression and suicidal ideation, and her decision to find a reason to stay.
“I had done the shiny corporate ladder climb and ended up miserable,” she shared. “I started making a list to find my reason to stay, and that list became a book.”
Today, Rachel advocates for mental health and wellness, especially among professional women, and continues to write fiction, romance, and personal growth stories. Rachel Coleman’s book is available through Amazon, online through Books-A-Million and Barnes & Noble, or by request at your local bookstore or library.
If you’re in Christiansburg, stop by Skyward Studios to meet Rachel and explore the space!
For more information about Skyward Studios, visit skywardcoworking.com or contact Rachel Coleman at skywardcoworking@gmail.com.
People Incorporated of Virginia provides programs to help entrepreneurs thrive, including support through People Incorporated Financial Services (PIFS). Begin your small business journey today by calling (276) 619-2297 or emailing PIFS@peopleinc.net.
Written by Michelle Fleury, People Inc. of Virginia
For communications, marketing inquiries, or partnership opportunities with People Incorporated of Virginia, please feel free to contact Michelle at mfleury@peopleinc.net.
