BUSINESS KLUB Podcast – Sudev Rajah with Jennifer Belk
In this episode of the Business Klub podcast, Sudev Rajah welcomes Jennifer Belk, the founder of LOOM. Her story blends creativity, design, education and entrepreneurship. It’s not just about co-working. It’s about connection.
A Foundation in Design and Learning
Jennifer’s background is in both design and education. She studied the built environment. Then she taught. She believed in spaces that could inspire people to work and create better. But there was always something more she wanted to build.
That vision led her to start LOOM. She saw an opportunity in Fort Mill. The town was growing but lacked a creative hub. Jennifer imagined a place where freelancers, educators, remote workers and artists could work side by side. She wanted function and soul in the same room.
Starting LOOM
LOOM wasn’t born out of trend. It came from a deep need. Jennifer saw how isolating remote work could be. She knew how disconnected people were becoming from their neighborhoods. She wanted to offer more than desks and Wi-Fi. She wanted to build a space that sparked real community.
It started small. A single space. A few members. But the energy grew. Word spread. People showed up not just to work but to connect, learn and collaborate. That’s what set LOOM apart.
Designing for Flexibility
Jennifer talks about how the space evolved. LOOM wasn’t a static project. It changed with the people in it. She adapted rooms to host workshops, events, exhibits and quiet work sessions. One day it could be a gallery, the next a classroom. That kind of flexibility took planning but also intuition.
Design mattered at every level. She thought about light, sound, materials and flow. She treated workspace like a canvas. It had to support the people using it but also challenge them to do more.
Creativity in Practice
The heart of LOOM is creativity. Jennifer made sure that art had a place in everything. The walls featured work from local artists. The programs brought together makers and thinkers. There was always something on display that reflected the community outside.
She talks about the impact that had. People didn’t just come to work. They came to contribute. The space became a platform for ideas, not just productivity. That shift made a difference.
Building Culture
As LOOM grew, Jennifer paid close attention to culture. She wanted the space to feel safe, open and inspiring. That meant setting the tone early. From the onboarding process to the way people shared coffee and conversation, everything mattered.
She reflects on the challenge of scaling without losing authenticity. Growth had to be organic. The values had to stick. And they did because they were never an afterthought.
Riding the Industry Wave
Co-working has changed a lot. Jennifer discusses the trends but also the gaps. Big brands entered the space with scale. But they often missed the personal touch. LOOM stayed small by design. That was its edge.
She saw the opportunity to remain hyper-local. To listen better. To respond faster. In a world chasing big, she focused on deep. Her approach gave LOOM longevity.
Community and Service
Jennifer sees business and service as connected. LOOM supports local causes. Hosts nonprofit events. Amplifies voices that don’t always get a platform. That part of the mission has never wavered.
She explains how business can be both viable and valuable. One doesn’t cancel out the other. If anything, they strengthen together.
The Design Mindset
Her background in design keeps showing up. Not just in how she builds spaces but how she solves problems. Jennifer talks about applying design thinking to daily challenges. Listening first. Testing ideas. Tweaking until it works.
It’s not about big gestures. It’s about small adjustments. Paying attention to how people move, talk and connect. That’s what keeps the space alive.
Advice That Sticks
Sudev asks Jennifer what she tells aspiring entrepreneurs. She doesn’t offer buzzwords. She says start with the why. Stay close to your community. Keep asking what they need. And don’t be afraid to shift direction if that’s what the moment calls for.
She reflects on the early days. The fear. The risks. But also the joy of watching something grow because people believe in it.
What’s Next
Jennifer isn’t done. She talks about expanding LOOM’s mission beyond space. Offering programs. Supporting educators. Building resources that help others create impact where they are.
Her vision is steady. It’s not about scaling up fast. It’s about deepening roots. Serving better. Listening more.
To hear the full conversation, tune in to her episode on the Business Klub podcast. It’s full of stories, insights and reminders of what happens when design meets purpose.
