Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Giles.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve had 20 years’ experience in the real estate industry managing and developing substantial projects both in London and the USA. As an entrepreneur, my interest in supporting dynamic small-businesses and working alongside ambitious individuals drew me to coworking. After identifying an ever-growing production industry and the need for more content creation studios to support creators, I sought to combine my experience in real estate, which led to the creation of Ampersand Studios.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Navigating the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic as a small business was definitely a learning process – but ultimately a positive one. It highlighted the importance of resilience, maintaining belief in our company’s product and offerings and the value of good relationships with our Members.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Apart from our expansion plans, I’m most energized by everything our community has accomplished this past year, and how those milestones are shaping our next chapter. Our &Grow program, Ampersand’s creative incubator and consultative growth accelerator, has become a true engine for collaboration, supporting entrepreneurs and creative companies with the resources, connections, and guidance they need to scale.
This year, &Grow reached new heights. Across both Miami and Nashville, we’ve doubled down on programming that strengthens our creative industries, from Member Spotlights and brand collaborations, to community events that fuel long-lasting relationships and business growth. Our Music Row location has become a hub for creators, with new partnerships, a growing member base, and expanded production capabilities that have activated an entire ecosystem of talent over the last year.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to build on this momentum with the opening of Ampersand Studios Nashville Yards next year. This new flagship will allow us to deepen our impact, broaden our community, and continue creating meaningful opportunities for the creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses who call Ampersand home.
We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited for what’s next.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
LinkedIn is a useful source of topical conversations and articles around coworking, and podcasts such as The Stanza provide interesting insights into the world of hospitality. I like the Financial Times for its global overview and interesting weekend articles, I’m also currently reading Isadore Sharp’s book on how he created the Four Seasons, which is a great read.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amperstudios.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amperstudios_/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ampersstudios
Image Credits
Matthew Simmons
