Creative coworking space

As many people know, I was working hard in 2024 to bring a creative coworking space to East Aurora. That dream is still very much alive! However, the very day I looked at the most perfect location, my family suddenly experienced heart-aching loss, financial stress, and absolute turbulence just hours later. More punches continued to come in the second half of the year. While I work to navigate the sudden loss of my father, managing his estate, and other hardships (I don’t want to talk about publicly), this project has been put on pause.

For now, I have recently started a new full time job, I am creating art when I can, and I will revisit the creative coworking space when it makes sense. This has hands down been the most challenging year of my life and I am trusting that the universe knew (for some reason), 2024 wasn’t the right time.

But I have nearly 100 people on a waitlist for this space - so stay tuned!

Our Vision

Second Shore Coworking is an upcoming coastal-inspired haven soon-to-be nestled in the heart of East Aurora, NY. Founded by Justine Palkowski, a visionary with a background in tech and marketing, our co-working space is designed to empower women and professionals alike, providing a serene, collaborative environment where creativity thrives. With our passion for supporting entrepreneurs and remote workers, we offer flexible membership plans, premium amenities, and a sense of community that nurtures personal and professional growth. In addition to coworking, the space offers a public space showcasing an artisan boutique and beverage bar showcasing rotating local businesses.

At Second Shore Coworking, we believe in riding the waves of empowerment, where success and inspiration flow effortlessly, fostering a space where dreams set sail and new possibilities are discovered.

More Than a Coworking Space

  • Coworking

    Our space includes diverse membership tiers, tailored to fit various budgets and workstyles, providing flexible and empowering solutions for every professional. Members can stay seamlessly connected with reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, enjoy hassle-free printing services, take advantage of conference room rentals, and be part of creating a vibrant community of innovation in East Aurora and its surrounding areas. Here trailblazers from diverse backgrounds come together to inspire, collaborate, and make a positive impact on the local entrepreneurial landscape.

  • Artisan Boutique

    Second Shore doesn’t want to be a member-only space. Second Shore’s boutique space will offer a chance for local community members to feel welcome coming through the doors, shop, or sell their own goods in the shop space to further promote community collaboration and entrepreneurship. The boutique will feature art, apparel, jewelry, and decor inspired by Lake Erie and beyond.

  • Incubating Small Businesses

    Alongside the boutique (and open to the public), Second Shore showcases a beverage counter. From coffee, to smoothies, to baked goods, and more, local businesses rotate to provide food and beverages to members and community members. Incubate businesses received additional resources wih marketing and getting their small business off the ground. Once they graduate and decide to move into their own space, a new small business will incubate.

Meet the Founder

The Visionary
Justine Palkowski

Justine is a WNY native, who spent years on the coasts of Charleston, SC before relocating to the picturesque village of East Aurora. She has spent every summer spending time at her family’s lake-front cottage and the water is her happy place.

What Makes Her Qualified
Startups, Marketing, & More

While living in Charleston, Justine joined a startup in its infancy and helped to scale the brand in the Lowcountry, while working out of the Harborcenter Coworking space. She also volunteered for organizations such as Creative Mornings and joined Women Entrepreneurs of Charleston. Today, she works as the Senior Marketing Manager at 43North, where she not only manages all of 43North’s marketing, but helps 43North’s portfolio companies with their marketing strategies and helps manager the 43North incubator space. Justine is also on the planning committee for the annual Women in Tech WNY conference. From working for early-stage companies, to advice them on best practices, Justine has a passion for helping entrepreneurs build their brand.