UPDATE:

Our Proof of Concept was a success!

We may have had to hit the pause button, but we forged ahead and had a front row seat to life in the city returning to what very closely resembled "normal" over the summer. 

Now, more than ever, New Yorkers and travelers alike need a convenient, comfortable, and CLEAN space to take a break in between work, errands, and social engagements. 

We spoke with NYC locals as well as visitors from all over the country, and the message was clear.  Busy people want convenience and they're willing to pay for it!

We are still raising capital for the 3 month rental of the pop up space at Refinery Hotel NYC.

Purchase one of our rewards to help us reach our goal!  
 

WHAT IS EN SOLEIL?

En Soleil is a comfortable, modern lounge space we are building for on the go professionals in New York City. Guests can relax, refresh, and securely store their bags after work, before heading out to their evening event, without the need to commute home in between.

Think, first class airport lounge meets luxury day spa in the middle of Manhattan! We will also provide vanity and changing facilities where guests can get ready to go from day to night. This type of space is currently nonexistent, but absolutely needed for anyone commuting into the City.

OUR MISSION

The mission of En Soleil is to help people extend their day by providing a service that gives them time during the daylight hours to do more of what they want to do, and less time commuting.  We exist to help busy professionals maximize their days with less stress and more comfort by providing a commuter retreat or a "home away from home."

In a market research survey of NYC commuters

THE PROBLEMS WE ARE SOLVING

1.)  Long commutes in New York are tiring and TIME CONSUMING.

2.) Finding a comfortable, clean space to change clothes, freshen up, or simply relax in between events (going on a date after work, or going to a show after shopping) is INCONVENIENT.

3) Carrying multiple bags from place to place is cumbersome and EXHAUSTING.

WHAT WE PROVIDE

THE SPACE

We are launching in June 2021 with a 3 month residence at the Refinery Hotel in midtown Manhattan, centrally located to the 42nd St.- Times Square metro station, Grand Central, and Penn Station.

Throughout the summer, we will be hosting select special events that align with our mission of reducing stress and giving guests a retreat from the daily grind of NYC. Contribute to our campaign today to gain exclusive early access!

OUR MARKET

On an average weekday in New York City, over 2 million commuters pour into Manhattan, doubling the island's population from about 2 million to 4 million. Although this number has declined due to COVID, the appetite among New Yorkers to get "back to normal" is increasing with the increase in vaccinations, and we believe that the demand going into the summer will be robust.

WHY CROWDFUNDING?

Crowdfunding is an effective way to prove the demand for a product or service and get the much needed capital to get a business off the ground.

Through our rewards, we are pre-selling a limited number of discounted memberships to En Soleil. By backing this project, you are not only contributing to the growth of a Black woman-owned business, but also gaining advance access to En Soleil at a great price point!

We will use the funds raised to secure a commercial lease on our first Manhattan location, with the goal of expanding to multiple locations throughout New York, and other cities across the US.

MEET OUR FOUNDER

Stephanie Alexander

I envisioned the concept of En Soleil shortly after moving to New York in 2008 and seeing the toll that commuting took on myself and on others as well. As a field sales rep, by the end of a work day I usually need to go home to drop my bags, freshen up, and change  clothes before heading out to my evening event. I want to help other people who work and travel in New York extend their day with less stress, and give them back some time to do the things they enjoy!

I decided to turn this idea into a reality about 5 years ago after undergoing open heart surgery. Faced with the reality of how fragile life is made me approach every day with gratitude and re-ignited my motivation to shape my own destiny.

I am qualified to run this business because I have experience in developing and executing business strategies through targeted sales and marketing for over 12 years in the healthcare industry. I also have an MBA from Florida A&M University where I have cultivated an extensive network of professionals in many fields.

This past year has been a whirlwind, to say the least. But I am determined to bring En Soleil to market because I believe that there is still a large unmet need for those who live and work in major metro areas.  Similar to how Uber has changed the way we get from Point A to Point B, I believe that En Soleil will change the way we structure our days.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for your support, it truly means the world to me.

Sincerely,

Stephanie