Meet Jessica Natalini of Kenect Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Natalini.

Hi Jessica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins with my family, who have effortlessly demonstrated the meaning and benefit of hard work, integrity, and, most importantly – perseverance. My degree is in Hospitality Management from Drexel University in Philadelphia, where my brother received his acceptance letter days before he lost his battle with cancer, leaving me the honor to live out a semblance of his dream while following my own. I’ve always been passionate about Hospitality and Community and inspired by connecting, collaborating, and serving people. My career choices led me to conventional multifamily property management. Still, my passion led me to Kenect and Akara Property Management (APM), where I could finally connect the two: my work experience and passion for hospitality and community.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course not, but I’m not sure it would be as rewarding if it were. “What do you do?” is the most challenging question to answer, but if I had to sum it up, I’d say, “Whatever it takes.” This industry takes grit. There is no rule book, no formula; it’s ever-evolving – and demands an adaptable startup mentality. We’re striking a balance between creating and maintaining peoples’ homes, workspaces, and livelihoods while achieving the goals and needs of the business to continue to grow and execute Kenect’s vision of a nationwide social club. I spent years working and learning, but unaccompanied by a higher arching goal, a purpose, or personally gratifying day-to-day. I wasn’t making a difference. I’d say one of the most pivotal and scary decisions in my career was leaving my first job (without a plan) – but I had to act on that a-ha moment – realizing I was not happy in my career and needed to reflect and discover what came next. That eventually led to my easiest decision to move to Nashville to continue my already fulfilling career path in property management. I walked by the hole in the ground for two years until I met my curiosity, found Kenect online, and reached out. (You could say I slid into APM’s DM’s, I had to shoot my shot), super glad I did! When I initially learned about Kenect, and the incredible hybrid business model with an emphasis on community and service, I knew it was the perfect project for me. I was growing more uninspired by the mundane and knew I would thrive in this new environment and was confident my experience and passion were ideal for helping grow this brand and concept.

For me, it’s that dedication and perseverance that drives my ability to see things through and succeed while conquering the struggles that inevitably come up. So, I put my head down and did the work, leading to my recent promotion to Executive Director, overseeing the first of Akara’s industry-disrupting communities. I’ve had other opportunities, but none quite like this, which I’m incredibly grateful for. It’s an honor to play such a significant role in delivering on our CEO and founder, Rajen Shastri’s vision for Kenect. We’ve already achieved so much, but we have ambitions to grow and deliver on Kenect Nashville and beyond.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kenect Nashville?
Kenect is the nationwide live, work, sweat, and socialize space where bold, independent people gather in the city’s heart. With modern buildings and design that inspires and recharges, Kenect is connected, vibrant, and full of life. Whether you’re on the move, meeting up, mastering your craft, or soaking in the sights, Kenect is a place that makes more possible. Kenect is the anti-apartment. Kenect is ideal for those who crave close community and city living. We work hard to cultivate connection at every turn, from how each space in our buildings is designed to energize and recharge to the nature of our social programs, which are keenly planned to facilitate human connection and connection to the city. We find an incredible mix of humanity at Kenect artists, influencers, professionals, entrepreneurs, grad students, writers, and thinkers. They all have one thing in common they are building a colorful and connected life in the heart of the city. Kenect is merely the backdrop of their extraordinary lives. People choose how they Kenect living in one of our modern apartments, reserving a dedicated desk in our thoughtfully designed coworking spaces, engaging in social networking activities, sweating it out in our top-notch gym, or lounging by the pool. By offering an accessible mix of rooms, services, and experiences in a killer location and actively helping people connect to their city and each other Kenect makes more possible.

So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
Kenect has incredible spaces primed for inspiration, creativity, and collaboration. We love developing local partnerships and hosting groups for events, team building, networking, headshots, performances, you name it! To support us, we’d love folks to consider us for short or long-term housing, workspace, social club (think fitness, pool & networking), or event space, plus follow along as we develop the entire product. Spread the word about Kenect to your friends and colleagues, think of us to cross a personal or business venture, and see for yourself by attending one of our public events and taking a tour!

Pricing:

• Visit Kenect’s website to discover the value and flexibility of Kenect memberships to fit your needs. We’re currently running some awesome specials for housing and coworking spaces!

Contact Info:

• Website: Kenectnashville.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenectnashville/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenectNashville/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnYWbUP5PTdBKb9pYO0OPqg?app=desktop

Image Credits
Jakes Visuals (Jacob Matthews) and Nashville Guru