For Ulka Bhavsar, business ownership has never been only about office space. It has always been about people.
As the owner of Office Evolution Somerville, Bhavsar has created more than a place for entrepreneurs to work. She has built a supportive community for professionals across Somerset County, many of whom are navigating the same challenges she once faced.
Bhavsar entered the world of business ownership while raising young children, searching for an opportunity that blended her family priorities with her professional background. With experience connected to commercial real estate and a passion for working with people, Office Evolution presented the perfect fit.
“I loved the idea of helping other entrepreneurs succeed while also creating something meaningful for my own family,” Bhavsar says.
Located in the heart of downtown Somerville, Office Evolution offers private offices, coworking spaces and virtual office services designed to support a wide range of professionals. The flexible model allows businesses to maintain a professional presence without the overhead of a traditional office.
Some members opt for dedicated private offices, while others use virtual mail services that provide a business address and enable them with a geographical presence. The space can also accommodate teams of up to 10 or 12 employees, making it an appealing option for companies to meet periodically..
But the heart of the business lies in its collaborative environment.
Bhavsar remembers the early days of launching the company while balancing the responsibilities of motherhood. One of the most important decisions she made was hiring her first employee, another mother who understood the demands of both work and family life.
“That trust was huge,” Bhavsar shares. “It allowed me to step back when I needed to and know the business was still running well.”
Today, with her children older, Bhavsar has returned to the office full time. Yet the lessons she learned about balance and support continue to shape how she runs the business.
Women supporting women remains a cornerstone of that philosophy.
Within the Office Evolution Space, Bhavsar is surrounded by inspiring female professionals who are building businesses of their own. One standout is Michelle May, a highly regarded CFP professional with over 25 years’ experience advising high-net-worth families. Michelle has operated her business from the space for several years and has been a constant, tremendous support to Bhavsar throughout those years. “Michelle has supported me through many obstacles. I have really come to admire her as a reputable business woman who inspires me to be a more confident and strong woman.
Bhavsar sees those relationships as a reminder that success does not happen in isolation.
“It really takes a village,” she emphasizes. “When women lift each other up, we all do better.”
The location itself plays a key role in that sense of community. Office Evolution shares a building with the Somerset County Business Partnership, which frequently connects entrepreneurs searching for office space with Bhavsar’s team upstairs.
Those relationships create a natural pipeline of collaboration between local businesses, something Bhavsar works intentionally to foster.
She often introduces members to one another, helping connect professionals whose services complement each other. A real estate attorney might meet a title company. A startup founder might connect with a marketing consultant. Over time, those introductions grow into partnerships.
“That’s one of the most rewarding parts of what we do,” Bhavsar shares. “Watching our members succeed together.”
The personal touch is also what distinguishes Office Evolution from many coworking brands. As an owner-operated location, Bhavsar is often the first face members see when they walk through the door.
“I’m usually supporting my members from the front desk,” she says with a smile. “Our members know the owner is here and invested in their success.”
Looking ahead, Bhavsar’s goals are simple. She hopes to maintain the momentum of the growing community while continuing to create an environment where entrepreneurs feel supported, connected and inspired.
In a business world that can often feel competitive, Bhavsar believes collaboration is the key to long-term success.
“If we can create a space where people genuinely want to help each other,” she notes, “then we’re doing something right.”
For more information visit officeevolution.com/locations/usa/new-jersey/somerville.