A place to belong. A space to grow.

The Orchid officially kicked off during the summer of 2025, but the seed of its conception began long before. Founded by Laura Coates, an entrepreneur and native Virginian, the dream to host and nurture various interests within a shared space stemmed from her years in Richmond, where she studied at VCU in a city rich with arts and culture.

After graduating in 2017, Laura spent the next eight years building experience in event coordination, membership development, and art instruction. These skills eventually transitioned into The Orchid — an interdisciplinary shared space fostering growth, connection, and creative exploration.

Located within a unit at The Mill, a historic compound in Old Town Warrenton, The Orchid has become a place where ideas and community take root. Whether you join us for a class, a workshop, or an evening gathering, The Orchid invites you to grow, create, and connect.