What We Made Possible

019. Resilience and Bayanihan: How Sheila Burmistrova Built Narra Collective and Redefined the Future of Work

• Patricia Dayleg • Season 1 • Episode 19

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On today’s episode of What We Made Possible, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sheila “Shy” Burmistrova, founder and CEO of Narra Collective, the only 100% women and Filipino-owned coworking space in the greater NYC area and Jersey City area. If you’ve ever wondered what it could feel like to belong in a space built around genuine care, community, and Filipino hospitality, this conversation will feel like a warm invitation home.

Shy opens up about the deeply personal journey that led her to create Narra, weaving together experiences of motherhood, immigration, and countless rejections (104 to be exact!) before finally launching her business. We dive into what it means to build something out of need—from feeling isolated as a new mom in a new country, to intentionally crafting a space for BIPOC founders and creatives seeking connection and support.

I loved hearing about how Shy’s approach centers learning by doing, embracing “spaghetti on the wall” experimentation, and listening deeply for what her community truly needs. Whether you’re a woman of color, a parent, or simply someone navigating big transitions, Shy’s story reminds us that “everything is possible”—especially when we move with courage, build meaningful support, and refuse to let setbacks define our path.

This episode is a heartfelt reflection on resilience, clarity, and the incredible transformations that come when we create environments of real belonging. If you’re searching for hope or clarity in your own leadership journey, I invite you to listen in—and remember: sometimes the space we’re searching for is the one we’re called to build ourselves.

 

About Sheila “Shy” Burmistrova:

Sheila “Shy” Burmistrova is the Founder and CEO of Narra Collective—the only 100% woman- and Filipino-owned coworking space in the greater NYC area. With a background in early-stage startups, operations, and commercial real estate, Shy brings a rare blend of vision and execution to her work—reimagining what workspaces can feel like when built around people, not just productivity.

Centered on community, inclusivity, and Filipino hospitality, Narra exists for creatives, founders, and families often left out of traditional workspaces—and is now home to 80+ members and hundreds of community guests.

Resources mentioned:
Narra Collective’s 1 year anniversary celebration: https://www.joinnarra.com/event/narra-collective-anniversary-luncheon-and-networking

Where to find Shy:
Narra Collective Website: https://www.joinnarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narra.collective/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558925484668