Maternity Leave for Eden at Secession

I am very excited to announce that Baby Luca will be here in March. I have been busy nesting and getting his nursery ready. I have owned Secession Art & Design for 12 years and have dedicated my life to supporting over 70 independent artists and designers. I love San Francisco but was completely shocked when I found out that shop owners are not eligible for maternity leave through disability. We pay into this for our employees, but when it comes to us we are told that it is our responsibility.

A mom who owns a bakery told me she had her baby and was back into the kitchen with a newborn within a week. It was a choice between the closure of her business or business as usual. We should not have to choose between motherhood and ownership. I have tried really hard to save money to help with my transition and buy some time, but it is almost impossible to save with the rising cost of rent, paying employees, insurance, and unexpected costs. The city is not supporting my motherhood journey, so I am asking you to be my village and donate to my gofundme. 

The money I raise will be used for additional employment and rent assistance. I'd like to be able to take the first two weeks off after Luca is born, and hire an employee to cover the hours I would usually work.

Thank you to Bianca Levan for the image above - her papercut art is featured in Secession's gallery through March 31.