Hi! I'm Stephanie. I'm an occupational therapist by trade and mother of a 3-year-old and 5-year-old. I became a mother in May 2020 during the height of the pandemic, and needless to say, it was not an ideal way to transition into motherhood. I had my second in May 2022, and six months postpartum, I was told I had postpartum depression. Fast forward three years, I continue to struggle with "treatment-resistant depression," but somewhere in that fog, I found myself dually craving places I could go with my kids where I could sit and have a glass of wine while they play happily nearby. I think play spaces and gyms are amazing for kids, I really do. My kids love play spaces. AND I have found that they are capable of entertaining themselves independently while I sit back and unwind.

Motherhood can be really triggering. And for me, play spaces can be triggering. I cherish my kids, but let's be honest, keeping up with them at play spaces can be exhausting. And when I meet with other families in cafes or restaurants, the kids quickly get bored while we're trying to connect over a cup of coffee or glass of wine. It's frustrating to juggle adult conversation with the demands of wandering toddlers. That's why I've been dreaming of a place where parents can relax with friends over a drink, knowing their children are safe and entertained nearby. A place where parents are more of a priority.

Sometimes I have felt so trapped in motherhood as I sat in a ball pit with my kids. Sometimes I get tired of feigning enthusiasm as my kids insist that I follow them through climbing structures that are too small for an adult. Sometimes I just want to be. Don’t parents matter? Whether on your own or in the company of another parent who “gets it,” isn’t it nice to be able to sit in (semi) peace while also feeling comforted knowing your kids are occupied? Is that too much to ask? I don’t think so.

My vision is that this communal space for families will be the perfect retreat when you prefer a more relaxed space thoughtfully designed for both adults and children to enjoy together. Here, you'll be able to comfortably unwind with coffee or wine while your children engage with hand-picked play options close by. No chasing required. Friendly for varied ages of children. Think of it as your home away from home, an extension of your living room.