Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Flaherty and Brittney Gonzalez.
Colleen and Brittney, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
We met in a business that was running a very similar model to support moms. Through our experiences there, we learned that most parents want/need a place to simply gather. Sure, the kid play area is nice to allow parents freedom to be and the classes are a bonus, but what is most missing in our current landscape of parenthood are places where people feel safe, supported, and not judged. Places where there are other parents who. get. it. Where they don’t have to apologize for their toddler being a toddler, because the place is MADE for toddlers!
We’re combining our own passions of movement, kids, and coffee into one business because we know there are the things parents and families need most. The gaps have been created by various businesses changing their models or going out of business. So now is the time to create something magical for parents to get the resources, education, help, and community they need!
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been a smooth road in that we know exactly what we want and know the people to help us with it, we actually have many fellow pros in our inner circles! If we don’t know how to do something, we’ve acquired advisors to help point us in the right directions or we’ve researched it and gone after it ourselves. Being a business owner is mostly about educating yourself on all facets of the business so you know exactly what is going on and where you need to go.
Where we’ve had friction is with businesses who run old-paradigm models of business where it’s all about the money. Our business will make money, but only because we put PEOPLE FIRST. Both of us care so deeply about helping each individual on the levels of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. We straight up confuse some individuals because they either can’t think outside the box (CO/CREATE is something never done before) or they can’t comprehend the importance of these intangible elements because they can’t be “inventoried”.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Just like our tag line states, “We are a place for the procreating community to connect.” This comes from the dynamic opportunities our facility allows.
The cafe with seating and kid play area will allow parents to connect with each other and allow kids to do the same! The movement/open space with a variety of exercise classes, support groups, and educational talks, will allow participants to connect with themselves on a deeper level. All individuals in the family will have chances to learn, grow, increase their capacity and resiliency, to live their healthiest life, with others!
What sets us apart is that from the moment you walk in the door, you’ll be seen as a being, not just a customer paying money. We take the time to get to know individuals.
We’re also collecting research data on our visitor’s experience to compile into reports on how successful we are at empowering people to be their best selves through our business model. We want to know if gathering is helping you be a happier parent. Or if movement with your family is creating a healthier relationship dynamic between everyone! This will not only help us tailor our offerings, but also provide evidence that people need people, a place to sit with a hot drink, and a team of professionals to count on for advice.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! San Diego is leader in conscious pregnancy, birthing, and parenting. We have a large network of professionals, who across varying niches, support parents in this adventure with a forward-thinking, preventative, body & soul approach. The setting couldn’t be more ripe to serve families with a more holistic, integrated, community-based model.
For people just starting out, network and build your community first! Work out of someone else’s space to build up clientele while keeping costs low. This allows you to spread your name without too much overhead! It WILL take 2-4 years to do this, don’t get discouraged, it’s worth it!!
Contact Info:
- Website: cocreatecafeandgym.com
- Phone: 5852613743
- Email: colleen@cocreatecafeandgym.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/cocreatecommunity
- Facebook: facebook.com/cocreatecommunitysd
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFZa1FEEZYhEBUntgpRDy0A?view_as=subscriber
Image Credit:
Sean Fresh – Videographer
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