Opening New Baby/Child/Family Friendly Establishment - Want your input Urban Mamas!
Hi Mamas~
I am an Urban Mama and have been so since the birth of my first born, 3.5 years ago. This site has given me endless valuable referrals and resources throughout the past 3+ years as a SAHM. Without UM, I'd have been lost as a new mom. Now with the recent birth of my second child I am looking to break out of my strict roll as an at home mama. That's how I landed the idea of opening a baby/kid/family friendly business in the wonderful baby-friendly town we live in, P-Town. I've gotten sick and tired of feeling uncomfortable in "normal" shops with my screaming babe. No matter how polite people may seem, the look of annoyance is always transparent on peoples faces when they don't have children of their own. I want a place all my own where the "wild rumpus" can commence without others batting and eye. I have a couple ideas of my own to ponder of what I may want to open. Also a few from my partner, another fellow Urban Mama. But regardless of what is swirling around in our heads right now, we'd first and foremost love to hear from you, other Urban Mamas and families in Portland. What kind of family friendly establishments would you love to see open up in your neighborhood? Any burning, yearning or clever ideas that you'd like to see come to fruition in this amazing town that we live in? We all know there are many kid/mama friendly clothing shops, renewable shops (aka: kids consignment), cafes,restaurants, toy stores, music, theatre, or art themed activities in and around town. But what what we'd like to know is: is there a shop or business you would like to see that you haven't yet seen in Portland, or something you feel that Portland is lacking in the family-friendly arena? Or perhaps something you'd like to see more of, maybe something you've experienced that hasn't fully met your needs or an idea that needs to be expanded upon. Or something truly different that you've been waiting for someone to start-up? Since we are all one in the same, mamas with families with kiddos that we want to cater or with (out without---mamas night?), your input is so valuable to us because we are a part of the community and are a part of you. We want to make something special happen for all of us in Portland with your input!
Thanks for all your time and support....
Sara
I am an Urban Mama and have been so since the birth of my first born, 3.5 years ago. This site has given me endless valuable referrals and resources throughout the past 3+ years as a SAHM. Without UM, I'd have been lost as a new mom. Now with the recent birth of my second child I am looking to break out of my strict roll as an at home mama. That's how I landed the idea of opening a baby/kid/family friendly business in the wonderful baby-friendly town we live in, P-Town. I've gotten sick and tired of feeling uncomfortable in "normal" shops with my screaming babe. No matter how polite people may seem, the look of annoyance is always transparent on peoples faces when they don't have children of their own. I want a place all my own where the "wild rumpus" can commence without others batting and eye. I have a couple ideas of my own to ponder of what I may want to open. Also a few from my partner, another fellow Urban Mama. But regardless of what is swirling around in our heads right now, we'd first and foremost love to hear from you, other Urban Mamas and families in Portland. What kind of family friendly establishments would you love to see open up in your neighborhood? Any burning, yearning or clever ideas that you'd like to see come to fruition in this amazing town that we live in? We all know there are many kid/mama friendly clothing shops, renewable shops (aka: kids consignment), cafes,restaurants, toy stores, music, theatre, or art themed activities in and around town. But what what we'd like to know is: is there a shop or business you would like to see that you haven't yet seen in Portland, or something you feel that Portland is lacking in the family-friendly arena? Or perhaps something you'd like to see more of, maybe something you've experienced that hasn't fully met your needs or an idea that needs to be expanded upon. Or something truly different that you've been waiting for someone to start-up? Since we are all one in the same, mamas with families with kiddos that we want to cater or with (out without---mamas night?), your input is so valuable to us because we are a part of the community and are a part of you. We want to make something special happen for all of us in Portland with your input!
Thanks for all your time and support....
Sara
Whatever you end up opening, please consider West Cully for a location (just East of Concordia)!
Posted by: e. | October 07, 2009 at 08:10 AM
I would love to see a place where my daughter and I could take dance classes or excercise. A place where other moms are taking classes, trying to get fit and not self conscious of their post-baby bodies. Now that would be wonderful.
I would love to learn hip hop, modern, african - all styles!
Posted by: Lori | October 08, 2009 at 07:28 AM
If this place had some space for children to play, with toys or trikes, etc., that would be fabulous. In the winter I really wish there were more indoor destinations where my child could burn off energy! and if there's an adult-component as well, even better!
Posted by: Elle | October 08, 2009 at 09:32 AM
I would love a place to work on my laptop, get coffee and have my preschooler have supervised (by a good caretaker--without me) play and activities on the close-in NE/SE side of town.
Posted by: Anon | October 12, 2009 at 01:54 PM
I also love the idea of some sort of combo active play space (like a gym with mats on the floor, large motor skills type toys available, space to romp around) but also an adult area right next to it that has cafe-type elements for the parents/adult caregivers.
Frankly the "kid friendly" coffeeshops that are often recommended on this site are not very kid-friendly, IMO, or are not really spacious or welcoming enough for the kids. Or, are not open throughout the day and early evening to accomodate various family schedules.
Posted by: TJ | October 14, 2009 at 12:29 PM
I would love to see a more meaningful place for families to gather, rather than just buying coffee, etc. perhaps we could find a way to work/volunteer together...
Posted by: Emmie | January 19, 2010 at 09:24 PM
on the eastside, we have loads of family-friendly coffeehouses and such (Palio, Fleur de Lis come to mind).
i think it would be nice if regular retail stores would work with the community to create special times for family shopping. for example, if Fred Meyer or New Seasons had Wednesday Family Shopping Day. they could have balloons or non-sugary kid-sized sample foods and the like. bumping into strollers would be *expected.*
similarly, i think non-childed people should be allowed to enjoy expensive meals or do their grocery shopping without hearing our screaming tots. why not encourage local businesses to lay out a few special times when families are encouraged, and other times when they're encouraged to stay away?
Posted by: tiffany | February 17, 2010 at 12:36 PM