Former Nanny Launches Members Club For Parents
A woman is opening a member’s club for parents and children [Photo: Facebook/Katie’s Club ‘The Family Member’s Pop Up Club’
When you become a parent, the hangouts you feel welcome comfortable in will likely only include a couple of kiddie-friendly cafes, a baby music class or sweaty softplay. So far, so not very appealing.
But one woman has spotted a gap in the market to open a series of members clubs for parents. Described as “cultural hubs” for babies and toddlers, the idea is to provide a space for families to spend time hanging out in a “beautiful and stimulating environment.”
Katie Sayles, 29, an opera singer from London, has secured funding to open Katie’s House, which she hopes will be the first of many destinations for children and carers to actually want to spend time in.
“No longer do you have to endure hectic soft play centres or non child friendly restaurants/cafes,” the website explains. “We provide one space where all you parents, carers, grandparents, nannies, au-pairs and child-minders can enjoy stimulating time with the little ones in your care in a safe and beautiful environment.”
Katie already runs Katie’s Club, a weekly club for families [Photo: Facebook/Katie’s Club ‘The Family Members Pop Up Club’]
Although not a mum herself, Katie has worked as a nanny and describes her mother’s experience with post-natal depression as part of her inspiration for launching the business.
“My desire to launch Katie’s House partly stemmed from my mother and the difficulties she had when experiencing post-natal depression after having me as a baby,” she told Mail Online.
“This really struck a chord with me and made me want to set up a business that would offer a welcoming environment for parents and children, a place where they could go to enjoy each other’s company and feel supported.”
Katie already runs weekly play clubs for parents and children and according to the website, Katie’s House will be an extension of this offering a “space dedicated to play, learning, socialisation and relaxation.”
Little ones can head to the play area complete with a fancy dress shop, take part in a music class or have a snack from the healthy menu. While their parents can take advantage of the advice offered from the child development team.
Though the space will offer some light childminding, Katie’s House is designed so that families can enjoy spending time together.
“The facility compliments existing childcare services but is by no means a replacement,” Katie told Mail Online.
“It is a leisure space rather than a childcare facility, promoting quality family time. We certainly will serve as a useful environment for parents trying to juggle work and family life, what with our WIFI areas and play staff on hand to offer a helping hand.”
The members club will offer play for kids and advice for carers [Photo: Katie’s House]
Demand for the new venture is so high that Katie has already reached her target of £500,000 with private angel investors. She has gone on to raise further investment on Crowdcube and money invested will go towards creating the first permanent Katie’s House site, due to open on the Chiswick/Acton borders in September.
Membership starts from £75 per annum and full membership for the club starts from £62.50 per month. The club’s first 50 spaces have already been reserved with 50 more being offered at the end of the month.
If the opening is a success Katie plans to roll out Katie’s House across the UK and eventually globally.
Suddenly the local sweaty softplay doesn’t seem quite so appealing.
What do you think of the idea? Let us know @YahooStyleUK
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