AUSTIN, Texas — A new co-working space in South Austin is getting a lot of buzz among working parents.
Poised to open in the fall, "The Hive" on Old Manchaca Road will offer child care, the first business of its kind in Austin to do so.
As a freelance graphic designer and mother, owner Shelly Weiser said whenever projects needed attention, it was difficult to find a place where she could work and supervise her two kids.
"When I had my children that was the thing I struggled with most was changing that schedule and not being on a schedule, because children don’t care about your schedule," Weiser said. "So there was really nowhere for me to go that offered the ability to just work last minute."
Now that her children are older, Weiser is working to offer much needed flexibility to other parents.
She is currently renovating a three-bedroom home to include workspaces, lounges and a child care center. Employees there will be given a background check and must be CPR-certified.
Weiser also purchased a food trailer and plans to offer drinks and snacks.
"Any parent who has friends who aren’t parents, or has work or wants to have some semblance of normal needs an avenue to let your kids be kids for a moment while you can connect with people or connect with work," said Elizabeth Tsui, an Austin resident.
While swarms of shared offices have popped up across the state, allowing working parents the opportunity to network and collaborate, "The Hive" hopes to help those independent workers and entrepreneurs balance their careers and family lives.
“So when you leave here, you feel like both yourself and your child have accomplished something,” Weiser said.
"The Hive" plans to offer monthly memberships and sibling discounts. Weiser estimates child care costs will be $8 an hour, with a two hour maximum.
In early July, the team launched an Indiegogo campaign online to help pay for building renovations, indoor and outdoor furniture, and play area equipment.
To donate, visit here.