Our House Baltimore

Our House is an intimate play space and café with culturally affirming programming for children 1-5 years old and their caregivers.

 

We will offer workshops for families, café selections, professional development sessions for educators, and open and accessible play for all. The goal is to create a safe and meaningful space where families can connect and thrive.

 

Our House is creative in its approach to early childhood programming and community engagement. It goes beyond traditional models by incorporating art, storytelling, STEAM, and social-emotional learning to provide a holistic and engaging experience for children and their caregivers. By offering sliding-scale pricing, Our House ensures accessibility for all. 

 

 

Recognizing the need for a nurturing environment where families of color can flourish, Our House will be a play space that supports families in Baltimore, Maryland. The project envisions a communal space that celebrates the diverse experiences and traditions of people of color, fostering collaboration and a sense of belonging.

 

What moves me about this project is the opportunity to address the gaps and challenges faced by families of color. Together, we can establish a transformative and inclusive space that celebrates the vibrant experiences and voices, while addressing the pressing need for accessible and culturally affirming programming.

 

Through Our House, we hope to demonstrate the importance of equitable access to quality programming. This project is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and collective action while addressing systemic disparities and creating spaces that celebrate and uplift diverse voices.

Our House is more than just a space—it's a multi-age gathering place for children and their families, designed to foster playful interactions and a profound sense of community. Located in Baltimore, this open and inviting environment aims to engage young minds through hands-on exploration, nurturing their innate curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Caregivers are not only invited to join in on the fun, but they will also have delightful offerings such as tea, coffee, and matcha, providing an opportunity to socialize, relax, and relish in their children's joyful exploration. Lastly, there are very few Black women-owned businesses that connect design, early childhood education, and community programming. Our House is a reminder that children and families - especially families of color deserve delightful, beautiful, and safe spaces. 

 

 

 

 

 

Our House is a harmonious blend of two creative moms' shared passion for nurturing families and communities. Together they are committed to creating an inclusive and transformative space that works towards a more equitable future. 

 

Maureen and Sadé met at a retreat designed for creative moms. After a quick connection and lots of chatting (Maureen sharing her ideas about Our House, education, parenting and Sadé sharing her ideas about space and design, beautiful things, and a nourishing life) the wheels immediately began turning and a business partnership organically fell into place.

 

Meet Dr. Maureen Nicol, educator, community curator, and digital creator. With a doctorate from Columbia and a background in education, Maureen will be charged with all things family, kids, and the play space. For the past two years, she has been actively engaged in the family, community, and early childhood scenes, conducting focus groups and piloting programs with early childhood facilitators, coffee shops, and families. Maureen is ready to embark on this journey and invite others to join in building a space that fosters joy, equity, and empowerment for families of color in Baltimore.

 

Meet Sadé Mckoy, a wellness advocate with a background in interior design and public health who is passionate about thoughtful design and healthy food options for all. Sadé firmly believes that everyone deserves to grow up in an environment specially fostered for them to thrive. This fundamental belief serves as the guiding principle behind her work, ensuring that thoughtful design and healthy living are accessible to all. In exploring the interconnectedness between wellness and design, she’s focused on curating a thoughtful product line of sustainable goods, wellness essentials and healthy alternatives for conscious living.

 

At Our House, together, Maureen and Sadé challenge traditional norms by offering a multigenerational space that caters to both caregivers and children. Maureen's passion for equity is reflected in the open play area and curated family programming, while Sadé's dedication to ethical, accessible, and intentional living comes to life in the Our House Market and café.

 

Our House' challenges the traditional concept of children's recreational spaces, reimagining them as multigenerational play areas for both adults and children.