A word from founder, Kendall Rose:

“There has to be a better way to do this” was a recurring thought I had as a small business owner who became a first time parent during the first weeks of the pandemic. I scrambled all over our rural northern Michigan communities seeking reliable internet, a hot cup of coffee, a quiet workspace to take calls and meet clients, and a flexible yet affordable way to coordinate some kind of childcare I could rely on. I often worked from the YMCA in Traverse City while my son was in the child watch program for two hours, trying to be as productive as possible. I often noticed other parents working in the same noisy lounge as me, and realized we were missing a space that served the dual need of a remote office environment as well as on-site childcare.

Since becoming a mother and connecting with so many other parents in our rural community of Northern Michigan, I knew I wanted to create a space that could meet multiple needs at once; space for childcare specifically geared towards the very underserved market of 0-4 year olds, space to work on-site and manage a business or creative endeavor, and opportunities for people to connect in a low-key, less corporate and more cozy environment than a traditional coworking space, and a place where you could honestly and openly show up as a parent.

The Aspen House idea was born in the midst of my early years as a mother, but it really begins with a deep sense of longing so many of us have to see and be seen in the purpose of our work, both at home and in the community. I’m so glad you found your way here and look forward to sharing this journey with you.

This business model is still new and emerging, with less than 20 other spaces in the United States that offer coworking and childcare together. We are the second only in Michigan.