Palmetto & Pine Owner Dallas Brown puts forth this mission: “To empower parents by creating a safe space to maintain a sense of self and productivity throughout the turbulent and uncertain transition to parenthood and beyond.”

Brown just opened that safe space known as Palmetto & Pine at 220 NW 8th Ave. in Gainesville. The facility serves two functions. On one side of the space there are multiple meeting spaces, private offices, community tables, hot coffee and tea, and a room with relaxation chairs.

On the other side of the space, out of sight, is a daycare center with toddlers playing and colorful mats and toys… and Brown in the center making sure all is good. While she is watching the kids, their parents are hard at work taking care of business.

Brown said she was inspired to launch her business because she, “often felt as though I was forced to earn my degree in spite of my children instead of because of them.”

She started thinking about what her dream go-to spot would be like as she navigated an education and parenthood.

“I decided to utilize a drop-in, non-scheduled babysitting model that allows up to two hours of monitored play per day for an affordable membership.”

The memberships are $50 per week or $200 per month and includes playcare for kids, private rooms, meeting rooms, a lounge space, internet and hot coffee and tea.

Brown has been open for a month and clients are taking advantage of the space and services.

Kristyn Lopez is the founder of Wayfaring Painter, a nonprofit that teaches art. She lives in Gainesville and has a 2 and 4 year old. The organization teaches art to all ages from toddlers to adults and holds monthly classes at the library and at Grace Presbyterian Church. Soon she will be bringing art classes to the Palmetto & Pine.

Before having access to work at Pine & Palmetto Lopez said, “I would meet clients at the coffee shop and have to find someone to babysit my kids or I would bring them with me and chase them around and feel very unprofessional.”

Now she drops the kids off on the playcare side of the space and heads over to the business side for her meetings or quiet time to get work done.

“Whether you are work-from-home parents, a budding entrepreneur, a graduate student or a telecommuter we know all too well the struggle of making quiet time to concentrate on tasks or enjoy a moment of calming silence without a dedicated work space,” says Brown.

“We’ve thoughtfully designed a way for members to get as much time as possible in a functionally beautiful environment for an affordable price with a flexible plan.”

Members may drop in at their convenience for up to two hours per day Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. for more information visit their website.