Imagine a place where mothers don’t have to choose between work and family. A place where women are supported, encouraged to practice self-care (and work!), all with baby tucked away safely in a designated childcare with a separate entrance and exit. Seems like a dream, right? Meet The Jane Club. Based in LA – don’t worry, I’m lobbying for an Austin location- The Jane Club is the first and only community and workspace with onsite childcare that is designed with amenities needed by mothers – a workspace, child care and an entire village of services, experiences and products. Co-founded by actress June Diane Raphael and producer Jess Zaino, The Jane Club is rewriting the rules between women and work and we are here for it. While The Jane Club is in town for SXSW, we sat down with Jess to get to know a little more about the co-founders and what brought them together and what we can expect to see from The Jane Club in the future. 

1.  The Jane Club is everything this working mother needs: an inspiring co-working space, a built in community support system including wellness and childcare, all in an environment that feels like home. Let’s start with the name. Tell us about naming The Jane Club.

We were inspired by the work and legacy of Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Jane Addams who funded the first Jane Club in 1892.  We like to shine a light on the forgotten women of history.

2. What was the inspiration behind opening The Jane Club? How is this different from other co-working spaces?

The Jane Club is rewriting the rules between women and work. It is the first and only community and workspace with onsite childcare that is designed with amenities needed by mothers – a workspace, child care and an entire village of services, experiences and products.

3. As a freelance working mama of two, I am never not working therefore not taking the best care of me! The Jane Club makes self-care accessible and convenient with on-site workouts, mani/pedis, meals, etc. Why was it important to  include these types of amenities?

The village we are building is beyond our wildest dreams. We feel like we set up the space for women to not choose between work and family. The magic of the space has to do with the incredible women who are here, connecting, supporting each other, and living their best lives.  The Jane Club offers a premier suite of amenities that take care of the woman who is taking care of everything else.

4. We love The Jane Club’s commitment to valuing the work all women do through partnerships that are meant to grow an ecosystem that supports women and aligns with The Jane’s Club mission. We love the programming geared toward political action. Tell us more about that and why it was important to include?

June and Jess met at a woman’s activist group after the 2016 election.  They both found themselves either apologizing for their careers or their mothering and needed a space where we could marry the two.  They were shocked to realize there was nothing out there like this. And The Jane Club was born! It is an incredible thing to watch women mobilize and activate. It is important to not only stand up but to support things that make a difference in the lives of all. We are proud to be Activists. We are proud to support and strengthen the matriarchy.

5. Let’s talk about the physical space and design. It’s nurturing, warm and inviting. Is it meant to feel like you are working from home?

Samantha Wetton is our designer with the creative direction of Erin Fetherston. The space in its beauty is nurturing which supports our mission of taking care of women and each other.

6. We love that you offer childcare at The Jane Club, lovingly named, The Nest. We love that there is the option to bring your baby but also a separate entrance. Was this intentional?

Absolutely it was intentional.

7. Is The Jane Club the answer to the age-old question-how do you balance being a mother and having a career?

We do believe it is a beautiful solution to a long-standing problem.

8. The Jane Club will be setting up shop in Austin during SXSW. Tell us about the programming and opportunities that will be available to the Austin community.

We are thrilled to meet all Austin Janes! We will offer a workspace and our signature child care powered by Helpr in The Nest. Our programming includes workouts, glam, Fireside Chats with female filmmakers and Influencers, meditation and invitation only events that culminate in our Sunday Night Market with live music and local Austin vendors in collaboration with Love Child!