SHIFT Work + Play is a family-friendly coworking space on N. East St. They offer staffed play sessions for children ages 2 – 6 so parents can work while their kids play.
A conversation with Founder and Owner, Megan Donovan
Tell us your business origin story.
SHIFT Work + Play was born out of my own experience juggling a successful career in Washington, D.C. while parenting two young kids here in Frederick County. No matter how many support systems you have around you, there are always times when the tension between parenting and working is frustrating and overwhelming – and the mom (or dad) guilt is real. I knew there had to be a better way.
The idea for a space where parents could work while their kids play came to me one day in the Fall of 2021 and I knew immediately that I had to make it happen. I got to work right away and opened SHIFT’s doors a little over a year later, in November 2022. It’s been an amazing journey so far and I’m so excited to keep learning and growing as a business owner in this community.
What do you like most about being a business owner in Frederick?
The small business community in Frederick is incredibly supportive and collaborative. So many people have gone out of their way to offer support, share advice, and pass along opportunities. I’m inspired by the people around me every day and am always thinking about ways I can share what I’ve learned with others.
What makes SHIFT Work + Play unique?
More people than ever are working from home, adopting flexible schedules and starting their own small businesses – and that includes parents. Cowork spaces provide so many of the positive things people used to get from going to the office – professional workspace, social interactions, and a chance to get out of the house – without the workplace drama and politics. But like so many professional opportunities, these benefits are often difficult for parents to access. By offering onsite play sessions, SHIFT Work + Play is here to shake things up and create a vibrant, supportive coworking community that includes parents and supports families.
What do you wish people knew about your business?
SHIFT Work + Play is designed to be family-friendly and that guides much of what we do, but you don’t need to use the playroom to enjoy what we have to offer. Our work spaces are modern, quiet and in a separate part of the office suite from the playroom. Ultimately, our goal is to create a supportive community that includes parents and families – and we welcome anyone who agrees with that mission!
Share some of your community involvement efforts.
I come from a nonprofit background and giving back to the Frederick community is a key value guiding my decisions as a business owner. This year we began hosting events open to the public as a way to share our space with as many people as possible. Examples include our “Good Inside” Book Club + Babysitting Series and a recent “Kids Kindness Event” that benefited SHIP of Frederick County. I also recently joined the Chamber’s Women in Business Committee and look forward to encouraging and empowering more businesswomen and leaders throughout Frederick County.
What does SHIFT Work + Play do best?
Every day I hear from parents about how much their kids enjoy coming to play at SHIFT. Each play session includes a special craft or activity and lots of time for open-ended play supported by our creative and kind Playroom Manager Miss Amy. We love the enthusiasm these little humans bring to our space! When they are happy and thriving I know that means their parents are able to focus on what they need to get done – without the guilt.
Do you have any exciting promotions you’d like the Chamber membership to know about?
March is Women’s History Month and SHIFT Work + Play would never have gotten off the ground without the support and partnership of many amazing women in and around Frederick. To celebrate, we’re offering 10% off the first full month of any one of our membership plans – just mention “Women Rock” when you sign up!
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.