A Richmond resident is hoping to provide a space for community members to work and connect without having to leave their furry friends at home.
The idea for Milk + Honey Creative Solutions came to owner Deborah Chen when she was trying to find a way to spend more time with her rescue dog Ralph.
It was too cold and rainy outside, but health and safety regulations for food service premises meant she needed to be innovative.
Thus was born the Father's House and Mother's Kitchen, spanning three neighbouring units tucked away in a small strip mall just off No. 3 Road, by the Aberdeen Canada Line station.
Previously occupied by a karaoke and later a gym, the space is now separated into two sections — Father's House, a pet-friendly coworking space that also doubles as a workshop and event space, and Mother's Kitchen, a bakery offering creative Asian flavour combinations, fresh coffee and tea and pet-friendly treats.
"This is a very, very new concept," Chen explained, adding that coworking spaces such as WeWork are often tailored to working individuals.
"So our business model is slightly more diverse."
The coworking space charges on a pay-per-use basis and patrons can pick up snacks from Mother's Kitchen and enjoy them while working. Themed meeting rooms with different capacities, such as an ocean-themed space designed to create a tranquil atmosphere, are also available.
All pets are welcome as long as they are on leashes and owners are considerate of others. But not snakes, which Chen is deathly afraid of.
"In the morning, it's more for office people, where they want to find a place to work," explained Chen.
"But in the evening or afternoon, it will be a completely different profile. Could be students, could be family gatherings."
Bookings for pet parties have also started to come in after Milk + Honey opened its doors on July 2.
But Chen hopes the space can also spark community connections and provide a platform for local artists.
"It's all about connecting people, helping people to showcase their talents," she explained.
Local musicians in need of a space to play and practice are welcome to perform in the lounge, and plans are underway for free and paid programs such as food styling, makeup and crochet workshops.
Movie nights will also be available.
The events will be open to community members rather than being limited to patrons of the coworking space. The goal is to provide a space that welcomes community members of all ages, Chen told the Richmond News.
'Mother's Kitchen' is a second chance for women in need, says owner
The bakery is a platform for women in need of a job, such as single mothers, to create and have their own space, Chen told the News.
"Mother's Kitchen is a place for women," she said.
"I want them to be happy. Because only [a] happy mother can [create] happy food."
Chen's experience as a world traveller and her love for food are her main inspirations for the offerings at Mother's Kitchen.
"I don't do [flavours] that [are] ordinary, just because the market is already competitive," she said.
Baked goods feature Asian and Mexican flavours such as Thai tea, pandan, ginger and goji berries, black sesame and red beans.
The croissants are served as "boats" with fillings such as macaroni and cheese and mala spicy chicken.
The goal is to offer creative Asian fusion treats that are healthy, especially for seniors who may have a limited diet.
Chen also likes to showcase the ingredients in various ways. For example, she offers chicken wings in the flavours of Thai tea and ice wine coffee
The bakery also offers steeped coffee, from Chen's brand, and Thai tea.
Steeped coffee, which comes in a tea bag, is common in Asia but still a relatively new idea in North America, Chen told the News.
"I'm a coffee drinker and dripped coffee doesn't work for me because it gets cold," she said, explaining that steeped coffee solves the issue.
Richmond as a strategic location
As a Richmond resident, Chen said there were several reasons she chose to open her business in the city.
"God didn't tell me to go to Vancouver," she said, adding that it's also easier for her to oversee her business.
The location is also a "strategic" one, she said, as it is close to Vancouver International Airport and has easy SkyTrain access connecting it to customers from Vancouver.
More importantly, it is tucked away from the main road, which could be a safety concern for pet owners.
Days after the grand opening, Chen says her business has been receiving "very good" responses from the community.
"People are getting that it's a new business model, and people want to know what it is," she said, adding that the unique flavours at the bakery help the business stand out among its competitors.
Father's House and Mother's Kitchen is located at Unit 110 - 4160 No. 3 Rd. and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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