BRINGING A DREAM TO LIFE

A couple of years ago, a mentor asked me a classic question: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” I had the hardest time answering. I knew there was something I was meant to do—something I still wanted to be when I grew up (and yes, I’m over 40)—but I couldn’t quite articulate what that was.

At the time, I was helping brands define their Mission, Vision, and Values. Their “Why,” as Simon Sinek would say. So, I turned that question inward: What is my Why? What value do I bring? What lights me up? And what do I want to do for the next 20 years?

What I discovered is that my “Why” is rooted in beauty and connection. Beauty in the spaces we inhabit—and connection between people.

My first career was in interior design, where I fell in love with how physical environments could inspire, comfort, and influence human behavior. In the years that followed, working in advertising and marketing, I found that same spark during the strategy phase of every project: learning about audiences, their values, their routines—how they live, work, and play. Every brand, at its core, touches real human lives.

But the more I researched, the more I noticed a painful trend: despite being more connected than ever through technology, people are feeling lonelier than ever. There’s a growing loneliness epidemic, and parents—especially—seem to be at the center of it. The demands of modern life often leave little space for quality time with our kids, let alone time to reconnect with ourselves.

That hit home for me as a working parent.

I started searching for places that were thoughtfully designed for both adults and children. Places where families could connect, not just coexist. But those spaces didn’t really exist—not in any meaningful or modern way. The options seemed to swing from exclusive social clubs like Soho House to community rec centers like the YMCA—with nothing much in between.

Why isn’t there a beautifully designed, approachable space that welcomes families—and offers something for both kids and adults?

That question sparked something. So, I took inspiration from the 1989 classic Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.”
And with that, CAYA was born—a social club for families.

CAYA, short for Come As You Are, was originally the name of my thesis project back in 2006. At the time, it was a nod to Seattle and the ’90s music scene. Now, all these years later, those four words mean so much more. They’re an invitation. To show up. To be yourself. Because that’s what the world—and our families—really need.

CAYA is a space designed with both kids and adults in mind. A place to make memories and build real-life connections. Parents can relax, work, or work out, while kids explore, play, and just be kids. It’s a place for families to hang out together—not just coexist in the same space.

Right now, I’m in the process of making this dream a reality. I’m building a business plan, designing the interiors, developing the brand, conducting parent surveys, and creating content that brings the CAYA vision to life. I’ve launched a website, established social channels, and built a concept that reflects everything I believe in.

All of this happens in the margins—between my full-time job and my role as a mom. But this is what I’m called to build. I believe in it wholeheartedly. And I know, without a doubt, that CAYA will exist.

Check out CAYA at hellocaya.com or participate in my survey here.