“My ideal office space has always been a place that my family and friends with little kids would be excited to go to. My husband, TJ, and I are hands-on parents who run our own creative and boutique agency business together. When we saw an opportunity to create a 60-square meter office for Game Changer from scratch, it became a non-negotiable for us to accommodate the kids in the design. ” – Em Sulit
Game Changer centers on entrepreneurs like us, bringing business solutions to different start-ups, dreaming up one-of-a-kind and unique events for both big and small brands, running a creative studio and digital agency, and more. Our business evolves as our clients evolve. A lot goes on in our office, and we needed a space that would be functional, lean and aesthetically appealing all at the same time. But more important than that, what we wanted was to provide a space for our kids to immerse themselves, too, in what we do.
As a mom and entrepreneur, I feel that providing a space within an office dedicated to children is like sowing seeds for their young, entrepreneurial minds. It’s important for us to have our kids witness Game Changer grow so they have ownership of it too. What counts as ‘play’ for them today could set the tone for an entrepreneurial mindset—something we hope becomes second nature to them in the future.
To keep our office kid-inclusive, we created a special nook for the kids. It was important to keep the pieces minimal and child-friendly, which means no pointed or sharp corners so kids stay safe as they explore and roam around unsupervised. Accessories like a doodle board, kid-sized furniture, and toy storage keep them occupied while we’re at work too.
We also wanted to keep the office light and airy, something we were able to achieve through our murals and office styling done by School of Styling PH’s Chief Stylist Indy Ycasiano, who also owns a Styling business called She Dreams In Ink. We thought it would be fun to depict a cheetah, which represents quick thinking and quick action—something even the kids can relate to. In a country known to be very laid back and relaxed, we want to be quick thinkers and fast in providing business solutions.
It was important for us to make the place feel like a breath of fresh air—something that would transport people to a relaxing place, even for work. My own personal apothecary and soap-making space are now housed in the office, giving me a chance to tinker with my passions while still taking care of business. We also filled the space with plants to encourage a more calm and serene atmosphere.
For moms who are looking for inspiration for their own kid-friendly office, I can’t say enough about the benefits of Pinterest and Instagram. Working with a small budget is a reality for many entrepreneurs, and our research enabled me and our Stylist Indy to come up with a design that’s flexible, kid-friendly, and comfortable while giving us value for money.
To all parents out there, be brave to incorporate kids’ space in your work place. One less thing to worry about to see your kids are safe while you work.
Written By: Chinggay Labrador for Game Changer
Photos By: Catilo Photography @thecatilos
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