What is Hümanette?? You’ve seen the bright pink letters splashed across the windows of the building at 118 W 63rd St, formerly the home of Brookside Barkery & Bath. It’s not a restaurant or bar or boutique; technically you could say it has aspects of all three of those things! Hümanette is a space for kids to play while parents and caregivers socialize and work. It’s a unique concept that our neighborhood has been enthusiastically welcomed!
I stopped by recently to talk with Jamie Hickey, Co-Founder and Head of Operations, about her new business. Jamie explained she was inspired by the European way of raising children where “kids are more incorporated into adults’ lives. We want everyone to feel welcome here, not just children, or people with children”. Designed for youngsters from 0-6 years old, Hümanette offers two large playrooms where kids can climb, slide, read, and play with toys and art supplies. Parents and caregivers stay and oversee their kids (this is not a drop-off-the- kids place), while socializing with other adults or work at a nearby table. Light meals and snacks are available for purchase; there’s a coffee bar and coming soon–beer and wine options. There is also a dedicated co-work room for private meetings. “We want to support families holistically; all aspects of family life. We plan to roll out parent networking meet-ups, a Moms happy hour, informational meetings, and of course private events like baby showers and birthday parties.”
Like so many other new small businesses, Jamie came up with the idea for Hümanette during the isolating COVID days. She had one child and was working as an urban planner for KCMO; her second baby arrived during the pandemic. As a mom with two children stuck in her home, she really felt isolated as a new mother. She wanted to get out and interact with others. And with so many people working from home full time now, she wanted to find a way for parents to combine work and playtime for the kids, outside of the house. She and her cousin Claire Tully Markus (who lives in Connecticut) started working on a plan for the play/work cafe five years ago. She first looked at this space in November 2022. “We knew Brookside was the community we wanted to be a part of, and our research data confirmed it. It took a while for us to build out this space but we love it here. The Brookside Business Association has been so welcoming and so has the neighborhood.”
Hümanette is a bright, clean space with soft colors and wood accents. There are no TV screens or toys with batteries that make noise. “We want kids to be active and explore the entire space. There’s always a staff person walking around, too, to keep an eye on what’s happening.” Jamie loves to see the spontaneous conversations between parents as the kids play–and this is the point: getting out and meeting other families, striking up new friendships. Although Hümanette focuses on younger children, there are some board games and Legos for older siblings up to age ten. Looking for a unique gift for new parents? Humanette has gift cards too!
Hümanette is a membership based business however walk-ins are welcome, as are people looking for a snack or drink, even without children! Find out more information on their website. Next time you are strolling along 63rd St–stop in and take a look!
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 