Tucked away in a gray building on Cathedral Street in Downtown Annapolis, you’ll find a bright, bold, and colorful suite filled with hardworking women and good vibes. This is Fount & Flourish, a co-working space, event venue, and social club created by Bailey Feldman, girl mom of three. She’s brought her experience in events, consulting, and leadership coaching to create a uniquely empowering space for the women of Annapolis.
During a complimentary day at The Fount Lounge, I got to see for myself how this is not just any third space—it’s a place women at any stage of life can go to get work done while feeling comfortable, supported, and strengthened.
Getting There
Address: 100 Cathedral Street, Suite 7, Annapolis, MD 21401
For once, I didn’t have to research parking options in Annapolis, because Fount & Flourish has it all laid out on their website. They have the lowdown on where to park and when. I chose to park at Park Place, because I like an easy exit to get back to the highway. The walk to Cathedral Street was scenic and pleasant, despite the chilly weather. Their website also has a photo of the entrance—which I double-checked to make sure I was going in the correct way. Once I saw some pink, I knew I was in the right place.
Co-Working Space
As soon as I got up the stairs, Bailey and her colleague Amanda Fisher greeted me (and complimented my nails—you know these ladies are “for the girls”). The lounge space is open, bright, and warm. Having worked in offices where the temperature was set to “arctic tundra,” I really appreciated the cozy atmosphere. And no harsh fluorescent lights here…the room felt like it was filled with sunshine, despite the cold, gray day outside.
There is a kitchen with complimentary drinks, coffee, light snacks, and water. There are also some stronger drinks on the bar cart, but those are available for events.
There are about six to 10 people in the space on any given day. Just enough to get your fix of being around other humans (at least other grown-ups, if you’re used to only being around humans who are five and under) without being overwhelmed or overstimulated. Extroverts can get their face time and introverts have a quiet space to work. I saw people quietly working in different areas and sharing a little small talk in passing.
There’s a conference room, with tables that can be rearranged as needed for events and meetings. A room in the back has desktop computers that you can reserve, plus a copy machine for printing. As someone who has daily battles with my inkjet printer, I deeply appreciate this option. While you can talk on the phone in the Lounge, there is an extra-quiet “Podroom” that you can reserve for calls or making podcasts.
Fount & Flourish has a number of benefits to the co-working space:
- A place that isn’t your house. One person mentioned how their home is filled with distractions. It can be hard to get work done with a pile of laundry or dishes to attend to. Removing yourself might be the best way to save your work (and your sanity).
- Somewhere you can feel safe. Working at a library or a coffee shop can be nice, but having to pack up your stuff just to use the bathroom is a hassle—ask me how I know! While everyone should always be mindful of their belongings, an all-women space where everyone is friendly with each other offers a sense of safety.
- You have the opportunity to make friends. Who hasn’t lamented the difficulty of making new friends as an adult? Whether you’re new to Annapolis or in a new stage of life, Fount & Flourish can be a great place to make kind, supportive friends. You don’t have to be the outgoing type, either. Just being brave enough to show up and say hello is a good start.
- Free coffee, snacks, and drinks. Honestly, need I say more?
Frankly, the only way they could make it better is if they added a nap space. I think every mom I know would come just for that! (Then again, it’s probably for the best if they don’t have that yet. Co-workers would not appreciate my snoring…)
Events
If you want to get work done but also learn and connect, check out Fount & Flourish’s events. They have everything from games and hobbies to art and tech. Even their professional development and networking events will have an element of fun with this group.
Their three signature events each year are the Wyld Wellness Retreat in October, the Fount Dinner Party in January, and the Anniversary Party & Fundraiser in March. So you can go from networking at a shared meal, to celebrating with a bubbly toast, and resetting with self-care in the fall.
Membership
There are several membership options for Fount & Flourish that give you control of your access. Do you just want to meet people? The base tier of membership will give you that. Want to use the co-working space? The co-working add-on has got you covered. Maybe you’re more interested in business events and gaining professional contacts. The business access option is for you. Want all of it? Go with unlimited! Check out their website for more details and prices.
Master Your Moxie Coaching
Upgrading your business or your personal brand can be scary and overwhelming. That’s why Bailey and Amanda host a cohort of eight women for 12 weeks to help grow their careers and lives. Their coaching sessions include actionable plans, constructive feedback, and continuing support. It’s everything Fount & Flourish wants to accomplish in close-knit group sessions.
The Fount Fund
Last month, Fount & Flourish launched The Fount Fund. This is a foundation built to support women, girls, and local causes in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Through this fund, they will give large grants to local nonprofits, support causes important to members, and give smaller grants for other community needs that may go unfunded. Their Anniversary Party raised money for the fund, and members of Fount & Flourish will be a huge part of giving back.
Fount & Flourish has a lot going for it. Moms in particular may appreciate everything it has to offer: a cozy space for work, networking events for play, and new friends to uplift and celebrate you. So head downtown, get yourself a coffee, tuck into one of their comfy chairs, and get to work. They’ll be glad to have you.
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