In 2021, the Surgeon General declared a loneliness epidemic. Nearly half of American adults reported experiencing loneliness, isolation, and a lack of community. This problem is particularly acute in parents. Dual-income careers, remote work, and lack of typical support networks leave many young parents without essential social connections, exacerbating their sense of isolation.
Society has always understood the need of a "village," but upgrading the village for a digitally native, post-COVID demographic has proved to be a challenge. The social infrastructure available to young families is stuck in a bygone era that is not applicable today.
Fortunately, the founder of Carnaby, Disha Shah, is tackling the challenges faced by urban families with young children. Shah explains, "Our mission is to empower parents with a supportive community, access to enriching experiences, and foster a sense of belonging that transcends the traditional notion of parenting. We understand parents today are both more busy and more involved. They really need convenience but not at the expense of quality."
Carnaby's spaces, known as 'Community Hubs,' are purpose-built for convenience, helping modern parents balance nurturing their children with nurturing themselves. Unlike traditional parenting approaches that focus solely on childcare during work hours, Carnaby advocates for happy parents as the cornerstone of happy families. This shift in perspective is crucial in urban settings where the challenges of dual-income households and changes in social structures have left many parents feeling isolated and overwhelmed outside of work hours.
Carnaby integrates diverse services like supervised play, third-party classes, and wellness programs under one roof, easing each parent's burden of juggling childcare, work, and personal needs. By curating reliable resources and expert guidance, Carnaby helps parents navigate the overwhelming amount of information on parenting and offers clarity and support. Their adaptable and modular approach ensures their spaces meet the specific needs of diverse urban communities, promoting accessibility to enriching activities while fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment where families can thrive.
"More than two-thirds of parents say they feel burnt out, lonely, and isolated while raising their kids, especially those under 5. There's a huge need for family centric services today, and Carnaby can fill this gap," Shah notes.
The Inspiration
Founded on the belief that unused office spaces could be repurposed to meet the needs of digitally native parents, Shah's Carnaby offers a needed solution. She drew inspiration from both her experience leading a $300 million joint venture fund at REEF Technology, where she saw the potential in repurposing underutilized parking lots and garages, as well as the challenges she has faced as a mother of a young child. By experiencing first-hand the demand for convenient and comprehensive parenting support, Carnaby aims to transform these underutilized spaces into vibrant hubs tailored to the needs of families with young children. "It serves as a space for parents to connect, make friends, and humanize the parenting experience," asserts Shah.
Carnaby's integrated approach combines digital and physical communities. Their digital platform provides access to parenting programs, classes, schedules, and support groups, ensuring busy parents can access resources at their convenience.
Meanwhile, Carnaby's physical spaces offer supervised play, wellness programs for parents, and a marketplace for superior educational and enrichment activities. Shah highlights, "Parents really need a third place. Right now. They are trying to cobble together all their needs. They have daycares and childcare while they work. They then drive their kids all around for different classes, which they have to research and find through a thousand, often contradictory, sources online. And there is a real need for having everything under one umbrella."
The physical spaces are designed to be adaptable and modular, allowing for quick deployment and customization based on neighborhood demographics and preferences. By utilizing existing infrastructure and partnerships with local businesses, Carnaby creates dynamic spaces that cater to the specific needs of each community. This flexibility not only reduces the operational burden but also enhances accessibility and community engagement, fostering a network effect that strengthens member retention and growth.
"Parents have shared with me how grateful they are that Carnaby provides a supportive community where everything is conveniently available." Carnaby's focus on streamlining parenting responsibilities resonates deeply with families. "We are striving to alleviate a lot of the stress and isolation often felt by today's parents who are nonstop navigating a maze of conflicting advice and overwhelming choices," Shah shares.
The Future Is Bright
Looking ahead, Shah aims to expand Carnaby's network across major U.S. cities, becoming synonymous with essential urban parenting support. "We are establishing Carnaby as a staple in urban life—a place where families instinctively turn for support, education, and community."
Carnaby is more than just a service—it's a transformative approach to urban parenting. By prioritizing the well-being of parents and the holistic development of children, Carnaby empowers families to navigate the complexities of modern life with confidence and support.
Join Carnaby today and foster thriving parent communities everywhere.
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