TAMPA, Fla. — When it comes to a space just for women, Christina McCue Hoek says the Tampa Bay area was missing a place she, as a career woman and a mom, longed to be part of.
"I felt that there was really nowhere that I could go as a woman to continue thriving in my career and go somewhere that I knew that my children were safe and happy, but also take care of my needs. This is something that I know is not just an issue in Tampa. I know this is a nationwide issue, but I had to do something about it," says Hoek, founder and CEO of The Spiral Staircase.
That's why she founded The Spiral Staircase; a social club just for women. In a statement on their website, Hoek writes, “Under our roof, you can truly find all of the things you need and want. Enjoy express spa services, dive into fun and educational activities for both kids and families.”
"I felt that this is a very huge need in our community," Hoek tells 10 Tampa Bay.
Shel put a call out to other moms, and now, a year later, that vision is a reality. A team of moms is working to make sure other women have a place to work, unwind, and reset, transforming a 1950s bank into a mom's oasis.
"I found this space last summer. Ever since then, all the magic has happened," she said.
"We are very intentional about working with local mom-owned businesses and women-owned businesses. We're very big about supporting everybody in our community, so we're partnering to bring all of those different things in," says Hoek.
While the more than 10,000 square foot facility is dedicated as a haven for women, it will also have a retail space, wine and a coffee bar open to everyone. Additionally, it can be rented out for events such as meetings, bridal and baby showers, and even micro galas.
One of the best amenities for moms is childcare. The Spiral Staircase offers childcare services to members only. "We love having all the fun things for our children of all ages. We are also developing a tutoring program," Hoek mentioned.
"You continue hearing all of these needs about moms who are struggling because they just need a place, they need their village. And this is the village," she emphasized.
Christina says she started researching this before the pandemic and has found very few place like The Spiral Staircase still active in the U.S. She hopes this idea becomes a trend to help women everywhere.
