We had the good fortune of connecting with Selina Wiggins and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Selina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I left my corporate job because I wanted to do something that is more purpose driven, something that is both more fulfilling for me personally but also has a more tangible impact on our society. When I had the idea of the Heinsch House I saw it as a gift from the universe, and I knew that’s what I am supposed to do.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Heinsch House is a Parents Work Club located in East Atlanta Village, where we offer coworking spaces and childcare in one building.
Having a family in the U.S. is pretty much a private affair. Affordable childcare supply and the continuous decline of women in workforce are still prevailing issues since the government has not yet recognized the importance of guaranteed paid parental leave. As a result, mothers are forced to return to their job within months or sometimes even weeks after giving birth or, on the contrary, women leave their job to be a present mom or because their family can’t afford daycare. I am excited that with the Heinsch House, I am offering a solution that allows families, especially women, to thrive at both being a present parent and a professional.
What sets us apart is that we redefine work-life balance for new parents, especially new moms, by providing not only the setup to be physically close to your child while also being able to focus on your professional career, but also by providing the platform to connect with other parents who are in the same season of life. Mental health is important. Our concept allows our members to thrive personally and professionally all while being part of a community of like-minded peers. No mom-guilt, no isolation, no missing out on career opportunities. They say it takes a village to raise a child. With the Heinsch House, we bring the village to the city.
The Heinsch House opened door last year, in October 2023, and it has been a wild ride. Although I did plan out the business model in detail, I have come to realize that a lot of your business’ success can’t be planned. I do my best to understand the market, get feedback from parents and re-evaluate what is needed. It is okay if something didn’t work out and once you know better, do better.
I am most proud of how this idea that used to be just in my head has now become reality and to see families thrive because of it. The journey of starting my own business definetly wasn’t easy, especially because I had just moved from Germany to the U.S. and I was pregnant when I started the process. That was back in 2022. Meanwhile, we have two kids and the business is up and running.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I moved here from Germany because my husband is American. I instantly loved Atlanta and how vibrant it is! I would make sure to show the different facets Atlanta has to offer – visit at the Aquarium, a picnic at Piedmont Park, driving through different neighborhoods such as Cabbagetown, Midtown, ViHi and East Atlanta. I would make sure to grab a coffee at Ponce City Market and walk along the beltline, maybe take them to a sports game, the Atlanta Hawks or the Braves, dinner in Inman Park, and definetly have a drink during sunset on the Clermont Rooftop Bar. Unfortunately, Flying Biscuits is no longer in Candler Park but I love going there for some southern Chicken and Waffles.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am grateful for my husband who has always supported and believed in me along the journey. He gives me the feeling that no idea is too crazy and keeps reminding me to always think big. And there have been too many books, podcasts, and youtube videos to list that inspired and motivated me.
Website: https://www.heinschhouse.com
Instagram: @heinsch_house
Image Credits
Brittany Wages