Jenna Forsthuber recently took over the unique co-working and play space Brooklearn in Carroll Gardens which she has big plans for. Their first summer camp just kicked off, “Kids Night Out” and toddler programs will be launching in the fall. Find out about her vision for the business and her life in Brooklyn!
Your job title: Owner and Operator of Brooklearn
Your work in one sentence: I run both an adult coworking space and children’s playspace in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
What made you take over Brooklearn: After being home with my girls for four years I had an itch to get back to my roots in early childhood education while still having the flexibility to bring my children to work with me. I searched for a space to open my own playspace/enrichment center when I fell upon Brooklearn: the location, the concept, wonderful.
What are your plans for Brooklearn: I have so many ideas for Brooklearn moving forward! I will increase children’s programing, in the fall offering a young toddler class/Time for Two’s, after school program for 4’s, and classes that are new and different (think sculpture/architecture, clothing design, choreography, etc.) By winter I would love to make changes to our playspace, really build it out to make for a more multidimensional, interesting play experience. In the very near future we will be rolling out our first “Kid’s Night Out!” Where parents can drop their kiddos for three hours of fun activities, dinner, and a movie, all the while enjoying a night on the town. Of course I’m not planning on getting rid of the coworking space, it is too important to too many of our customers, we have career parents and stay at home Moms alike using the space to get much needed work done, whether that be creating a powerpoint or ordering groceries and talking to their therapist in the sound proof booth. I’m from the neighborhood, I love the neighborhood and education is my passion, I’m here to create a very special space in our lovely community that supports the whole family.
Your children: Two little girls, about 20 months apart, Piper (4) and Teagan (2.5)
Where do your kids go to school: My daughter Piper is starting Pre-K in the fall at Brooklyn New School and Teagan will be going to New York Preschool. After school programs will all be at Brooklearn!
Which neighborhood do you live in: My family has lived in Brooklyn Heights for the last 10 years right by Brooklyn Bridge Park.
What do you love about living in Brooklyn: Everything! The food, the people, the events! I never want to leave Brooklyn, It offers so much. I can be a bit of a busy body- wanting to do something new and fun each day of the week and in Brooklyn that is very possible!
More information about your Brooklearn: Come on in and try the space out- we have something for just about everyone and we will go the distance to make sure your family enjoys themselves. Check us out at www.Brooklearnbrooklyn.com and @brooklearnbrooklyn on Instagram
