Photos of Michelle Obama, Mae Jemison and dozens of other influential Black women placed across brightly colored HBCU banners grace the walls of The Cube CoWork space. The photos offer a glimpse of what women are capable of achieving.
In other words, the space is a mecca for potential.
Tammira Lucas and TeKesha Jemison decided this year that after five years, it was time to expand their 12,000-square-foot space in Towson to a 15,000-square-foot space located at 4709 Harford Road, allowing more women entrepreneurs to partake in their services. The Black-owned business officially cut the ribbon to its new location in Baltimore on Oct. 22.
The Cube originally moved into part of the space on Harford Road in late 2020 through a partnership with Function Coworking Community, but took over the entire building when Function ceased operations earlier this year.
The three-story building encompasses an event space, two conference rooms, 17 private offices, a playroom, an outdoor common area, and other open coworking spaces throughout the building.
The Cube Cowork, which was founded in October 2016, is designed to increase the normalcy of both raising a family and running a business. As mothers themselves, Lucas and Jemison agree the lack of resources for single mothers have stifled the abilities of many of them, especially single mothers from lower-income households, to have successful businesses.
“We have a focus on moms so that we can bridge the gap of the resources that moms need to be successful in their careers and business,” Lucas said.
Babysitting services and networking opportunities within The Cube are provided to help curb one of the main reasons why mothers often fail to start up businesses.
Lucas explained how the average cost of child care services, which continues to rise every year, amounts to the price of buying a Honda Accord. At the Cube, mothers are able to come in, drop their children off in the play area and then begin their day in either a privately rented office or one of the shared coworking spaces.
Both Lucas and Jemison are Coppin State University graduates, so relocating near a historically black college or university was essential in the decision to move.
“I understood what it was like being a college student and being a mom, and so does my sister, ” Lucas said. “So here’s an additional resource for them to utilize. We’ve had students come in and study when we were in our old location, while the grandparents watched the children.”
Those interested in The Cube can choose between the coworking, office rental or mailing membership, with rates starting at $150 a month. Babysitting services follow a pay-as-you-go system, offered at $10 an hour. It's a family affair. Lucas' 84-year-old grandmother even serves as a babysitter at the center.
“We want this to be the hub where moms feel like I can come here and get exactly what I need in order to grow my business,” Lucas said.
Jemison, a mother of one who has worked for the state of Maryland for 17 years, looks at The Cube not only as a resource for current business women of Baltimore, but also for those of the future, like her daughter.
“It’s something for my daughter and Ryann to have when we get older, we want them to know this is something they can have, “ Jamison said.
Amani Smith, 19, has been a staff member at The Cube since her senior year of high school, and helps with the day-to-day in-house operation.
“It feels so liberating. It feels liberating almost every day to be able to communicate with people and to place myself in an environment that is accepting me as much as I’m accepting of them,” Smith said.
“I fell in love instantly. I was intimidated, but at the same time I was also empowered,” Smith continued. “When you see a strong Black woman in the business trying to do her things it's always like, wow!”
