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Get To Know...Paige Mitchell

02.04.22

Get to know...Paige Mitchell of Recess OKC

Recess OKC opened in 2020 to provide a place for parents to work professionally while their children play and learn in the same building, allowing them the best of both worlds - a place to focus on their career and time with their kids. We asked Paige to tell us a little bit about herself and about what it's like to own & operate her small business:

Name: Paige Mitchell
Business: Recess OKC
Title: Owner / Founder

How would you describe Recess OKC to someone who hasn't had the chance to visit yet?
Recess is a co-working space with on-site childcare. It's the perfect place for parents to focus on work while their children play and learn. We offer private offices, shared workspace and Parent’s Day Out on Tuesdays & Thursdays.

How did you get your business started?
I’m a mom of two boys and an entrepreneur. The past few years have been very challenging working from home with my kids. I was working from home as a start-up coach - helping other moms start their own online businesses. At that time, I was also babysitting and providing after school care for parents in my neighborhood. I’ve been in childcare since I was 16 years old.

One day, my mom and I thought about how cool it would be if we could solve both my clients and my own problem - we all needed childcare and a place to work. Many of my families that I cared for would work at coffee shops or drive back to their home while I watched their kids. My family has been very supportive in my new business. We didn’t get any loans, grants or funding, just my family coming together to help me offer this service. I have to give a shout out to the community, too. The moment I shared my idea on Facebook, people began donating desks, chairs, toys and almost everything we needed to get started. I’m forever grateful for the support. 

What do you love about operating a small business in Oklahoma?
I have been inspired by small Oklahoma businesses since I was a kid. I used to walk around the Paseo Arts District, The Plaza, and Downtown OKC and dream of owning a small shop in this city someday. I’ve always known I’d be a small business owner here in Oklahoma. I love it because of the community. Oklahoma is just enough city and just enough country for me. You get the best of both worlds here! The people make it great! I wouldn’t want to live and run a business anywhere else! 

Recess OKC

What challenges or risks have you faced operating a local business?
We opened in November 2020, right in the heat of Covid, which was pretty risky. Business was very slow for us during that time, but we are growing everyday and I’m grateful that I jumped out there when I did to offer this service because people needed it. 

What advice would you give to someone who dreams of starting their own business someday?
Start where you are! Stop looking at what you don’t have and use what you do have. When we first opened, we didn’t have anything. We took it one office at a time, one chair, one plant, one toy and today we are almost fully furnished. Don’t be afraid to start small...many great things have small beginnings! 

What are the most popular services that you offer at Recess?
Our Work + Play passes are a favorite! It gives guests the opportunity to experience Recess without a full time membership. This pass is available as a pay-as-you-go service. 

Recess 2

What’s your favorite thing about your job? 
My favorite thing about my job is hearing the life changing feedback from my clients. When one of our moms tells me that she’s gotten all caught up on her work without being stressed about childcare, I know I’m doing the right work. We are doing purposeful work! I have a blast in the Play & Learn program too! We literally play all day - crafts, stories, dancing and fun. It’s amazing to teach the children as they play and watch how they grow here with us. 

What’s the hardest thing about your job?
The hardest thing about my job is team building. I’m struggling to find childcare teachers and assistance. It would make my job much easier with a consistent team.

Who do you admire in your line of work? 
I admire many other small business owners here in Oklahoma that I have met. I reached out to a few of them before I opened and they were all so supportive of my mission. One of them owns a childcare business and came over to my apartment to help me brainstorm one day - it meant the world to me. Our local small business owners are my heroes for sure!

Do you have any favorite moments or milestones since opening your business?
We were on the front page of the Oklahoman newspaper in April...that was really special to me!

Recess OKC

What is something that people might be surprised to learn about your business?
People are surprised at just how flexible I am with our services. I have a client that comes in once a week, some twice a week and some fulltime Monday-Friday. We keep it flexible around here to give parents options!

What motivates you to keep doing what you're doing?
I’m motivated by my boys - they are always with me at Recess, learning and growing too. I know they are watching me, and if I keep going, it will teach them to follow their dreams too. This business has given me the freedom to be more present with them and that’s what entrepreneurship is about to me - the freedom to use your time the way you desire. I’m also motivated by helping others feel this feeling of freedom, too. I know when parents drop off their kids to us, they feel safe and confident in our services. For 100% of our clients, Recess is the first childcare provider they have trusted their child with. It feels good to be that great and provide this service - it motivates me! 

In your opinion, why is it important for people to support locally-owned businesses?
It is important because when you support a small business you are literally helping support a family that gives their all to service and build community.

Recess OKC

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be many things - a teacher, a pastor, and a business owner.

What was your first job?
My first job was working at summer camps at my parents church. I’ve always worked with children between church, daycares and summer camps.

What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I like to cook for my family! I cook every day and love it.

Is there anything that you'd like people to know about you or Recess that we haven't covered yet?
We are family owned and operated. I couldn’t offer our services without the help of my mom!

Recess OKC


Recess OKC is located at 9 NE 9th St. in Oklahoma City,'s Automobile Alley. They offer amenities like their five private offices that are available for rent, a common space for working, a kitchen, a conference room and a nursery suitable for children six weeks old up to five years old. Use your Keep It Local Card at Recess OKC to receive $5 off a work pass or $20 off any membership at sign up.