Create. Collaborate. Co-Work. These are a few of the words Amanda Jones uses when talking about Kinship Co-Working and Kinship Retail, the space for remote workers and creators that she recently opened in Peekskill.
Kinship “is based on the concept of bringing people together and developing the familiarity and warmth of a community,” Jones says.
Jones says she was inspired to create this business after volunteering at Yay Markets, the popular maker-space event held on the Peekskill riverfront in May and December. “I’ve met lots of intelligent, creative people in Peekskill,” Jones says. “Volunteering at YAY Markets showed me that I wanted to be part of this creative community.”
Although her background is in tech, Jones says she’s always “loved art, so Kinship brings together both aspects of my life.”
Jones comes from a family of entrepreneurs and is excited about this new venture. “The location [116 Washington Street] is incredibly charming,” Jones says. “It’s one of the oldest homes in Peekskill and was a yarn store for more than 25 years before I took it over.” She says that she is grateful to Bill Rundle and Tony Cianci, the owners of the building, who “care deeply about preserving this home and helping Kinship succeed.”
Jones has given the many rooms in the 1830 house a new purpose.
The main level has rooms with a variety of purposes. There is an artisan shop/retail space where members can sell goods “where consignment is set at well below average rates at 25 percent,” Jones says. Off of this treasure-filled room is a communal workspace that accommodates about ten people. There is a break room and kitchen area along with a community hub with a bulletin board for local event notices.
The lower level consists of a quiet workspace that accommodates about eight as well as a creative workshop area for about four makers.
The upper level is for meetings. Two of the rooms are for calls or one-on-one meetings. A third is a conference room with a large TV monitor, webcam, and whiteboard; it can accommodate up to eight people. Each of the conference rooms is named after famous female artists, “in a nod to women as leaders and trailblazers,” Jones tells the Herald.
In addition to being charming, the space is conveniently located to the Peekskill train station and the riverfront as well as to downtown.
Whom does Jones imagine using the space? “Almost everyone I’ve met since moving here!” she says. “The Hudson Valley is full of both tech workers and creatives all looking to become part of a community. I hope that Kinship can play a small part in helping to build that.”
The entrepreneur is off to a good start. “Right now we have video producers, marketing professionals, skincare product makers, grant writers, tech workers, muralists, ceramicists, illustrators, and woodworkers all working from Kinship,” Jones says. “It’s so exciting to have such a variety of disciples all under one roof!”
The cost to join Kinship ranges from $35 for a day pass up to $325 a month, with lots of options in between. “All recurring memberships include a wide range of benefits,” Jones says, “and unlock the option to sell creative work out of the retail space at just 25 percent consignment.”
Jones is excited to mix co-working and retail space. “Kinship offers the ‘best of both worlds’ approach,” she says. “I believe the hybrid co-working/retail space is a new concept in the Hudson Valley. It lets our members enjoy having an always-on retail location that’s affordable and convenient and promotes the concept of shopping local, which I believe a lot of those living in the Hudson Valley really prefer.”
Why become a member? “I think the opportunity to collaborate with the other members is the biggest perk,” Jones says, noting that Kinship is starting to host member events to get everyone together. Other perks include “coffee from the Peekskill Coffee House, office supplies, nonstop access to local art, free parking, workshops, and an easy walk into town.”
Jones knows firsthand all that Kinship has to offer. “I’m there every day,” she says. “The workspaces and meeting rooms are cozy and full of local art but still have all of the amenities you could need as a remote worker, which is exactly what I wanted out of a coworking space. I know that the Wi-Fi is really fast, that I’ll have a second monitor to use whenever I need it, and that I can sketch ideas on a whiteboard.” She goes on that she can “stand for a bit at a standing desk while I work, or even walk on a treadmill, while still being productive.”
Kinship’s current hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. “We’ll be hosting a meet and greet for Yay Market vendors and volunteers this month,” Jones says, “as well as a floral workshop.” She adds that in December Kinship will transform into more of a holiday market with fun events like meeting Santa and possibly a white elephant event for members. Looking even further ahead, Jones says that Kinship will host a ConnectHV event in January to bring together professionals from all over the Hudson Valley.
Jones also plans to host gallery nights, where Kinship will showcase local artists in an exhibition-type format. The first of these will be in early 2025, as most of Kinship’s artist members are busy producing works for the holidays right now.
In addition to its Jones, Kinship has two employees whom its founder describes as “community managers running reception and retail, keeping the space tidy and comfortable for our members to enjoy.”
Jones moved from New York City to Peekskill more than two years ago. “I chose Peekskill because of its proximity to the river and its arts community,” she tells the Herald.
The art and nature lover is excited to bring Kinship to the city she now calls home. “Peekskill is a really special place,” she says. “Peekskill residents are always finding new ways to infuse art and creativity into the city.” With Kinship, Jones is adding to those ranks.
