ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For a long time, Paloma House owner and founder Sophie Moenter had a goal: create a space where motherhood, wellness, work and connection could co-exist. 

What You Need To Know

Paloma House is a women-centered community in St. Petersburg

The idea is for women to have a place to bond over motherhood, wellness and work

Sophie Moenter opened the business with her best friend, Melissa Darr, in January 2026

While women can participate in day-to-day events and classes, there is a monthly membership for wanting more access

“This is the non-judgmental zone as well. Your kid has a meltdown. That’s OK. We’re used to it,” said Moenter.

Moenter and her best friend, Melissa Darr, started small with this dream. 

“We originally started this concept out of my photography studio, which was 500 square feet,” said Moenter. “And we very quickly realized how much moms and women need community. And it blew up pretty much overnight.”

It grew into a space in St. Petersburg they named the Paloma House. 

“We are listening and we are looking for feedback. We’re hoping that this checks boxes for the women in the community. You don’t have to be a mom. You just have to be a woman. You know, someone who’s looking for support,” said Darr, co-founder of Paloma House.

Inside the large black and white building, there are health and wellness rooms, cozy social meet-up spots, even quiet areas to work. All of this, with the understanding that children are welcome. There is even a play-care area where children can be watched if a mother needs to have time to work in a room nearby. 

Play-care area at the Paloma House in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Spectrum News)

Health and wellness room at the Paloma House in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Spectrum News)

“Community. That is mainly why I joined. I literally became a member yesterday,” said new member Nicole Waters.

“It felt very divine because we’ve just moved down to St. Pete from Boston this past fall, and I was always hoping that by the time I became a mom, something like this would exist,” said Emma Compagna, member. 

Kids are everywhere, and the chaos that comes with children is embraced. Even Moenter’s son is there in the building. 

“He’s been the inspiration behind everything here,” said Moenter, smiling at her son, Remy. “I feel very, very lucky that I get to bring him everywhere I go with me, and I wanted other moms to feel, you know, that ability as well.”

“I have a two-year-old, and this type of environment was not around for me,” said Darr. “And when I kind of started learning more about our vision, it was a no-brainer.”

But this space is not just for moms or moms to be — it is a place for working women, too.

“So as an entrepreneur, this space has been great because there’s a lot of other entrepreneurs here as well. So a lot of like-minded women, is very community-oriented,” said Compagna.

Working area at the Paloma House in St. Petersburg, Fla. (Spectrum News)

For Moenter and Darr, it is a space for women to pause, breathe and grow in life in a calmer way. 

“It’s kind of reminded me who I am again, because I have somewhere to flex my personality. And it’s not just small talk,” said Compagna. 

Paloma House does have a different memberships for those interested. 

On Sunday, Feb. 22 there is a grand opening celebration. It is happening at the Paloma House on 10787 Oak St. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33716 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Moenter said it is free for families to attend, including dads.