Located at the McKinney Cotton Mill building, the business started out in 2019 with 1,500 square feet that included four artist studios and a common area. By October of that year, it expanded to 5,500 square feet with coworking spaces, shared yoga and photography studios, a coffee room and a classroom area.
Led by CEO and Executive Director Beth Beck, photographer Aimee Woolverton, and artist and jeweler Dana Brock, the MillHouse has become more than just a business, Beck said.
“It’s a unique collaborative community where women come together to work, create, learn and flourish,” Beck said. “The women of the MillHouse inspire one another, share business tips, spark new ideas and collaborate on projects. Our members become family.”
The most recent expansion in July increased the footprint to 12,000 square feet by adding more private and open studios, photography studios with hair and makeup stations, changing rooms, a classroom area and a private conference room.
The MillHouse leadership team is passionate about connecting with the community not only through membership, but also with the public. During the year, the facility hosts festivals and markets in partnership with the Cotton Mill.
Such events offer artists and makers the opportunity to showcase their products and expertise while also encouraging art patrons and shoppers to visit McKinney.
Looking to the future, expansion plans continue with the build-out of three large artist studios. Already, the calendar is booked with the Winter Artsfest, a Wine and Walls Mural festival, and a Summer Indoor Artsfest.
Other events include a weekly speaker series and quarterly member luncheons.
“We believe every woman is an entrepreneur at heart,” Beck said.
MillHouse McKinney
610 Elm St., Ste. 1000, McKinney
202-810-2101
www.millhousemckinney.com
Hours: Mon.-Tue. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wed.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Sat.-Sun.
