Who we are

We are the Rakestraws. Milk & Mischief is founded by Caitlin with the support of her husband Elliott, her son Owen and daughter Evelyn. Caitlin was born and raised just south of Seattle and works full time as an actuary at Liberty Mutual. We live in West Woodland and are taking on this endeavor to give back and build a stronger community.

As Ballard parents of two children under three, we have experienced firsthand a glaring gap in our community’s infrastructure. In our neighborhood, we have plenty of "adult" spaces like coffee shops or local breweries where parents often feel like an inconvenience, and "child" spaces like high-sensory arcades or soft-play centers that offer little for the caregiver’s well-being. For many new parents a simple outing that once brought them joy can now be a source of high anxiety. We have spent many afternoons in local cafes feeling the judgment of patrons seeking quiet, or scrambling in bathrooms that lacked basic changing tables. We’ve watched my eldest, who is shy and easily overwhelmed, retreat in traditional high-energy play zones that are loud and intellectually unstimulating. These experiences don't just make for a hard afternoon; they contribute to the burnout and isolation that define early parenthood today.

For us Milk & Mischief is more than a business; it is a vital intervention point for families. Our goal is to flip the isolating experience of early parenthood into a shared journey. We want to be the space where a breastfeeding mother feels zero pressure to hide, where a parent doesn't have to apologize for a toddler’s mess, and where "mischief" is celebrated as a natural part of development. By providing a safe, beautiful sanctuary for local families, we are building the social infrastructure required for parents to be their best selves for their children. We aren't just giving kids a place to play—we are giving parents the community and confidence they need to remain engaged in society during one of life’s most challenging transitions.