Some of my favorite VentureMom stories begin the same way—not with a business plan, but with a moment.
For Center & Spring, that moment happened when interior designer Peyton Cochran created a custom mahjong table for a show house. It was beautiful, functional, and unexpected—and people couldn’t stop talking about it. One of those people was Sandi Wright, a lifelong mahjong player with a sharp business mind and a deep appreciation for meaningful connection. She bought the table on the spot. And instead of stopping there, she asked the question that changes everything: What if this could be something bigger?
That one question became Center & Spring.
Together, Peyton and Sandi turned a single inspired design into a women-owned brand built around joy, play, and gathering. Their mahjong tables and accessories are thoughtfully designed, impeccably made, and rooted in the belief that games aren’t just games—they’re catalysts for connection. Around a Center & Spring table, friendships form, generations mix, laughter flows, and stories are shared.
What I love most about this VentureMom story is that it isn’t about chasing trends or scaling at all costs. It’s about honoring how women actually live. How we gather. How we connect. How we create community in the middle of busy lives. Peyton brought the design eye. Sandi brought the business vision. Together, they built something neither could have built alone.
And like all great VentureMom businesses, the brand continues to evolve organically. Their newest launch—the first small-batch, Bespoke Tile Collection—is a perfect example. The ACK Tiles are the only tile set designed specifically for Nantucket, capturing the spirit of the island and bringing it to life wherever you are. Produced in limited quantities, they’re as collectible as they are meaningful—another way Center & Spring turns everyday moments into something special.
Center & Spring reminds us that some of the most successful businesses don’t start with hustle—they start with heart. With noticing what lights people up. With saying yes to partnership. And with believing that creating space for joy is not frivolous, but powerful.
That’s the VentureMom way: see the opportunity, ask the question, and build something meaningful— one gathering, at a time.
VentureMom Tip
When people love something that you have created, work to make it a full fledged business.
