Makers United
Makers United is building a more inclusive community of U.S. maker-entrepreneurs and craftspeople by co-creating an ecosystem where BIPOC and low- income makers feel recognized and represented, and have access to the tools they need to grow their businesses – and thrive.
A subset of Nest’s global network of creative entrepreneurs, Makers United elevates the voices of diverse makers in the United States to ensure that the growing American Makers Movement is generating opportunity for all makers regardless of gender, race, economic means or ability.
Opportunities For Growth
Makers United is committed to building a better connected ecosystem for makers. To do this, Nest maps the local landscape of small business support and connects the dots between makers and the local, national, and peer resources they need. Additionally, through the program, creative entrepreneurs can gain access to exclusive opportunities like the Madewell Maker Collective, Etsy’s Uplift Makers Program, Nest’s flagship Makers Future Fund, and more!
Where We Work
Makers United reaches makers and creative entrepreneurs in 49 states and several territories with a growing library of digital resources and a calendar of online learning events.
City-specific Makers United programming has taken place in: Birmingham, Austin, San Antonio, Detroit, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Houston, Chicago, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Nashville.
Nest supports historically marginalized communities across the US and invests in the preservation of their craft traditions. This includes work with Gee’s Bend Quilters of Alabama, the Gullah Weavers of South Carolina, Native and Indigenous craftspeople across the US, makers throughout Appalachia, creative businesses in NYC’s Garment District, and the vibrant craft community in Puerto Rico. Additionally, we have regional programming for arriving immigrants and refugees in 4 states.
Get Involved
Makers United members receive access to Nest Connect, an exclusive digital hub featuring a growing library of business development resources prepared by industry experts, opportunities to participate in in-person local workshops in select communities, and the chance to apply for Nest’s more intensive accelerators and financing programs. All of the resources provided to members of the Makers United network are free to ensure equitable access and opportunity for all.
Lin Bader, Founder + Jeweler, Lin Bader Design
“As a young jewelry business, the Makers United program has been guiding me through every major milestone and providing invaluable opportunities like in-person workshops, mentorship, trade show exposures, grant programs… [it] is the community I can turn to for advice, guidance, and a sense of belonging.”
Going Deeper
Makers United brings visibility to under-represented maker entrepreneurs across the US. The program is driven by participant voice: leveraging human-centered design, makers co-create programs with Nest based on their specific business priorities. They drive their experience as we equitably match resources to needs.
Through Makers United, Nest is committed to expanding market access by bridging the digital divide that disproportionately affects BIPOC and low-income makers by increasing their access to ecommerce opportunities and working with them to develop the digital literacy needed to succeed.
Meet your fellow makers
Dorianne Attiogbé • Founder
Atiwo Designs are vibrant, colorful, and loud but also elegant, elevated, and refined. A mix of two worlds, just like Dorianne - guaranteed to make a statement.
She crafts all of her pieces by hand with love and passion, using mainly polymer clay and African beads. Many of her creations have Ewe names (language from Togo, West Africa) to tie them to her parents’ culture.
On her connection to handcraft, she stated, “I’ve been crafting jewelry since I was a child, and working with my hands remains the core of my process. Every piece starts with a loose idea but evolves intuitively, letting my hands take the lead and giving each design its own character.”
“Nest has played a huge role in my growth, believing in me as a business owner when I still saw myself as a hobbyist,” said Dorianne. “Since joining in 2022 through the Jewelers United program, I’ve gained mentors, collaborations, and a community I’m truly grateful for.”
Website | Instagram
Zara Fina Stasi • Founder
Based in Richmond, VA, Good for the Bees takes its name from an old Roman quote: “That which is not good for the hive, is not good for the bees.” This reflects Zara’s desire to build a studio that is both good for the individual and the collective.
Artist Zara Fina Stasi founded Good for the Bees to use art as a tool for good. Through her murals, paintings, and illustrated everyday items, her art brings the natural world onto man made objects and spaces. She works with clients like Terrain, Anthropologie, and the NYC Department of Transportation.
On her time partnering with Nest, she says, “Nest has introduced me to people all across the maker spectrum and has expanded my creative world. From the Madewell Hometown Hero program to the American Craft Convening to pop up markets with Anthropologie, Nest has opened the door to new partnerships and opportunities for my studio. The Nest community has given me the gift of not only inspirational collaborators, but valued friends.
Website | Instagram
Soledad (Sol) • Founder
Each recipe is thoughtfully crafted in a way that aids various skin conditions ranging from dry dull skin to oily acne-prone skin.
Blessa Soaps creates all natural soaps by the cold process method. Michael uses seven organic oils, all of which are ethically harvested, while also use pure essential oils and natural colorants.
On his craft and working with Nest, Michael said, “My connection to handcraft is rooted in honoring natural materials and the quiet ritual of making by hand. Nest has supported me by opening doors to community, resources, and opportunities that help my practice grow with integrity.”