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 47 states and several territories with a growing library of digital resources and a calendar of online learning events.
Nest supports historically marginalized communities across the US and invests in the preservation of important craft traditions. These special programs include work with Gee’s Bend Quilters of Alabama, the Gullah Weavers of South Carolina, Native and Indigenous craftspeople, makers in Appalachia, NYC’s Garment District, the craft community in Puerto Rico. Additionally, we have a regional program 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
Lau Monart • Founder
As a Colombian maker, every design she creates carries a piece of her roots and the joy of her heritage.
Lau is a Colombian (born & raised) surface pattern designer, currently living in Ohio. In 2019, she ventured into the world of watercolor painting, and thanks to her family and friends, she began selling her art as originals and prints. Not long after she decided to start using her illustrations for the creation of her own patterns, which has now become her signature style.
On her time partnering with Nest she said, “Handcraft has always been my favorite way to express joy and creativity, from watercolor illustrations to handmade goods. Being part of Nest has allowed me to connect with an inspiring community of makers and learn from fellow creatives who share the same passion.”
Website | Instagram
Cat F • Founder
Wool and Indigo believes that beautiful design and ethical values are the cornerstones of quality.
Each of their collections is made with sustainable materials to create extraordinary decor for the conscious home. All of their products are handcrafted by a collective of skilled global artisans who work in small batches to ensure the highest quality of artistry possible. Utilizing wool, cotton, and hemp, the team works to ensure that all of our sustainable designs are better for your home and the environment.
“As the founder of Wool and Indigo, a brand dedicated to small batch handcrafted goods, each fragrance and textile we create embodies our story; one woven with intention, care, and community. Partnering with Nest has magnified that purpose, empowering us to channel our passion into a mission that transcends ourselves,” said Cat.
Website | Instagram
Soledad (Sol) • Founder
My sensibilities are a reflection of my heritage and they show up in the intention of my work: the desire to be closer to nature, attuned with the seasons; the search for a pause and a break from the stress of the day to day.
Sol Proaño creates prismas to capture the miracle of color and light, celebrate everyday awe, create magic in your interior spaces and interior mind, and be a gentle reminder that through all of life’s seasons, the sun will always shine. Inspired by the landscapes she witnessed hitchhiking through Chile as a teenager, Sol’s work captures a duality of life and nature. Now settled in Queens, NYC, she aims to help others find awe amidst the chaos of everyday life through her craft.
On her time partnering with Nest she stated, “Through my work, I try to evoke a sense of awe amidst the chaos of everyday life. Joining Nest has allowed me opportunities and connections that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise, both with fellow makers and with industry leaders like Etsy and Studio DB.”