“Hello Maker was a long time coming. As a mildly introverted, obsessively creative millennial, I couldn’t find my place - my people. Sports were not it. Cafes were too anti-social, bars were too overwhelming. I needed a place I actually felt comfortable, where I could meet like-minded people, and not only have an excuse to strike up a convo but an invitation! Light bulb moment! When I started sharing the ideas I had for Hello Maker, I heard a resounding YES because so many others were looking for the same space. I’ve designed Hello Maker from the ground up to be a social gathering place, a home away from home, where creatives - and creatives-in-training are accepted, celebrated, and challenged - because that’s how we grow!”
K I R S T I E L E E D H A M
F O U N D E R
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kirstie leedham
F O U N D E R / I N S T R U C T O R
With a lifelong passion for DIY + entrepreneurship, it was only a matter of time before Kirstie found her footing to officially launch her dream: a maker studio where she could meet, mentor, and teach like-minded folks and share her love of all things DIY! As the Creative Director for a digital DIY brand for over 5 years and over a decade of design + DIY experience, Kirstie created Hello Maker to give local creatives a home away from home! -
SAM MACKEW
M A R K E T I N G D I R E C T O R
Originally a merchandising graduate, Sam has always been interested in creating; whether it’s sewing, knitting, crafting, or baking, she gets a thrill when taking ordinary things and turning them into something beautiful, functional… or delicious! More recently, she went back to school for a degree in marketing and loves helping businesses grow their online presence. Sam is bringing her skills to Hello Maker to shout it from the rooftops! -
KATIE DE CEUSTER
I N S T R U C T O R
As a multi-passionate maker of beautiful things, Katie has always found purpose by creating with her own two hands. Katie has found success as an independent artist, and has more recently added to her experience by teaching DIY tutorials virtually for over 2 years. Some of Katie’s favorite mediums to work with are fiber arts, polymer clay, and resin. Katie is excited to share her maker skills locally with the Forest City!
