From Maker to Entrepreneur: Kristen’s Story of Creativity, Confidence, and Opportunity

Ft. Wayne, Indiana

A makerspace can be a place to learn how to use a new tool. It can be a place to experiment with an idea or create something you never thought you could make.

And sometimes, it can become the place where an idea turns into an opportunity.

For Kristen, the makerspace at Easterseals Northeast Indiana has become all of those things. What began as an opportunity to learn new skills has grown into commissioned projects, community customers, and a new way for Kristen to earn money through something she creates herself.

Today, Kristen is designing and producing custom wooden flower presses using the makerspace’s Glowforge laser cutter. Each one represents much more than a finished product. It represents creativity, problem-solving, perseverance, growing independence, and pride in a job well done.     

Discovering the Possibilities of Making

Kristen already considered herself a creative person before beginning her work in the makerspace. She enjoys coloring and laminating her artwork and had even considered whether she might someday sell some of her creations.

The makerspace opened the door to another possibility.

When Kristen was introduced to the idea of creating a wooden flower press with the Glowforge, she was intrigued by both the technology and what she could create with it.

“It was very interesting and cool,” Kristen shared. “I liked watching the machine do its work.”

Using the Glowforge also introduced her to skills that did not necessarily come easily at first.

“The computer part was a challenge, but I liked the challenge a lot.”

That willingness to take on something unfamiliar would become an important part of Kristen’s experience.

From an Idea to a Finished Product

Creating one of Kristen’s flower presses involves much more than selecting an image and pressing a button. She has learned to work through a complete design and production process.

First, the size and material for the flower press must be determined. Next comes the careful placement of the holes for the screws, making sure they align correctly on each corner of the two wooden pieces.

Then comes one of the most creative parts: choosing and positioning the engraved design.

Kristen works to make sure the artwork is centered and fills the space appropriately before setting the Glowforge’s cutting and engraving settings. The front piece is cut and engraved, while the back requires only the cut. Once both pieces are complete, the edges are cleaned and any burn marks are removed. Screws, washers, and wing nuts are then added to assemble the finished flower press.

When asked which part makes her most proud, Kristen did not choose just one.

“I was proud of the whole process. I always enjoy learning new experiences.”

That process is an important part of what makes hands-on learning so powerful. Kristen is not simply receiving a finished product. She is involved in planning, designing, troubleshooting, producing, finishing, and assembling something that another person will ultimately purchase and use.

When Making Becomes a Business

Kristen’s work took on an entirely new meaning when other people began asking to purchase her flower presses.

Her first customer toured the makerspace and commissioned three pieces. Then something exciting happened. Word began to spread.

A second customer heard about the success of the first order and commissioned another flower press.

“It made me very proud that someone else liked my work and wanted a piece made as well,” Kristen said.

For Kristen, earning money from her work is particularly meaningful.

“I love making money that I can earn. Every dollar counts.”

The commissions provide Kristen with an opportunity to earn additional income while developing practical skills through work she enjoys. More importantly, someone in the community saw value in something Kristen had created and was willing to pay her to make it.

That is entrepreneurship in its most authentic form.

And the opportunities may only be beginning. After hearing about Kristen’s flower presses, the Easterseals marketing department reached out about the possibility of purchasing pieces to give to donors at an upcoming winter fundraiser.

What started as one makerspace project is becoming something much bigger.

Building Skills and Confidence Along the Way

Kristen’s story is also a reminder that making does not require someone to walk into a makerspace already knowing how to use every tool.

“I thought at first it was going to be hard, but with help, it turned out to be not as hard,” she explained.

Kristen credits Danielle and the support she has received in the makerspace with helping her learn the process and tackle challenges along the way. She also recognizes that becoming more independent with these tools can be a goal for the future.

“Through this project I was able to work on things outside of my comfort zone and succeed.”

That may be one of the most important products to come out of the makerspace.

Kristen has learned how to use new technology, work through a multistep production process, respond to customer orders, and create a product that people value. Along the way, she has discovered what she can accomplish when she is given access to the right tools, encouragement, and opportunities.

Her exploration of making has continued beyond the flower presses, too. Kristen has also learned to create fidget toys using a 3D printer, giving her another opportunity to explore digital fabrication and build new skills.

Making Creates Opportunity

At 1st Maker Space, we often talk about the importance of hands-on learning. Kristen’s story demonstrates why those experiences matter far beyond learning how to operate a Glowforge or 3D printer.

A makerspace can give someone the opportunity to discover an interest they did not know they had. It can provide a safe place to tackle something challenging, learn with support, and gradually become more independent. It can build confidence by allowing someone to hold a finished product and say, “I made this.”

And it can help turn a skill into an opportunity.

Kristen’s flower presses began as a makerspace project. They became commissioned products. Now they may be creating additional opportunities for her to share her work, earn income, and continue developing her skills.

For Kristen, that sense of purpose matters.

“Thank you for making me important to you,” she shared.

Kristen’s story reminds us that when people are given the tools, support, and freedom to create, the impact can reach far beyond the walls of a makerspace.

Sometimes making a project also means making an opportunity.