Bay Area Maker Fireside Chat + Mixer: Building a creative business on your own terms

​What does it actually take to build a sustainable maker business in the Bay Area? We're bringing together three maker business owners to talk about the realities of small business that don't make it to the highlight reel: dealing with perfectionism, navigating a crossroads in your business, and finding your creative voice.

​Join Nest and Antonia Lara Sanchez for an evening of conversation, community and real talk on navigating perfectionism, creativity, and what it means to build a creative business on your own terms.

​6 - 6:30: Mingle and grab a bite
6:30pm - 7:30pm: Panel conversation
7:30: Mingle

Light bites provided by ASÚKAR (@palestiniancubanfusion) and drinks from Open Test Kitchen / Oakland Bloom.

​Spots are limited - RSVP below to secure yours.

​***When you RSVP, we save a seat for you. We plan for you. These are intentional gatherings so if you reserve a spot, we ask that you please honor it out of respect for the collective. If you need to cancel at any point, please update your registration status on Luma as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.

​About Oakland Bloom / Open Test Kitchen
@otk_eats / @oaklandbloom

​Oakland Bloom is a nonprofit that supports working-class immigrant and diaspora chef-entrepreneurs to develop their food businesses. Through its project Open Test Kitchen, Oakland Bloom hosts a community kitchen hub, which offers accessible resources for chefs to prepare and share their foods, collaborate with one another, and build support. Oakland Bloom also hosts events that foster community connection, healing, resilience joy, and learning - both at Open Test Kitchen and through its neighborhood-based initiatives in Oakland Chinatown.

​📣 Speaker Lineup

​Moderator: Antonia Lara Sanchez
Antonia Lara Sanchez is a Chilean interdisciplinary artist passionate about the healing nature of art, immigration and community. She sees exploring mediums and dedicating time into her crafts as a space where curiosity and play are welcome. Her background as an industrial designer and design educator has shaped her current work.

​Antonia's work extends beyond her studio by bringing people together through hands-on creative workshops and team-building experiences across the Bay Area. She encourages others to slow down and reconnect with their own creativity.

​Committed to giving back, Antonia donates a portion of her proceeds to local organizations that support community access to mental health services as well as immigrant and women empowerment.

​Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini, CASITA MICHI
CASITA MICHI is a wellness brand rooted in community, culture and corazón. We consciously craft intentional self-care products that reflect the rich, diverse experiences within our community - helping individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered. We believe that wellness should be inclusive, culturally resonant, and accessible; nurturing a true sense of belonging for all. We blend purposeful storytelling with sustainable self-care to ensure representation that uplifts our communities.

​Felicia Liang
Felicia Liang is a Bay Area based artist and printmaker whose colorful work reflects the communities and cultures she’s around. She weaves in storytelling and celebrates her Taiwanese-American identity through her food, still life, and cityscape illustrations. She currently works with both commercial and editorial clients, and sells her prints online, in-person at craft markets, and at retail shops around the country.

​Jenny Baquing
Jenny is a photographer and creative events host in the Bay Area! She was born and raised in the East Bay and loves bringing people together through visual storytelling and creative experiences! She loves poodles, spicy soup, and the Golden State Warriors.