About

Hi, I’m Vanessa — founder of MakerHive.

Making runs in my blood. At 16, my great-grandmother Aurora sailed from Sicily to the U.S. with $30 and her needles. She sewed her family’s clothes, then turned that skill into income. The thread never broke: my grandmother became a knitter and my mom a quilter. On my dad’s side, my grandmother created intricate needlepoint, and my dad makes creations from driftwood. Now my kids build things out of wood and salvaged objects — five generations of makers…

For years, I’ve started my days in my art studio (side porch!) working on one of my many projects using found objects – even just for a few minutes. My brain is focused on what my hands are doing, and the noise of everyday life just…fades. The brain-break helps me to recharge, and I feel grounded and ready to start the day.

Throughout my career as an educator and organizational leader, I have worked to provide people with the tools they need to thrive. MakerHive is the next iteration of my life’s work and is where my life as a maker and my vocation as an educator come together in the service of others.

Here’s the vision: a buzzing, creative hub where the fun of making becomes a powerful force for good. We use only upcycled materials so that you experience the joy of creating while helping reduce waste. We provide the space, materials, guidance and most importantly…the clean-up. All you have to do is show up!

When you choose MakerHive, the ripple effects are endless…