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
I-Chieh Wu • Founder
Growing up in Taiwan, my sister and I were surrounded by vibrant markets, fragrant teas, and rich traditions. 丹鹿SouveDeer is our way of celebrating those memories and bringing a piece of home to others.
I’m I-Chieh Wu, co-founder of 丹鹿SouveDeer, a Taiwan-inspired soy wax candle brand created by me and my sister. While I’m based in the U.S., my sister lives and sells our creations in Taiwan, allowing us to share the beauty of Taiwanese culture with audiences near and far. From Xiao Long Bao-shaped candles in mini steamers to tea-scented collections, each piece reflects our shared love for storytelling through scents and design.
The name 丹鹿SouveDeer is inspired by the Taiwanese phrase “等路” (tán-lōo), meaning “waiting by the roadside,” a nostalgic image of children eagerly awaiting gifts from visitors. This sentiment of thoughtful keepsakes guides everything we make.
When I’m not designing, you’ll find me enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of oolong tea or exploring local markets for fresh inspiration.
Website | Instagram
Ale Bremer • Founder
Through Wax Crescent, I hope to help people honor their light and find comfort in the little moments that make life meaningful.
I’m Kym—the maker and founder behind Wax Crescent, a candle company rooted in storytelling, memory, and intention. My journey into candle making began as a way to reconnect with my creativity and honor my grandmother, who made candles as a way to express herself artistically and earn a little extra money on the side. What started as a project in my kitchen has grown into a full-time business where I hand-pour every candle in small batches using cleaner, phthalate-free ingredients.
Each Wax Crescent scent is inspired by a memory, experience, or special moment—like a beloved family recipe, a foggy morning hike, or the feeling of stepping into a luxury hotel. Creating new fragrances is my favorite part of the process, and I develop a new candle every month to keep that sense of inspiration alive. Every candle includes a thoughtful affirmation on the back, inviting customers to slow down and create a space that feels personal and Intentional.
What brings me the most joy is the connection—getting to know my customers, hearing what memories a scent brings up for them, and being part of their daily rituals.
Website | Instagram
Kym • Founder
My work is a nostalgic reflection of my Mexican culture, infused with history and meaning, creating jewelry that is both wearable and deeply personal.
I'm Ale, the maker and artist behind Ale Bremer Jewelry, a brand of fine and personalized jewelry and objects of art. My work blends history, craftsmanship, and art in pieces that carry meaning, heritage and connection.
Each piece is crafted by hand, embracing ancient jewelry making techniques and the timeless elegance of Mesoamerican art, along with the bold influence of Taxco silversmiths from the 1940s. My work seeks to capture ideological contrasts, honoring tradition. Every piece carries a story, a reflection of culture, artistry, and personal connection between the maker and the wearer.
I come from the desert of northern Mexico, where my grandfather, a metallurgical engineer, first sparked my interest in metals and craftsmanship. I later moved to the U.S.-Mexico border, where I became a metalsmith and earned a Fine Arts degree. I have been designing and making jewelry since 2003, a journey that has taken me through New York for a decade, then to Mexico City, before finally settling in Santa Fe, New Mexico, following my love for the Southwest.
Spending most of my time in the studio, I craft each piece by hand, ensuring that every detail embodies skill, patience, and a personal touch.