And so it begins

Every journey starts with a single step, but ours began with a simple question: "What if?"

Barry and I have always been makers. Not in the trendy, hashtag sense, but in the genuine can't-help-ourselves way. We collect tools like some people collect stamps. Over the years, our home filled with lasers, Cricuts, 3D printers, and an ever-growing assortment of equipment that made our friends shake their heads and smile knowingly. We'd spend evenings learning new techniques, weekends tackling projects, and countless hours marveling at what other creators were making online and in our community.

We both have day jobs that pay the bills, but our real passion has always been in making things, learning things, and watching the spark of creativity light up in others. There's something magical about seeing someone realize they can create something with their own hands—whether it's their first 3D print, a laser-engraved gift, or a vinyl decal that makes them grin with pride.

The more equipment we acquired, the more we found ourselves thinking: "This is too good to keep to ourselves." Friends would ask to borrow tools. Neighbors would peek into our workspace with curious questions. Fellow makers would mention how they wished they had access to certain equipment but couldn't justify the cost or space for occasional projects.

That's when the "what if" became real: What if we created a space where people could access these tools? What if we shared not just the equipment, but the knowledge and enthusiasm that makes creating so rewarding?

The idea of The HUB NWI wasn't born from a business plan or market analysis. It grew from our belief that creativity shouldn't be limited by access to tools, and that learning should be a lifelong adventure shared with others. We wanted to give back, to create something that would outlast us and serve our community.

Starting a makerspace while working full-time jobs? It sounds ambitious—maybe even a little crazy. But we've been blessed with family and friends who not only support our vision but actively cheer us on. They understand that this isn't about profit margins or building an empire. It's about building community, one project at a time.

This blog series will document our journey—the wins, the challenges, the unexpected lessons, and the moments that remind us why we started. Whether you're considering starting your own makerspace, curious about what goes into running one, or just enjoy a good story about people chasing a dream, we invite you along for the ride.

So here we are, at the beginning. The space isn't perfect yet, the business model is still evolving, and we're learning something new every single day. But we're doing this, together, with the support of people who believe in the power of making.

Welcome to The HUB NWI. Welcome to our story.