WHAT IS CRAFTWORK?

What is CraftWork?

CraftWork represents a new breed of ‘coworking’. New breed meaning it is smaller, more local, and more reflective of the local community vibe and values.

Our Mission

CraftWork is driven to create an inspired 

workspace that helps diversify and strengthen

the  local Healdsburg economy

How it started, and how it’s going

Like any ‘small’ venture, CraftWork started with an idea, an image and a purpose. The idea was born out of a three day tour of Detroit I led in 2017. What we saw was a bubbling rebirth of the local economy fueled by coworking, maker and urban manufacturing. I left inspired and motivated thinking ʻwe could do this in Healdsburgʻ.

The image was a mash up of three beloved Healdsburg spaces – Hotel Healdsburg lobby (with its timeless, sophisticated, but welcoming feel), Flying Goat Coffee (when it was the center of work/life downtown), and Banshee Tasting room (with its funky, ecletic furnishings and intimate feel). The purpose was to create a place where people could come together to explore ideas, create new businesses and support one another as they grow. The goal is to help strengthen our local economy while helping foster community conversations that encourage more experimentation, create a willingness to try new things, and embrace growth as a positive force we can shape.

Over the next five years I visited over 15 cities, leading a self-selecting group of developers and public officials, in search of one thing, How have communities emerged from the recession stronger, more vibrant, and more attractive to entrepreneurs?  And while each told a different story, one thing was common.  The increasing presence of a place where the small company, the self employed, the start-up or the new idea could gather.  Work. Share. Grow. During these same five years I left my house each morning to grab coffee and conversation.  As I walked past what would become the future home of CraftWork, I could see behind its dated façade to the raw material that every successful cowork space had.  What the industry calls ‘brick and timber creative space’.  We just call it great bones.  Behind the bad color choices and worn carpet, I knew the DNA of something special screamed out to be given a second chance. And so the journey to CraftWork began.

Purpose

Build high quality, high performance workspace for all

Strengthen the diversity and resilience of local economies

Connect doers of all ages in a mutually supportive community 

Catalyze personal, professional, and community growth

Why we need CraftWork

Since opening I hear everyday how important CraftWork is to the local community. Young parents who need a place to focus and get of the house to do their remote work. Entrepreneurs who are looking for people like them to grow new ideas. Anyone that has a challenge focusing at the kitchen table or coffee shop. To be surrounded by busy who are ʻdoingʻ and getting things done is inspiring and motivating in and of itself. And then there is the Hub effect. When CraftWork started we wanted it to be more than just a work place. We wanted the community to see it as their ʻliving roomʻ. Where civic groups can meet. Where people can celebrate milestones in their lives. Where we can foster productive conversations and explorations of our town, its changes and what it means to live here.

Do you want to be part of this story?  Join us as we redefine the meaning of Work, by re-engaging the passion of Craft. Right here in Healdsburg.