Nest, a US-based nonprofit connecting a community of artisans, retailers and philanthropies to bring the beauty of handcraft to the world, and Gap Inc., a house of iconic American brands founded and headquartered in San Francisco, are excited to announce a new partnership to empower makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs in the Bay Area.
This collaboration will expand Nest’s ‘Makers United’ program to the San Francisco Bay Area, providing resources and opportunities for local makers to grow their businesses, with a special focus on equity, inclusion, and peer connection.
Creativity has been an integral part of Gap Inc.’s identity and at the heart of the organization’s legacy for 55 years. San Francisco, home to Gap Inc.’s brands and people since it was founded in 1969, has always been a source of creative inspiration. Together with Nest, Gap Inc. is committed to investing in the creative culture of the region by supporting a talented and diverse maker community with the launch of Makers United San Francisco.
As part of this expansion, Nest and Gap Inc. will host a Holiday Makers Market December 7-8, 2024, featuring more than 40 local craftspeople. Representing a wide range of craft types—including jewelry, ceramics, woodworking, and more—makers will showcase and sell their handmade goods at the market just in time for holiday gift giving. The event offers an opportunity for the public to engage directly with local makers and artists, discover unique handcrafted goods, and support San Francisco's vibrant creative community. The Gap Inc. Holiday Makers Market is an annual event, but this is the first time non-employee makers will be invited to participate and Gap Inc. is opening its doors to the entire community to shop.
“At Gap Inc., our purpose is to bridge gaps to create a better world. Through our partnership with Nest, we have the opportunity to bridge gaps right here in our own community by supporting and empowering the many creative entrepreneurs that make San Francisco special. Our annual Makers Market is always a highly anticipated event with our teams, and we are excited to open our doors more broadly this year – adding to the vibrancy of downtown and bringing excitement to our headquarters,” said Amy Thompson, Gap Inc.’s Chief People Officer.
“Gap Inc. is a company brimming with creative energy – from the teams working to re-energize our brands, to the employees with creative endeavors that enrich their lives. Hosting the Makers Market at our headquarters is a great way to share the creative energy of our company while celebrating other creative people in the local community around San Francisco,” added Zac Posen, Executive Vice President & Creative Director, Gap Inc.
Nest’s Makers United program, which has been successfully implemented in cities like Chicago, Detroit, Birmingham, and New York City, focuses on fostering inclusivity and building a more sustainable and equitable economy for creative entrepreneurs. By offering business training, mentorship, and access to markets free of charge, Makers United helps creative entrepreneurs navigate the unique challenges of scaling their small, craft-based businesses.
Makers United is centered on three pillars:
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Solving Underrepresentation in Ecommerce + Boosting Market Access: Makers United bridges the digital divide that disproportionately affects BIPOC and historically marginalized makers by increasing access to ecommerce opportunities and developing essential skills in digital tools and technology.
Nest also fosters direct maker-to-buyer connections and provides opportunities for brand exposure to help participants expand into new markets and/or attain larger market share, in-store, online, and through thoughtful collaborations.
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Delivering Free Business Management Training + Resources: Makers United offers free, in-person and virtual workshops on important topics for small creative businesses, like brand identity and storytelling, building client relationships, visual merchandising, developing digital media content, leveraging social media advertising/engagement, and optimizing online sales.
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Building A Stronger Ecosystem for Maker Microbusinesses + Solopreneurs: Makers United brings visibility to under-represented makers and the challenges they face to inclusion in the micro- and small-business economy by mapping the regional landscape of small business supports and connecting the dots between makers and the local, national, and peer resources they need.
“Nest is honored to partner with Gap Inc. to expand Makers United into San Francisco,” said Rebecca van Bergen, Nest’s Founder and Executive Director. “While many associate the city with new technology, the region is home to countless makers crafting beautiful ceramics, wooden wares, jewelry, and more. We’re thrilled to showcase the creative spirit of San Francisco through the Holiday Makers Market and to provide targeted support to local makers ensuring that creative entrepreneurs from all backgrounds have the resources they need to succeed.”
The Holiday Makers Market will be held at 2 Folsom, Gap Inc.’s headquarters in San Francisco, providing a festive space for attendees to shop local, learn about the diverse crafts represented, and celebrate the creative spirit of the Bay Area. The market will include craft activations and demonstrations alongside makers’ pieces for sale.
The Holiday Makers Market is open to the public and interested attendees are encouraged to visit www.buildanest.org/sf-market for more details to help plan their visit.
About Nest
Nest is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) connecting a community of artisans, retailers and philanthropies to bring the full beauty of handcraft to the world. We provide the resources and relationships that uplift the people, places and practices behind each handcrafted piece so artisans are respected, traditions are celebrated, and families and communities can grow and thrive. Handcraft connects us to ourselves, to each other and to a better future – creating a more equitable and beautiful world for us all.
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc., a house of iconic brands, is the largest specialty apparel company in America. Its Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta brands offer clothing, accessories, and lifestyle products for men, women and children. Since 1969, Gap Inc. has created products and experiences that shape culture, while doing right by employees, communities and the planet. Gap Inc. products are available worldwide through company-operated stores, franchise stores, and e-commerce sites. Fiscal year 2023 net sales were $14.9 billion. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.
For more information, please contact:
Nest Media Contact:
Pam Schlichter, PS Communications
pam@ps-communicate.com
Gap Inc. Media Contact:
press@gap.com