Like All Good Things, Design Hive in LA Started Over Mimosa Brunch
Our Story
Founders Lauren Arshad and Jen Cefaly, both teachers who had long harbored the idea of creating a space for all things STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) met to plan their first event, a hands-on, dinosaur-themed sensory play party for a very special one year old boy - Lauren’s son! From there the idea for their Pico Blvd. storefront grew into what it is today, a totally unique community space that is part workshop, art studio and technology center, offering in-person and online workshops, camps, and events for makers and crafters of all ages.
Coworkers turned friends, Lauren and Jen, met almost a decade ago occupying the same small corner of the elementary school where they taught - Lauren teaching science and Jen teaching technology. As they moved through different schools, workplaces, and even countries, they remained friends. Their commitment to hands-on learning and STEAM education had only grown stronger and is what would eventually bring them back together over Mimosas in Los Angeles.
Pivoting Past the Pandemic
Check out Design Hive Smart House Camp (Live online instruction + XL DIY Smart House Kit):July 6-10 | 10-12 | Ages 7-12 | $250July 13-17 | 10-12 | Ages 7-12 | $250
Before securing their Mid-city location at 5368 Pico Blvd, Design Hive built momentum popping up all over Los Angeles, hosting birthday parties, happy hours, and workshops in a variety of spaces. The official launch at their Pico studio was on March 1, 2020. And with the support and encouragement from the community, they moved forward with a packed schedule of workshops and classes. However, as luck would have it, they had to press pause in mid-March and close the shop due to the COVID-19 lockdown . Because their business was so new, PPP loans and grants were not available. Having “bootstrapped” their small business with just their teacher salaries, and then having to refund cancelled workshops, Jen and Lauren knew they were going to have to pivot if they were going to survive.
“We knew that we were going to have to change our model. We took about a minute to have a little pity party and then we got to work.”
The Pico Blvd studio went from a workshop to an assembly line. “We looked at our physical supplies, as well as our skills and talents. We knew we could still create a unique experience for people remotely.” They created an Etsy shop for their kits, selling LED embroidery kits and sensory kits with playdough, recreating their shop experience for people to have in their homes. “We made instructional videos and posted little ‘how-to’ videos on Instagram. We created entire event packages for remote parties using Zoom.”
The Pico Community
The Pico Blvd., Mid-City location was an obvious choice because of its strong community feel and diverse population. Wanting to stay connected to the community while still maintaining distance, Lauren and Jen assembled giveaway craft kits and set them out in front of the store for neighborhood kids. They also offered free classes via Zoom for art and craft projects using everyday supplies that most people already had in their pantry. In the first two weeks of June, Design Hive gave away hundreds of Black Lives Matter bracelet kits in support of the #BLM movement.
“We knew people were struggling during the pandemic, both emotionally and financially and we wanted to do something to support our Pico community. Even though we weren’t open for business, and didn’t have much income coming in, we wanted people to know that we were still there and could be a resource for them.”
A Place to Imagine, Create, and Innovate
Design Hive was born of a dream to be a true community resource, a place for parents to enjoy sensory play with their toddlers, a place for children to develop confidence and skill as they experiment with new materials and processes, a place for community members to meet or hold events, and a place for neighborhood friends to gather over process art or tech workshops.
“Ideally, you could come for morning sensory play or parent and child yoga, then come back that evening with your partner or bestie for Design Hive After Dark, a happy hour that showcases local chefs and artists.”
Full STEAM Ahead
Right now, Design Hive is prepping for their reopening and currently offering week long STEAM summer camps for students ages 7-12. These hands-on camps, which can be done on-site or from the comfort and safety of your home, feature activities like creating your own video game, or designing, building and programming your own “Smart” dollhouse. Design Hive also offers STEAM-themed birthday party packages, and opens up their doors for meetings, professional development, parties, and showers. Design Hive is a 50% black-owned, and 100% female founded small business. They are thrilled to see small businesses reopening on Pico Blvd, and are excited to be a part of this historic neighborhood’s revitalization.
Check them out at:
5368 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019
