Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurie Pottmeyer.
Hi laurie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Before founding māk, I spent 10 years organizing large spectator events around the US and then another twenty years leading global community and program development in the tech industry. After a layoff in 2025, I found myself at a crossroads and decided to build something that reflected my values: creativity, connection, and local community. I opened māk in a historic corner of Oregon City as a hands-on creative studio where people of all ages can slow down, make something with their hands, and feel part of something local and meaningful – together.
The journey has been humbling and energizing. I went from traveling the world, speaking on the topic of AI to being in my sweet little corner of town covered in paint, designing workshops, and welcoming neighbors into a space I built from nothing…moving to an analog world. Today, māk is growing into a community hub – a place where creativity feels accessible, where people feel seen, and where I get to do work that feels deeply aligned with who I am becoming – built from where I’ve been.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. We’re tucked into this sweet little historic pocket of Oregon City, which I love — but it also means we don’t get a ton of natural foot traffic. Most people find us because a friend brought them, or they saw someone post a project online. I can’t tell you how many times I hear, “Oh my gosh, I had no idea you were here.”
That’s been one of the biggest challenges: building awareness from scratch. But it’s also been one of the most meaningful parts. Every person who discovers māk feels like a tiny celebration. Every workshop, every returning guest, every “I told my neighbor about you” moment is part of how we’re growing. We’re still early, but the community that’s forming around this place feels really special.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At māk, I’ve built a creative studio that’s intentionally different from the typical workshop model. What we’re known for, and what truly sets us apart, is that you can walk in anytime we’re open and choose from 8–10 different projects. You’re not locked into one activity, and you don’t have to do the same thing as your friend. If you don’t paint, great – you can roll beeswax candles, sculpt clay, stitch something small, make a collage, or try a totally different medium. There’s always something for everyone, and the freedom to choose is a huge part of the experience.
A lot of people tell me they’re “not creative,” and honestly, those are my favorite guests. māk is designed for people who haven’t made art in years…or ever. It’s not about perfection; it’s about the process, the play, and the analog moment of sitting across from someone you care about and doing something with your hands. It feels a little like meeting a friend for drinks… except you’re also making something together. And yes — we serve wine and beer, so you can settle in, hang out, and make an evening of it. We’re even looking at extending our hours this summer so people can come after work and unwind here.
We also offer instructor-led workshops for anyone who wants to learn a new art form or prefers more guidance. And we’re expanding beyond traditional “art classes” into what I lovingly call the granny hobby renaissance — things like mahjong lessons, crochet lessons, and more nostalgic, tactile, slow‑living activities that people are craving right now. These offerings bring in a whole new kind of community energy, and they’re becoming a really fun part of what we do.
The space itself is part of the experience. It’s modern, clean, warm, and never cluttered or chaotic. It’s approachable without feeling childish, and elevated without feeling intimidating. I’m most proud of the environment we’ve created – a place where people feel welcome, capable, and connected. māk is about creativity, yes, but it’s also about belonging. That’s the part that keeps people coming back.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Nothing makes me happier than hearing “I needed that” as someone walks out the door — it’s the clearest sign that māk is doing what it’s meant to do. Because whether it’s a birthday party, a company morale event, or a quiet drop‑in moment, I’m not just creating projects. I’m creating experiences. From the moment you walk through the door to the moment we say “until next time,” I want people to feel welcomed, grounded, inspired, and taken care of.
And my kids… they’re my heart. They make me happy in a way nothing else can. Travel is up there, too — and one day I’ll do a lot more of that again.
Pricing:
- walk-in māk bar DIY projects range from $15-$45
- workshops range from $45-$200
- private groups/parties start at $300
- $6 wine / $4 beer / $4 seltzer
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mak-space.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makmakery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585595972825
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriepottmeyer/
