Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel King.
Hi Rachel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
MADE Makerspace was founded in St. Louis in November 2018 by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Jim McKelvey and Third Degree Glass Factory co-founder Doug Auer. Located in the Delmar Maker District, MADE was created with a simple but powerful vision: to provide people of all backgrounds with access to the tools, resources, and community needed to create.Since opening its doors, MADE has welcomed thousands of makers, artists, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, and curious beginners into our workshops. Designed for makers ages 13 and older, MADE is thoughtfully organized into specialized areas, including a woodshop, metal shop, laser bay, textiles studio, ceramics studio, digital fabrication lab, and more. Whether someone is picking up a tool for the first time or refining years of experience, MADE provides the equipment, instruction, and supportive community to help bring ideas to life.In 2025, MADE entered an exciting new chapter by becoming a nonprofit organization, reaffirming its commitment to serving the St. Louis community. Today, our mission is to strengthen mental health and resilience through the power of making—connecting the St. Louis community with tools, skills, and belonging.MADE continues to foster a more connected, resilient, and creative St. Louis, empowering people to build not only projects, but confidence, friendships, and a lasting sense of community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Last year, MADE was hit hard by the tornado, resulting in extensive damage to our building and, unfortunately, a significant loss of members. It was a difficult season as we worked to rebuild—not just our space, but our community.
Over the past year, we’ve slowly but steadily welcomed members back, and we’re thrilled to share that we’ve officially surpassed 250 members—the highest membership in MADE’s history! This milestone is a testament to the resilience of our community and the incredible people who continue to believe in our mission.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
MADE Makerspace is a nonprofit community workshop dedicated to helping adults rediscover their creativity through the power of making. We provide access to state-of-the-art tools, equipment, classes, and a welcoming community where people can learn new skills, build confidence, and create alongside others.
What sets MADE apart is our belief that creativity isn’t just a hobby—it’s an essential part of well-being. While there is (rightfully) significant investment in creative opportunities for youth, there are far fewer spaces designed specifically for adults to explore, learn, and make. We exist to fill that gap.
Our mission is to strengthen mental health and resilience through the power of making. Whether someone is woodworking, welding, sewing, 3D printing, or simply trying something new for the first time, we believe the act of creating has the power to reduce stress, build confidence, foster meaningful relationships, and give people a sense of purpose and belonging.
What we’re most proud of is the community we’ve built. Every day, people from all walks of life come through our doors not just to use tools, but to connect with one another, share knowledge, and discover what they’re capable of. At MADE, we’re creating more than projects—we’re creating a community where everyone belongs.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What we love most about St. Louis is its incredible neighborhoods and the people who call them home. Every neighborhood has its own unique history, culture, and creative spirit. Being located in the Delmar Maker District gives us the opportunity to serve as a gathering place where people from across the region can come together to learn, create, and build relationships. We believe creativity has the power to connect people, and we’re proud to be part of bridging neighborhoods that have too often felt disconnected.
What we’d most like to see improve is greater connection between communities. St. Louis has incredible assets, but many neighborhoods remain divided by historic and systemic barriers. At MADE, we’re working to help change that by creating an inclusive space where anyone—regardless of their background, experience, or zip code—can walk through our doors, make something with their hands, and leave feeling like they belong.
Pricing:
- $125 monthly membership
- $1200 for year membership
- Scholarships are coming available soon! This would give someone the opportunity to work free for a year at our space.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madestl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/made_makerspace/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mademakerspace/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mademakerspace
