Welcome to the makerie 

At the Makerie, we believe everyone {yes you!} is creative. When we take time and space to make something with our hands, we give ourselves the chance to slow down, take a breath, and find the gift of reconnecting with ourselves and others in the most meaningful ways. Our hands are a way to our hearts. To celebrate this deep belief and passion, we host contemporary creative retreats to nurture the creativity found in all of us. We seek beautiful, special locations to create just the right setting for creative nourishment, and seek renowned artists and teachers to lovingly guide each retreat. Makers of all levels are invited to join us for several hours or days of playful exploration and connection. While each retreat has its own unique personality, they all share an emphasis on creativity, curiosity, and self-care. It would be our sincere pleasure and honor to have you join us.

Ali DeJohn
founder  

When I look back, I can honestly say this journey began when a seed was planted at my adorable pre-school. All of the children were given wonderful opportunities to use their hands to make things. (Painting toast with colored butter was a personal favorite.) Every creation was encouraged and celebrated. I was always so excited to go to school! Every child was an artist. These are the earliest and most precious memories I have of falling in love with making things with my hands. Even now, when I’m wrapped up in a cozy blanket with my knitting needles in front of the fireplace, weave yarn onto a loom, or even illustrate a tiny love note for my children, I enter another world. A place where all is calm, the ‘to-do’ lists and worries melt away, and the world slows down. Using my hands to make something gives me a sense of purpose and a gentle way to express who I am. A professional artist I am not, nor did I attend graphic design school (I always wish I did!), but am simply someone who has a deep love for handmade and helping others find creative nourishment in their everyday lives.

Prior to starting the Makerie, I had a wonderful career in event planning, marketing and print production, working for a wonderful, family-owned special event company in Chicago and 7+ years working with an amazing team to produce the Chicago Marathon, one of the best and biggest marathons in the world. I loved how each special event took on a life of its own, and the most rewarding part of my marathon days was being able to stand at the finish line on race day, knowing that in my tiny way, I was part of paving the way for dreams to come true. 

Designing Makerie retreats is a wild and wonderful journey and one I never expected to be on. I’ve been able to call upon my event planning and experiential design background and combine my love of handmade to create an experience I believe is needed in the world. As I continue to learn, nurturing our creativity is an essential part of living a happy, whole-hearted life because when we honor that precious part of ourselves, we awaken something within that makes us feel alive. It’s where magic can truly happen!

Among the many gifts the Makerie continues to give me, meeting the most extraordinary people who deeply care about creativity has been one of my greatest treasures. The Makerie is so much more than a dream come true for me and if I can in any way, inspire someone else to go after their dreams too, then that is what this is all about. I’m so very glad you’re along for this beautiful ride.  

You can learn a bit more about the Makerie story via the While She Naps podcast, Do What You Love, and Smart Creative Women.

   press

Interviews

design + development by RYNFRANK