The Nest Coworking has been my office since before Lettering Works officially began. Being part of the winning Startup Weekend Peoria team in February 2016 won me a three-month membership. Over the past three years, it has been home to countless workshops, meetings, and events while serving as a place where friendships, connections, and ideas developed for my business. The collaborative and creative environment is perfect for independent professionals who seek an alternative from simply working from home.

Located in Peoria’s Warehouse District, The Nest is operated by the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council. It services freelancers, remote workers, and early-stage startups - providing subsidized rent and access to startup resources. For more information on joining as a member yourself, check out The Nest Coworking on Proximity.

Highlights Through the Years

In August 2016, The Journal Star stopped by The Nest (when it was located at 826 SW Adams - above Sugar Wood Fired Bistro) and captured Chelsie Tamms and Daniel Hart coworking with other Nest members. Check out their article: “Idea is to help you leave The Nest” online.

In June 2017, Hello Peoria held a First Friday event and opened the space to many individuals who continue to promote positivity in Peoria. Here’s what the event and space looked like:

I’ve held lettering workshops on a monthly basis since August 2016. They began at The Art Garage and eventually moved to the Nest:

In November 2017, I held a 100 Days of Peoria Book Release Party - celebrating the successful funding of my second art book. Supportive friends and community members filled the space:

In August 2018, we held our first “Makers Market in the Warehouse District” (which soon evolved to the 25 on the 25th Makers Market at the Riverfront Museum). The event featured seven local artists and makers:

In March 2019, I collaborated with local business owners Sarah Waldo of Violet and Ivy Photography and Francie Hinrichsen of Simply Integrated, LLC to put on a Freelancing Females Brunch:

On April 25, 2019, Lettering Works celebrated the third year in business with a special Ribbon Cutting Anniversary Celebration featuring Marty Wombacher of Meanwhile Back in Peoria, Steph and Barbie Perry of Steph’s Stickers, and local musical duo Projekts:

The Nest has evolved over the three plus years that I have been a member. It will continue to grow and adapt to meet the needs of its membership. I am so grateful for this space and the many opportunities it has provided to my business. It will always have a special place in my heart being Lettering Works’ first office space. I am happy to know that it will continue on and become home to many more entrepreneurs, creatives, and small businesses.

All photos by Sarah Waldo of Violet and Ivy Photography, unless otherwise noted.