Makerspace

         

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Meet Marcus Perry, the founder and owner of Tech Hive Makerspace located in the bustling city of Austin, Texas. Perry's passion for creating a community-driven, collaborative workspace has not only provided a space for local creatives and entrepreneurs but has also led to unexpected success with the help of Shopify.

1. When and why did you decide to start Tech Hive Makerspace?

I founded Tech Hive Makerspace back in 2015 after realizing there was a need in Austin for a workspace where creative professionals could come together to work and collaborate. I noticed that many people were working out of their homes or local coffee shops, which can be isolating and limit their ability to use certain equipment and tools necessary for their craft.

2. What were some challenges you faced when starting the business?

The biggest challenge was finding the right location at the right price. We wanted a space that would be accessible to everyone and near public transportation, but also affordable. Finding the right tools, equipment, and sourcing the materials needed for the space also presented some challenges. In addition, we had to educate the local community about what a makerspace was and what Tech Hive Makerspace could offer them.

3. How did you overcome those challenges?

We overcame these challenges by putting in a lot of time and effort in researching and networking with other makerspaces. We also made sure to create a social media presence and attend local events to spread the word about our business. Finally, partnering with local businesses and institutions, like Shopify, provided us with the resources we needed to be successful.

4. How has Shopify helped your business?

Shopify has been a great partner for us. With their software, we are able to sell our workshop events and equipment rentals directly on our website. Their platform is easy to use and has allowed us to streamline our operations. We also use their point-of-sale system in-store, which allows us to track inventory and sales data in real-time.

5. What would you say sets Tech Hive Makerspace apart from other similar businesses?

Our focus on community is what sets us apart. We strive to provide access to tools and resources that people might not have otherwise had. We offer a wide range of classes and workshops that cater to various interests and skill levels. Finally, we make it a point to foster collaboration and creativity among our members.

6. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own makerspace?

My advice would be to do your research and understand the market you want to serve. Create a clear vision and mission for your makerspace and communicate it to potential members and the community. Finally, find partners like Shopify who can provide the tools and resources you need to succeed.

7. What does the future hold for Tech Hive Makerspace?

We are planning to expand our offerings and introduce new equipment and tools to our members. Long term, we want to create more makerspaces in other cities to provide people with access to these resources in more areas.

         

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