Places of Denver MINDCRAFT MAKERSPACE Owner: Cristina Hartman, Ph.D.
M indCraft began as a dream to create a space where children and their families could explore, learn, and create original works. With Hartman’s background in science and a passion for the arts, she wanted to combine these elements into a unique environment that offers both a dynamic STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) Makerspace and a STEAM-themed retail toy store. Over the past several years, MindCraft has grown from a small local toy store to a bustling hub of creativity and innovation, serving families and other businesses in the Denver area. Services provided: • Toy Store • After-School Programs • Summer Camps • Open-studio Sessions • Guided Activities • Workshops • Birthday Parties • 1:1 Tutoring in Orton-Gillingham for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia • Traditional English and Math Tutoring • Executive Functional Skills Training • Test Prep How do you make it a point to put families first? Putting families first is at the core of everything we do at
MindCraft. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. Our programming is designed to cater to all ages and skill levels, ensuring that everyone can participate and learn at their own pace. We also prioritize safety and education, with highly-trained staff available to assist and guide our visitors. Additionally, we actively seek feedback from our community to continually improve and adapt our offerings to meet their needs. What do you enjoy the most about having the Makerspace in our area? The most rewarding aspect of having the makerspace in our area is seeing the impact it has on our community. Denver has many young and motivated families, and we love watching children and adults alike discover new interests, develop skills, and gain confidence in their abilities and acquired skills. The collaborative spirit and sense of community that has grown around MindCraft is incredibly fulfilling. It’s wonderful to see families come over and over for several years, and see the children grow from kindergarteners to middle and high schoolers. We really love that our community supports one another in their creative endeavors.
We are always looking for ways to expand and enhance our offerings at MindCraft. In the near future, we plan to introduce more specialized workshops and classes, including 3D Digital design and 3D Printing for adults. We have been testing some AI platforms in order to introduce Educational AI Workshops and Camps. We are also exploring partnerships with local schools and organizations to provide more outreach and educational opportunities Additionally, we hope to expand our space to accommodate larger groups and host community events that celebrate creativity and innovation, and we’re hoping to open a second location west of downtown. Do you have any advice for new business owners? My advice for new business owners is to stay passionate and resilient. Building a business takes time, effort, and dedication, but the rewards are well worth it. Surround yourself with a strong and supportive team, and don’t be afraid to seek help and advice from others. Always listen to your customers and be willing to adapt and evolve based on their feedback and needs. Most importantly, stay true to your vision and remember why you started your journey in the first place. Let your business be a happy place.
What’s next for the Makerspace?
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