#introduction

Hello, I'm Karen and my background is #mechanicalengineering. I have a day job career in #projectmanagement for the design, installation and startup of food and beverage #manufacturing #packaging and #processing equipment for large #CPG companies. It has held my attention for the past 25 years, (#GenX) and, though stressful at times, I do enjoy it.

I am also a #maker. I founded a #nonprofit, incidentally called #IAmAMaker or AKA [ I am a Maker ]. I feel strongly that everybody has the capacity to make, whether it is food, photography, electronics, software, fiber arts, artisan crafts, wood or metal working, writing, really anything.

Creating something from nothing is what we do as humans and I encourage others to exercise their mind in the process of creation.

My primary mode of #making is #sewing. However, I also #crochet, and experiment with concrete for making #candles and other home goods. I make items to sell to fund the nonprofit activities that include community service projects, a #combatrobot event, #hebocon, #DenverAreaFactoryTours and monthly free activities that bring the local community together from the surrounding areas of #Longmont #Boulder and #Niwot in #Colorado.

The reason I started the nonprofit was to encourage people to take control of their own creativity and own it, no matter what it is they make. My hope is that others will give themselves the permission to start something new, try a new hobby and share with one another.