Nest

This May, the USA launched on Homo Faber Guide, a cultural movement centered on master artisans and the next generations of craftspeople, presented by the Michelangelo Foundation. Homo Faber is delighted to present over 200 master artisans across the US practicing over 50 crafts, representing the largest country launch on Homo Faber Guide. The work of these craft artists is a sample of the breadth of American craft. In addition, 60 US-based craft artists will be present at Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light, taking place in Venice, Italy, this September. Discover US-based artisans on Homo Faber Guide: https://lnkd.in/eaHUgHPa Nest had the opportunity to be an ambassador for the launch, partnering with Homo Faber to recommend 10 exceptional artisans based across the country. Learn more and meet the makers today: https://lnkd.in/eB53gfeg 📸 Photo Credits: JUDiTH+ROLFE, Gullah Sweetgrass Baskets, Binata Millinery #HomoFaberGuide #artisans #craftspeople #ambassador #buildanest

What does it truly mean for a product to be handcrafted, and how can brands and makers work together to preserve the integrity of handcraft in today’s global marketplace? Nest recognized the need to establish a definition for the term handcraft in partnership with artisans, brands, and industry leaders. We are pleased to share our model for verifying handcraft techniques and products, ensuring that claims are used consistently across the industry. To celebrate the launch of our mark, we invite you to join us, June 2 from 1–2 PM EST, for a special Verified Handcrafted Roundtable, where we’ll bring together leaders from around the craft ecosystem for a thoughtful and engaging conversation. Learn from industry leaders discussing the value, standards, and future of handcraft: Collette Najjar (Weinberger), Internal Communications Manager, Sustainability, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Jennifer Gootman, Global Head of Sustainability & ESG Strategy, TORY BURCH Gabriel Finkelsztein, Chief Executive Officer, K. Dorfzaun Hats Sara Otto, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Nest Together, we’ll explore how Verified Handcrafted supports responsible sourcing, strengthens artisan livelihoods, and builds deeper trust with consumers. Whether you’re a brand, artisan, or advocate for ethical production, this roundtable is for you. Reserve your spot today and be part of the conversation: https://lnkd.in/eyu7rvH3 #VerifiedHandcrafted #NestGuild #Handmade #VHRoundtable #buildanest

We’re excited to share several leadership promotions that reflect the incredible vision, talent, and dedication moving our work forward. Please join us in congratulating Amanda Lee on her promotion to Chief Brand Partnerships Officer, Anthony Galante on his promotion to Chief Program Officer, and Tara Levy on her expanded role as Chief Communications and Engagement Officer. Throughout their tenures at Nest, Amanda, Anthony, and Tara played instrumental roles in advancing our mission to support and strengthen the global handcraft sector. Their leadership, creativity, and personal commitments to craft communities have helped shape meaningful partnerships and programs. Amanda has been a steady force in building transformative partnerships with brands that center makers and artisans while bringing more handcrafted goods to mainstream markets. Anthony has worked to strengthen and expand Nest’s programs, deepening our impact across craft communities worldwide. And, Tara has helped amplify Nest’s voice and commitment to global craftspeople, bringing greater visibility to the stories, people, and partnerships at the heart of our work. We are grateful for all they have contributed to Nest and are excited for this new chapter under their leadership. Congratulations, Amanda, Anthony, and Tara!

We’re excited to introduce Crafted Conversations, Nest’s new Substack dedicated to stories of craft, culture, and creativity. 🪡 Through Crafted Conversations, we're gaining a deeper understanding of the artisans and makers we partner with – exploring their processes, inspirations, and the broader impact of their work around the world. We’re launching with an introductory letter from Rebecca van Bergen, our Founder & Executive Director, to set the stage for the stories that will be delivered to subscribers inboxes. If you’re passionate about craft and the people behind your favorite handmade goods, we invite you to subscribe and follow along: https://lnkd.in/e36gBVkX #CraftedConversations #MakerStories #ArtisanMade #Substack #StorytellingThroughCraft #makermovement #handcrafted #buildanest

Please join us in celebrating the newest cohort of Nest's Artisan Accelerator! For the first time since the Accelerator’s inception in 2018, this program is focused on the regional roadblocks of 11 artisan businesses based in Kenya. The program features a market access learning series, tailored mentorship, and an in-person learning summit led by local experts, including our collaborators at African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative to tackle these challenges. We encourage you to follow their accounts as they’re some of the top businesses in the region across apparel, fashion accessories, and home goods! Nest's 2026 Regional Artisan Accelerator is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies and Target Foundation, and is an intensive and holistic program that provides high-potential handcraft businesses with the support they need to become vital players in the international marketplace. Meet the full cohort today: https://lnkd.in/dwK87-Wx #NestArtisanAccelerator #RegionalArtisanAccelerator #Kenya #buildanest

We are excited to introduce the Nest Tapestry Circle! 💫 Our version of a Junior Board, this cohort of engaged supporters of Nest brings together a community of purpose-driven professionals and emerging philanthropists who share a passion for creativity, craft, and social impact.   The Tapestry Circle allows members to connect with like-minded peers, learn from inspiring leaders, and take part in opportunities to directly support makers and artists around the world. This cohort consists of Leaders, Members, and Ambassadors, each tier holding its own roles and responsibilities.   Your membership includes, exclusive events and experiences, meaningful impact through targeted initiatives, leadership and legacy opportunities to champion artisans and makers globally, and lasting connection and community, building relationships with fellow professionals who share your commitment to creativity. Meet the full Tapestry Circle today, and learn more about how you can join and get involved with this vibrant community advancing Nest's mission to support artists, makers and artisans through leadership and philanthropy: https://lnkd.in/ejqamvig #TheNestTapestryCircle #TapestryCircle #VibrantCommunity #buildanest

Looking for climate learning and training resources to help strengthen resilience and integrate sustainable practices into your small business operations? The Nest Climate Academy, developed in partnership with Etsy and Adyen, provides structured, actionable learning designed specifically for artisans and small creative businesses. Grounded in Nest’s Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) framework, the program covers climate preparedness, disaster recovery, sustainable operations, and climate leadership, with localized insights for communities facing increasing climate risks. US-based makers can access the Academy at no cost by first signing up for Nest Connect. We invite makers and partners to learn more and explore the Academy today: https://lnkd.in/e2qvHh2P #TheNestClimateAcademy #ClimateAcademy #MakerSupport #buildanest

Our Founder and Executive Director, Rebecca van Bergen, was recently interviewed by The Nonprofit Show for a piece titled, "How One Nonprofit Built a 128-Country Economic Network." In this episode, Rebecca shares how Nest built a scalable system supporting artisans by combining business training, ethical sourcing, and strategic partnerships, while highlighting the importance of ecosystem building for the future of nonprofit work. Listen and learn more today: https://lnkd.in/eyFUKnGJ

Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian makers are building more than businesses, they’re crafting a more prosperous future. Nest’s Shared Prosperity report, “Crafting Prosperity: Economic Insights into Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian Makers,” shares new research on the experiences, challenges, and ambitions of 25 local makers and entrepreneurs. From financial insights to stories of personal strength, this report highlights the heart of Eastern Kentucky’s creative economy. Made possible by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, it’s a must-read for anyone passionate about creative entrepreneurship and local impact. Access the full report today: https://lnkd.in/eZJkzKGh 📸 Photo Credit: Casey Papendieck, Turtle Farm Pottery #CraftingProsperity #EconomicInsights #AppalachianCraft #buildanest

Happy #EarthDay! 🌱🌎 As we honor this annual day of celebration, demonstrating our continued support for environmental protections, we want to take a moment to spotlight the accomplishments of our Artisan Sustainability Accelerator program. With a focus on the future of our communities and planet, Nest’s Sustainability Accelerator supported 48 trailblazing social enterprises across 26 countries in the artisan and handcraft sector. Program participants each had a clear sustainability mission or were working towards established sustainability goals—be that through a commitment to creating a more transparent supply chain, through circularity goals to reduce waste, support resource conservation, and reduce their environmental footprint; or, through exploring technology and operational innovation. Swipe through to see the impact that the program had, focusing on individual and collective action for a sustainable future, and meet the entire cohort of artisans today: https://lnkd.in/eysrnkh7 #EarthDay2026 #ArtisanSustainabilityAccelerator #BytheNumbers #SustainableHandcraft #ArtisanandHandcraftSector #buildanest