CraftNOW Trunk Show & Meet-a-Mentor Happy Hour

Friday,

March 20, 2026

In-Person Only | NextFab, 1800 N. American St, Philadelphia

Join 75+ makers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs for a celebratory evening of connection, shopping, and real-world business support.

This in-person happy hour brings together local vendors, community resources, and carefully curated mentors to close out the learning portion of Tools of the Trades.

Enjoy complimentary drinks and bites, browse handmade goods from featured makers, watch live demos in the NextFab makerspace, and connect one-on-one with mentors and organizations offering practical guidance - from legal and finance to marketing, sustainability, and growth strategy.

This is not a panel. It’s not a pitch fest.
It’s a space to ask real questions, build relationships, and leave with next steps.

What to Expect?

🛍 CraftNOW Trunk Show
Shop from local makers and small businesses showcasing handmade products, sustainable goods, and creative tools.

🤝 Meet-a-Mentor
Connect with business mentors and resource organizations for short, informal conversations and post-conference follow-ups. Ask speakers you just heard from your burning questions!

🛠️ Live Demos
See behind-the-scenes processes and tools in action throughout the NextFab makerspace.

🥂 Community Happy Hour
Complimentary drinks and light bites included.

Vendors & Community Partners

More being added - check back often!

A sustainable retail shop in Northern Liberties helping people reduce single-use plastic waste. Ray’s Reusables offers refillable cleaning and body care products, low-waste household supplies, and thoughtfully curated gifts for everyday living.

G + RIZZ

G + RIZZ started accidentally, but right on time. What began as a quick sketch by two Philly kids is now a brand built on paper goods, art decor, and dope apparel.

From West Philly to Germantown, we create for humans. Our work pulls from real life—the funny moments, the local pride, and just enough chaos to keep it honest. We’re here to connect, inspire, and leave behind art that actually means something. 👽

Charlotte Holt

Charlotte Holt is a full-time self-employed artist and printmaker based in Philly. She fell in love with the craft of printmaking in undergrad and has been printing ever since. She creates beautifully simple but intricate, colorful hand-printed block prints and cards. Her work has always been a point of joy and connection for Holt.

Ray’s Reuseables

Independence Business Alliance (IBA)

The LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce for the Greater Philadelphia region. IBA supports LGBTQ+ businesses, professionals, and allies through advocacy, education, and connection - building a more inclusive and diverse business ecosystem.

Black Hippie Art

Black Hippie Art empowers BIPOC artists through a unique blend of resource sharing, creative expression, and holistic well-being. We foster personal growth and self-care by providing workshops and educational tools specifically tailored to the needs of artists of color.

no. 27 collection

Handcrafted jewelry with a vintage soul.

Each one-of-a-kind piece is built in the NextFab studios, blending vintage components and repurposed leather with semi-precious stones. We create modern heirlooms designed to tell a story.