ALL ABOUT US!
Craftcation is more than just a conference—it’s a creative retreat, a business bootcamp, and a celebration of community all rolled into one.
Held annually in Ventura, California, this five-day event brings together makers, artists, and small business owners for hands-on craft workshops, practical business sessions, wellness activities, and unforgettable special events.
Whether you’re here to learn a new craft, take your creative business to the next level, or connect with like-minded people, Craftcation is the place to spark your creativity, find your community, and leave inspired. Our mission is to empower creatives with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to thrive—both personally and professionally.
Join us at Craftcation and experience the magic of learning, making, and growing alongside a community that truly gets it.
MEET THE TEAM
NICOLE STEVENSON
FOUNDER, CEO &
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
I’m Nicole Stevenson, a multi-passionate creative, first-time mama, and CEO/Creative Director at Dear Handmade Life. I turned my passion into a career at 24 with Random Nicole, a six-figure handcrafted clothing line carried in 250+ shops worldwide.
In 2007, I co-founded Dear Handmade Life to connect and empower creatives through events, workshops, a blog, and a podcast. When I’m not working, I’m art journaling, treasure hunting, or dreaming of life by the beach—with Korean BBQ always on my mind.
KATIE MAC
MANAGING DIRECTOR
I’m Katie Mac, a maker, marketer, and mama living in Atlanta with my husband, two kids, and our comically dog. After starting my career in corporate, I found my niche supporting creative business owners with the business side of things. I first attended Craftcation in 2016 and knew I was home. When I joined the Craftcation team in 2019 I knew I had found the perfect place to use and share my love of organization, systems and nerd culture.
In my downtime, you’ll find me hosting gameday festivities for my Georgia Bulldogs, rooting for the home team, the Atlanta Braves, binge-watching true crime and Gordon Ramsay with my husband, eating all the tacos with my son, belting Taylor Swift with my daughter, and soaking up as much time as I can with my girl gang.
i'm nicole
leann foss
EVENTS & SPONSORSHIPS
Maker of many things and secondhand fiend who never turns down a good costume opportunity. Connecting our partners to our community and making sure our events are stress-free and pretty.
lauren durr
social media
Sewing mama trying to keep the machines running for the next generations. Mom to two great kids, adopter of cats, I sew clothes because I believe in the transformational power of fashion. I will never turn down caramel (unless it’s flan, gels and I don’t gel). I ice dye rainbows onto denim because we all need some heavy-duty hope.
