Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Steger
Victoria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Forager Crafts began with a simple but radical belief: that creating something with your hands is an act of self-care, growth, and connection. We saw how often people doubted their creativity, saying, “I’m not an artist” or “I could never make that.” We wanted to change that—to create a space where anyone could discover the joy of making something beautiful and meaningful.
Our journey started in Atwater Village, where we built a studio that blended art, sustainability, and community. We started small, hosting intimate workshops & virtual events that encouraged people to explore new crafts with thoughtfully sourced materials. Over time, our workshops grew, and so did our vision – which brought us to a larger space in Frogtown, where we are now. We expanded into a sustainable art supply store, collaborating with local artists, and partnered with brands and businesses to bring hands-on creativity to more people.
At Forager, we believe crafting isn’t just about the final product—it’s about the process, the connections made along the way, and the confidence that comes from creating something with your own two hands. We’re proud to be part of a movement that values slow, intentional making in a fast-paced world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any creative journey, the road to building Forager has been anything but smooth—but that’s part of what makes it meaningful. When we started, we knew we wanted to create a space where people could reconnect with their creativity, but bringing that vision to life came with challenges.
One of the biggest hurdles was shifting people’s mindset about art. So many of our guests walked in believing they weren’t “creative enough” to make something they’d be proud of. Overcoming that doubt—both in others and sometimes in ourselves—took time, patience, and a deep belief in the power of hands-on making.
Sustainability has also been a challenge. Sourcing eco-friendly, high-quality materials that align with our values while keeping workshops accessible isn’t always easy, but it’s a commitment we stand by. We’ve had to get creative, working with local artists and makers to find solutions that honor both our planet and our craft.
And, of course, like many small businesses, we’ve navigated unexpected twists—rising costs, shifting trends, and the realities of running a creative space in a fast-paced world. It goes without saying that this January was one of the hardest months we’ve ever had to get through – as native southern Californians, our hearts were broken by the wildfires, and lightened by the city rallying together to provide support to those who lost everything.
Every challenge has taught us something, and every moment of doubt has been outweighed by the joy of seeing someone surprise themselves with what they’ve made. That’s what keeps us going, and that’s why we love what we do.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Though we work with dozens of artists across California, Forager’s core team consists of two people – myself, Victoria, and my business partner, Kay. I (Victoria) love the challenge of planning craft activations for corporate events, weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and other life celebrations—finding creative ways to make crafting feel special and memorable for every occasion. I also have a deep appreciation for the logistical side of things, from sourcing eco-friendly craft supplies to planning, packing, and shipping kits for our virtual workshops, ensuring that creativity can be accessible no matter where you are.
Our studio manager, Kay, plays a huge role in shaping our programming, focusing on making creativity available to everyone. She takes pride in developing accessible, free, and low-cost workshops, as well as educational events that invite the community to learn, experiment, and connect through craft.
I think what sets us apart is our belief that art is for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced maker or someone who swears they’re “not creative,” whether you’ve signed up for a class, are a guest at a museum event, or are attending a function for your company, we try to create an environment where you can slow down, work with your hands, and walk away with something meaningful. We’re most proud of the moments when guests surprise themselves—when they realize they can create something beautiful and that the process is just as valuable as the final piece.
How do you think about luck?
Luck—both the good and the unexpected—has played a big role in our journey. Starting a creative business is always a mix of planning, persistence, and hoping the universe meets you halfway. And in our case, it did.
When we were searching for a space, we had a vision but no idea where we’d end up. Then, by pure luck, we found the perfect spot—right down the street from Just What I Kneaded, our favorite vegan bakery in the world, just steps from the banks of a beautiful, rewilded section of the Los Angeles River. We landed in an incredible creative community, surrounded by inspiring small businesses like Spoke Bicycle Cafe, Toad General Store, Happier Camper, Ozma of California, and Sooki Studio. The Elysian Valley Arts Collective and the Frogtown Art Walk make this neighborhood even more special, bringing artists and makers together in a way that feels truly unique to this part of LA.
Even in the tough moments, we’ve been lucky to have a community that believes in what we do, artists and makers who inspire us, and guests who remind us why we started in the first place.
So while luck played a part, we also believe in making your own—by showing up, staying open to opportunities, and trusting that the right things will find you at the right time.
Pricing:
- $0.50-$25: The average range of craft supplies at our studio in Frogtown (many of which can be purchased in exact weights)
- $22: The cost of a custom candle made at our studio – you select the scent, vessel, wax type, and add-ons, and we pour it in-house for you the same day!
- $30-$60: The average costs of our workshops, which are aimed to be as accessible as possible
- FREE: The cost of joining us for a free craft at our studio – we do these a few times a month, and you can follow us on Instagram @foragercrafts to stay posted on when we hold these days!
- $500: The average cost of a private party at our studio for 8-12 people, including a private craft class, studio rental, and all materials!
Contact Info:
- Website: www,foragercrafts.com
- Instagram: foragercrafts
- Facebook: foragercrafts
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/forager-crafts-los-angeles
