Daily Inspiration: Meet Adrianne Ferree

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrianne Ferree

Adrianne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The story of The Makers Hub began with Carlos, whose journey inspired what we’ve built today. Carlos was a talented craftsman, a father, and a gang member serving time at the Pitchess Detention Center (PDC). While incarcerated, Carlos channeled his energy into woodworking, crafting incredible furniture that rivaled professionals. His time in jail was productive, filled with honing his skills and passion. However, when Carlos left the gates of the PDC and re-entered society, his ability to continue this work came to a halt.

While he was incarcerated, I asked him why he didn’t pursue woodworking once released, Carlos’s answer was simple yet powerful: “I don’t have access to tools like these.” His response was eye-opening and reflected a more significant systemic issue, one that extended far beyond Carlos to entire communities across the region. The same recurring theme emerged in conversations with others: a lack of access to resources and opportunities. Motivated by these stories, I began researching pathways to resources. That journey led me to discover makerspaces. Unfortunately, I found that these facilities were not accessible in low-income areas like South LA. This gap in access became the catalyst for creating The Makers Hub, a space designed to bridge that divide.

“Oh, how wonderful! This is such a beautiful idea! Thank you for supporting our community in such an impactful way,” commented a Compton resident on social media.

The Makers Hub was founded to provide the tools, equipment, technology, training, and education necessary for people to unlock their potential. This isn’t just about woodworking. It’s about creating opportunities for creativity, self-reliance, and growth in a way that uplifts the entire city and surrounding areas. We’ve made it our mission to listen to the voices of local residents and leaders to understand their needs better and to ensure our offerings are tailored to them. From tools and machinery to hands-on workshops and resources, The Makers Hub is a place where people can gain skills, explore their talents, and find the support they need to thrive.

Just like our slogan states, a place Where People Make It!

Our services and programs aim to bring resources to the Greater Compton Area and strengthen the community through collaboration. Through conversations with residents, we decided to move forward with opening our Tool Lending Library, the first phase in establishing a makerspace in Compton. In June 2024, we opened our current facility, where we host weekly workshops teaching skills like sewing, plumbing, tiling and sublimation printing while offering various services including access to tools like construction and landscaping tools, color printing, and a sharing wall full of hardware and other supplies.
“Congratulations on being a blessing to the community,” a Compton resident recently commented on social media.

Our goal is to establish a fully operational makerspace where people can borrow tools, learn new skills, connect with other makers, utilize workspaces and studios, start businesses, and truly feel a sense of community. Having a makerspace in Compton is about more than just building things; it’s about building futures through access to resources and economic development. It’s about inspiring creativity, fostering lifelong learning, and creating an inclusive, equitable space where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Carlos’s story is just one of many, and with The Makers Hub, we hope to change the narrative for countless others.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges have only made us more resilient. One major obstacle was the weather during the renovation of the Tool Library. Unexpected rain and other conditions delayed progress, making it difficult to stay on schedule when we were eager to open our doors to the community. One thing that made a huge difference during the renovation process was the incredible support from Swinerton Builders. Their contributions helped us transform the building into a fully functional Tool Library, and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without their generosity and expertise.

Another challenge has been retaining and managing volunteer help. Volunteers are the heart of The Makers Hub, and while we’ve been fortunate to have passionate people join us, maintaining a consistent team requires ongoing effort. Through these challenges, we’ve learned that creating a sustainable volunteer structure is key to long-term success, so we’re always working to improve communication and engagement.

Despite the obstacles, we continue to grow stronger, and the support from our community and partners keeps us moving forward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Our goal is for The Makers Hub to become a resource for everyone in Compton and surrounding areas. We want to be a place where people come to learn, access resources, and connect with other like-minded individuals. For us, it’s about more than just providing a service, it’s about creating an active and thriving community through access to resources and information.
We are dedicated to empowering individuals and transforming communities through access to tools, skills, and other local makers. Through our Tool Library, members are borrowing the tools they need to start businesses, take on side jobs, and complete projects that would otherwise require costly rentals or purchases.

“I’m trying to make some extra money on the side so whatever tools I don’t have I come and borrow them here like the shop vac, power washer, any tools you can mention… The intention is to [one day go out on my own],” said a Tool Library Member.
At its core, we aim to make “making” accessible for everyone by offering services like our Tool Library, Makerspace, hands-on workshops, and events such as Repair Clinics and Makers Fairs. Whether someone needs to borrow a tool for a home improvement project, learn a new skill like sewing or tiling, or utilize specialized machines like a heat press or laser cutter to start a new business, The Makers Hub provides opportunities for creativity, self-reliance, and innovation.

“Thanks to you guys I get to make some money [by borrowing your pressure washer]. Before I was going to my Home Depot and it got really expensive for me,” said another Tool Library Member. “I wash the gas station so I’m very thankful for The Makers Hub. My next step is to make some business cards and see where that takes me.”

What sets us apart is our deep commitment to engaging and collaborating with residents. We actively seek input from the residents we serve, constantly asking for feedback to ensure our programming meets their needs. Our Community Outreach Advisory Committee, made up of passionate and dedicated Compton residents, guides our initiatives with insights into the city’s unique challenges and opportunities. This ongoing dialogue allows us to stay connected and responsive, ensuring that The Makers Hub reflects the voices and talents of the community.

In short, when the community speaks, we listen.

We are most proud of the trust and relationships we’ve built with the people of Compton. Since opening the doors to our Tool Library in June 2024, we’ve seen how access to resources and skill-building programs can inspire confidence and enable meaningful change. From hosting workshops that teach practical skills to providing tools for community improvement projects, we are committed to fostering a culture of empowerment and creativity. As we enter our first full year of operation, we are optimistic about what’s to come and how we can further connect with our members.

Above all, we want everyone to know that we are here to help, and our doors are always “figuratively” open to help. From our jam-packed schedule of workshops and events to our flagship initiative, the Tool Library, we are here to make a difference in the lives of Compton residents and beyond.

“I had so much fun. This was the first time I took a floral arrangement class,” said a recent workshop participant. “I stepped out of my comfort zone and created something beautiful. Since taking the class, I made my Thanksgiving centerpiece and will make Christmas centerpieces as gifts.”

The Makers Hub is more than a space. It’s a movement. We’re here to provide opportunities for learning, creating, and building. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or someone just starting out, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Through accessible resources, affordable services, and a commitment to uplifting the community, we’re building something bigger than just projects. We’re creating pathways to a brighter future.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people don’t know that when I started The Makers Hub, I had no experience running a business, let alone a nonprofit. I made plenty of mistakes, had to redo things more times than I can count, and asked a million questions along the way. One of the best things that happened early on was finding Shaunna, our current Managing Director. She volunteered her time for over a year, helping us get organized and operational before officially becoming our Managing Director. She took on all the administrative and operational responsibilities, which allowed us to grow into what we are today.

Another thing many people still don’t know is the larger vision behind The Makers Hub. The Tool Library is just the beginning. We’re working toward building a full-scale community makerspace that includes woodworking, metalworking, home crafts, culinary arts, multimedia studios, and programs focused on ideation and entrepreneurship. To bring this vision to life, we’re looking for experts who can help shape the architectural, programmatic, and operational framework needed for development. This is a big undertaking, but we know it’s possible with the right people and community support.

Pricing:

• Tool Library Memberships: Annual – $70 (borrow up to 10 tools/week) Monthly – $20 (borrow up to 10 tools/ week) Daily – rent tools per day
• Makerspace Memberships: Monthly – $30 Daily – $5

Contact Info:

• Website: https://themakershub.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themakershuborg/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comptonm
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-makers-hub/