THE DALLES — Since winning Business of the Year in 2023, The Workshop has grown into a local hotspot, and owner Lindsey Jiamei said she's thrilled with the support and attention from the community as she strives to bring creativity to those around her.
The Business of the Year is selected by the Dulles Area Chamber of Commerce, but nominations are submitted by local residents, so Jamei was excited to learn last year that her neighbors wanted to nominate their own businesses.
“We're so grateful for the support the community of The Dalles has given us. The energy we put into The Dalles is given back to us by those same people,” she said.
As a business, The Workshop is focused on helping revitalize Main Street and influencing the town’s larger growth plans. “We’re not inward-focused, we’re community-focused,” Jamei said.
She moved to the Gorge about five years ago and the workshop was born from her dream to create a space for collaborative creativity and socializing: At first, she and her husband made laser engraved tokens for events and businesses, but expanded to DIY. [do it yourself] We sold craft kits during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when people needed at-home activities.
Now they've expanded their operation and retail space, from a tiny 700-square-foot gift shop and workspace in the old American Legion building in Dulles to their current storefront, selling their laser-engraved DIY kits in more than 75 stores across 26 states. With an idea rooted in shared maker spaces and marketplaces, Giamei's store has been open for about three years.
The Workshop is a DIY bar and gift shop with crafting space and local makers, and of course a coffee shop at the front of the store. Open from 10am to 4pm, people of all ages are welcome to choose a craft, socialise and create. “Anytime we're open, you're welcome to come and craft with us,” says Giamei.
The Workshop's DIY kits are described as “wooden puzzles” that are friendly to all ages; participants glue together the laser-engraved pieces and then color them like in a coloring book. Giamei hopes to expand offerings to embroidery and other threadwork soon, and the shop also hosts events, classes, and themed activity nights from time to time.
In the future, Jamei hopes to invite local teachers and artists to host more classes, such as bouquet arranging and terrarium making.
“Don't forget to check us out during The Dalles First Friday and Maker's Market. If you haven't been here in a while, come on out and check out the fun new shops and local creators,” she said.