Introduction: HackHERspace!
this is for the 'Jack Daniel's Independence Project Contest'
My name is Meghan Cryan, aka. domestic_engineer.
I live in the small town of Maynard, Massachusetts, and I want to open a HackHERspace.
The idea is to have a hackerspace geared towards crafting and cooking. It will have a certified kitchen, an industrial sewing machine/ long arm quilter machine. It will also have a children's area with childcare. The idea is that a stay at home mother can start her own business without having huge startup costs. Here in MA, if you want to sell food, baked goods, cake, canned food, etc. it has to be prepared in a certified kitchen.
This would be a great space for people to start their own business by making something they love. Or just for people to learn, and practice their skills.
There will be a resources library, we will stock supplies, we will hold educational seminars. We can teach home economics to people of all ages.
Of course men will be welcome too, and so will women who aren't mothers.
We can also expand to include other projects that require specific tools, like a kiln, glass blowing, etc.
Thanks so much for your time.

Participated in the
Jack Daniel's Independence Project Contest
20 Comments
7 years ago
thanx for share
7 years ago
very informative
10 years ago on Introduction
I would go! If you win I hope you'll post lots of info on where it is. I'm in southern NH (Manchester) so I'll have to look up how close I am to your area.
10 years ago on Introduction
Hi Meghan, this is a similar idea of mine and a friend who has since passed away. We dreamed of a place where hobbyists could come and spend their time creating the hobbys they love to do. It would be like a home away from home without all of the distractions. A weekend retreat would be the greatest retreat a crafter could ask for. Linda in Michigan
10 years ago on Introduction
I love your idea. I know plenty of Women in Northern California who would love this kind of thing... and domestic skills are something worth learning too. Being a guy I'm all for this and I'd like to come TOO!! * grins *
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks!
Yeah, it amazing how many people i know who can't sew a button, or make a cake from scratch.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Sure they can. They just don't want to!
10 years ago on Introduction
Great idea! Good luck! 5 stars and vote from me too :-)
10 years ago on Introduction
Wow what a great idea. I voted for you!
10 years ago on Introduction
I think this is a brilliant idea,talk about filling an empty niche in the market! Good luck, I hope you win!
10 years ago on Introduction
Nice, I know someone who's done something like this in Berkeley.
Mothership HackerMoms
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
That is pretty awesome. Too bad it's 3000 miles away from me. It looks really great.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
They're still ramping up, but they've been pretty happy with it. You should reach out to them for info if you get things going.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
I will, thanks!
10 years ago on Introduction
Love it. You have my vote for sure. I'm meeting with the Mothership women next week and would love to put you in touch!
10 years ago on Introduction
May I suggest HackHomeSpace?
Or why not try joining a local hackerspace and building their craft capability? Adding a gender to it is just not necessary when Instructables have obviously strived to make the site gender neutral and inclusive.
By the way "Domestic Engineer" is hardly respectful to qualified engineers who spent years studying, its roughly like calling Michel Roux a Cook.
I quite like 'HomeMaker' it shows the love & dedication needed.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Hi. I like the name hack home space.
I would love to join a local hacker space, but there is none near me.
I know a lot of women who are intimidated in hacker spaces where it is usually very male dominant.
This space would be open and welcoming to anyone who wants to create. Maybe referring to it as a hackerspace isn't correct, but it is just an idea.
I went to engineering school. I graduated from WPI with honors. I worked and studied very hard. Now I take care of my children. I feel I can proudly call myself a domestic engineer.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for taking my comments on board they were intended to be constructive.
I think you have the push to balance out the male domination good luck. I look forward to seeing you start up and run a hackerspace with more ovens than drills!
No need to feel defensive, but Google "Domestic Engineer" its not a title covered in glory.
Make your home full of love!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
oh, and taking care of 4 small children, keeping them healthy and happy, is way harder than any vector tensor calculus problem.
I use engineering skills every day, creating, inventing, problem solving, and designing to keep this house and family running smoothly.
A family is a very complicated engine. Lots of bits and pieces that have to work together well to run smoothly and operate properly.
And what do engineers do? ..............They design and build engines.
10 years ago on Introduction
This is a great idea! I hope you win!
sunshiine