THE DALLES — After winning Business of the Year in 2023, The Workshop has grown to be a community-favorite hotspot. Owner Lindsey Giamei said she’s thrilled with neighborhood support and attention as she works to bring creativity to the people around her.
Business of the Year is chosen by The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, but nominations are submitted by the community, so Giamei was excited to know her neighbors wanted to nominate her business last year.
“I’m so grateful for The Dalles’ community rallying around us. The energy that we are putting out into The Dalles is given back to us by the same people,” she said.
As a business, The Workshop is focused on helping revitalize Main Street and impact the larger scheme of growth in their town. “We have a community focus versus and internal focus,” Giamei shared.
She moved to the Gorge about five years ago and The Workshop grew from her dream to create a hub for communal creativity and socializing. At first, she and her husband made laser-engraved tokens for events and businesses, but expanded into DIY [do it yourself] craft kits in the height of COVID, when people needed at-home activities.
Now, they have expanded their business and store space, from a small 700-square-foot gift shop and workspace in the old American Legion building in The Dalles to their current storefront, as well as offering their laser-engraved DIY kits in more than 75 stores in 26 states. With ideas rooted in a shared maker’s space and market, Giamei’s store has been open for about three years.
The Workshop is a DIY bar and gift shop complete with crafting space and local makers — not to mention The Coffeeshop shares the front section of the store. They are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for all ages to pick out a craft and spend time socializing and creating. “Whenever we’re open we invite people to come in and craft with us,” Giamei said.
The Workshop, located in downtown The Dalles, offers DIY craft kits and space to be creative. DIY craft kits are available for purchase.
Laurel Brown photo
DIY kits at The Workshop are explained as “wooden puzzles” that are friendly for all ages. People assemble laser-engraved pieces with glue and paint like a paint-by-number. Soon, Giamei wants to expand their offerings to embroidery and other string crafts. They also have occasional events, classes and themed activity nights.
Giamei hopes to provide even more classes with local teachers and artists in the future, such as bouquet-arranging and building terrariums.
“Don’t forget about us during First Friday and Maker’s Markets in The Dalles. If you haven’t been here in a while, I encourage you to come visit and check out the fun new shops and local creators here,” she said.
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