We got together at Orange Studio on February 7th to listen to Jessi Arrington and Creighton Mershon from WORKSHOP.

Positioned among some of the most passionate designers and entrepreneurs in the industry within the co-working space Studiomates, they kindle partnerships with mission-driven organizations such as TED, Echoing Green and Brooklyn Beta to design projects and experiences they hope will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

Fresh off their latest project, the co-creation of the Etsy Holiday Shop in SoHo, Jessi and Creighton shared the highlights and foibles of building a business based on love.

During their visit they revealed:

What “living life like one big design project” has to do with the World’s Largest Rainbow Parade.
The best advice they’ve gotten from fancypants designers as well as their hot tips for youngun’s.
The virtues of making things by hand and the opportunities in buying nothing new.
How you too can turn a really big party into a justifiable business expense.

We also got to take them on a little design tour of Orlando, visiting Laughing Samurai and Twelve21 Gallery, Mama’s Sauce, and LURE Design Inc. The best compliment we got was when Jessi said her cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

WORKSHOP, you’re welcome back any time!

photo by Jennifer DeWitt