Our Story
The Works offers hands-on experiences through both in-person classes and DIY kits. Established in 2018, we call ourselves The Works because we do a little of everything, from cooking to gardening to creative crafts.
Our mission is to bring people together around shared passions and we love gathering and making with you. Nurturing our community is core to who we are and we live by the motto that everyone is welcome at The Works, always. The Works is proudly woman owned and operated.
Meet Our Team!
Kellie Phelan (she/her)
Where are you from?
New Hampshire, the live free or die state.
Tell us your whole life story in two sentences or less… go!
With the woods of NH as my stomping grounds, I developed a deep appreciation for the natural world and our human connection to it. I spent the first decade of my career working in climate change consulting and now seek to change the world on a much more local level - by building community, connecting over passions, and sharing skills.
What’s your role at The Works?
Humble founder and owner, which means providing strategic direction and support to the best team around.
What else are you passionate about?
Camping with my partner and 4-year-old boy girl twins, growing food in my backyard, and supporting small businesses wherever I go.
Bonus round!
- Favorite movie: Movies = nap time, sorry!
- Favorite food: Sugar snap peas fresh from the vine
- Favorite band: Anything by Neko Case
Alyssa Laiacona (she/her)
Where are you from?
Las Vegas, NV
Tell us your whole life story in two sentences or less… go!
I grew up in Las Vegas (too hot), went to school in Boston (too cold), and moved to Seattle (just right) in 2017. I am a graphic designer by day, a crafter by night, and I keep a year-round countdown until Christmas.
What’s your role at The Works?
Graphic designer and Teacher
What else are you passionate about?
Embroidery, cats, books, dessert, and tiny knickknacks
Bonus round!
- Favorite movie: Beetlejuice
- Favorite food: Ice cream (bonus points if it's for breakfast!)
- Favorite band: Taking Back Sunday, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance… basically all the 2000s emo bands
Ashley Rodgers (she/her)
Where are you from?
Northern California - Salinas/Monterey
Tell us your whole life story in two sentences or less… go!
Born and raised in California, moved to Seattle on a whim after college and have no plan of leaving. Lifelong crafter, plant lover, and full-time dog mom!
What’s your role at The Works?
Teacher and Production Support
What else are you passionate about?
First and foremost, my rescue dog Josie. After her, I would have to say sewing! I love the process of creating something out of few pieces fabric, thread and your imagination.
Bonus round!
- Favorite movie: Bridesmaids
- Favorite food: Sprinkle donuts!
- Favorite band: Prince
Kia Zuend (she/her)
Where are you from?
The Emerald City
Tell us your whole life story in two sentences or less… go!
I was born and raised right here in the PNW and, growing up with a lively battle between my left and right brain, developed a deep curiosity for the why and how stories of the world around me. Never content to just follow the pack, I love infusing unconventional creativity into traditionally unimaginative situations.
What’s your role at The Works?
Performing backstage magic! I help to facilitate process optimization and support our team and community along their journey of learning and self discovery.
What else are you passionate about?
Traveling, hammocks, daydreaming, unexpected adventures, tiny houses, animals, and beaches.
Bonus round!
- Favorite movie: Empire Records
- Favorite food: Rhubarb pie
-
Favorite band: It changes weekly!
Kulsoom Burney (she/her)
Where are you from?
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tell us your whole life story in two sentences or less… go!
Moved across the globe in 2009. Having a business degree and being a creative at heart, working and experimenting with different mediums eventually gave birth to my very own Etsy shop. Currently living the mom-life while juggling never-ending upcycling projects and growing my business as well as learning new and exciting things along the way.
What’s your role at The Works?
Kits and class development
What else are you passionate about?
My morning coffee, crafting/incorporating old pieces into new works of art, traveling, making lists!
Bonus round!
- Favorite movie: They are all too long for me to sit through
- Favorite food: Anything hot n spicy
- Favorite band: Depends on the mood
Melanie McGuire (she/they)
Where are you from?
Lived all over the West Coast, but my heart is pure PNW
Tell us your whole life story in two sentences or less… go!
After years of traveling and climbing ladders, I’ve learned I am most at peace when creating and exploring my own backyard. I believe there is magic in learning and connecting with others.
What’s your role at The Works?
I am a teacher, a kit and class developer, and a constant learner!
What else are you passionate about?
Being in the moment with my hub-B, learning about who I am, ocean swimming, being a crafty Auntie, and painting/sculpting all sorts of fat and happy bodies.
Bonus round!
- Favorite movie: Fur
- Favorite food: Too many to choose, and I like to add regularly to the list!
- Favorite band: Anything really, but I have a soft spot for the Blues
Robin Bundi (she/her)
Where are you from?
I grew up in Montana. I sing the MT state song every time I drive over the ID/MT border.
Tell us your whole life story in two sentences or less… go!
Grew up in a household where cooking, gardening and sewing were regular activities, and this instilled a love for creating. I worked as a graphic designer for a decade, took a big change in my life by hiking across the United States (via the PCT), and came back ready to embrace the combination of art, design, and teaching.
What’s your role at The Works?
I’m one of the teachers that develops kits and classes.
What else are you passionate about?
Gardening, foraging, spending time outside via hiking or backpacking, making fermented goods, painting, and learning new skills.
Bonus round!
- Favorite movie: The last time I said I had a favorite movie was in high school and it was Love and Basketball.
- Favorite food: Tomatoes straight from the garden
- Favorite band: The Hamilton musical