Suvechha Sarkar
Building meaningful connections is no longer limited to boardrooms or networking applications but rather through shared experiences and creativity. In a fast-paced world where people are constantly seeking new ways to connect, Makers Social has found its niche. They blend the energy of a full-service bar with the joy of DIY creativity, not just for beginners but also for experienced makers. Their appearance on season 17, episode 9 of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ allowed the founder to pitch their vision on a national platform. The founder didn’t just focus on securing investment, but also on transforming creativity into a social movement.
Makers Social: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
Long before Makers Social came into existence as a creative startup, the story of its founder, Megan Pando, began with her academic journey. In 2008, she enrolled at the University of Cincinnati to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Fine/Studio Arts and Business Management. Although she graduated in 2013, she started her professional trajectory in September 2012 as a Fashion Photographer for NV Models & Talent. While working there, Megan also served as a Marketing Intern at Pacific Sunwear from November to December of 2012. She moved on from her position as a Fashion Photographer in 2014, before becoming driven to build something of her own.
Megan took a bold leap in October 2014 as she founded the Studio 614 in Columbus, Ohio, after relocating there. With sheer hard work, she transformed the simple storage unit studio into a beautiful, fully functional creative studio. It was during her time running the venture that she began reflecting on her university days. She remembered the environment where she had access to different types of tools and, most importantly, the sense of community. It eventually shaped her future vision, which led Megan to realize that creativity should never be reserved for only a select few. That belief led her to create Makers Social in January 2020. Megan ran Studio 614 until March 2023 before fully channeling her energy into her new venture.
Makers Social is a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) bar in Columbus that serves its customers carefully crafted cocktails and local beers, alongside hands-on creativity, becoming the first of its kind. The guests at the establishment can choose from more than 30 DIY craft projects, which include jewelry, concrete pieces, metal work, leather items, and wooden home decor. Additionally, the venture offers its customers incredible assistance, not just with tools and guided constructions, but also with service staff. Beyond crafting, the space has evolved into a hub for corporate team-building, fundraisers for nonprofits, and personal events, including date nights, ladies’ night out, and birthday celebrations.
Makers Social: Where Are They Now?
Since its launch, Makers Social has steadily grown into a creative hotspot for customers eager to explore their artistic side through different types of artworks. They can seamlessly plan their visit by making reservations through the venture’s website. For the process, they are required to choose their party size, select a date, and secure a preferred time. The families also find a welcoming space in Makers Social, as the kids receive 50% off on Sundays. Weekdays also have their own charm, with Happy Hour from 4 pm to 6 pm, offering a $1 discount on beers and wines, $2 off cocktails, and $10 off DIY projects. The timing for each day of the week can easily be found on their website.
Makers Social also makes it easier to book the venue for private events, which can accommodate up to 60 people and has a maximum capacity of 80. The business allows each guest from the big parties to create and try something different, which may take from one to three hours to complete. Additionally, such groups can either choose to bring their own food or arrange catering, adding flexibility. The pricing of a variety of projects is proudly showcased on their site. While leatherwork ranges from $44 to $65, customers can try out woodworking, which is priced between $54 and $68. The concrete projects are available for as low as $49 and range up to $53. Furthermore, the mixed media items are priced at $49 and $61, with the metal work pricing ranging from $44 to $54.
Makers Social also offers consumers gift card options, allowing them to select any amount, schedule delivery via email, or print them at home. Over the years, it has garnered recognition from prominent media outlets, including Columbus Underground, 614 Magazine, and The Columbus Dispatch. They have also been welcoming creators for collaborations, primarily through Instagram. Around 2025, Makers Social partnered with creators like Kourtny Milton and Jenna Damron, among many others. In September of that same year, the venture collaborated with Studio 614. By October, Makers Social brought excitement with a giveaway offering customers who made a private booking a chance to win a $100 gift card. Moreover, they often host themed craft nights, such as Halloween nights or Thanksgiving events.
In November 2025, Megan made her way to the podcast ‘All Sides with Amy Juravich,’ highlighting Makers Social before the public. In December, the business was packed with festive energy, featuring Christmas trivia and games every Thursday. In the same month, they partnered with the organization Bloom, guiding customers through creative workshops while also learning about homeownership, including funding and mortgage qualification. Most recently, in January 2026, Makers Social began hiring Project Leaders and Bartenders for part-time positions. The fact that the venture consistently receives positive reviews from satisfied customers only proves that they are thriving by pairing the community with creativity.
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