After losing her corporate marketing job in 2025, Southern California events producer Lauren Tetef decided to bet on a dream she had long imagined. Over several months, she saved about $24,000 through freelance work and transformed a vacant former Joann fabric store in Torrance, California, into Open House Creative Fest, a two-day event celebrating creativity and community. Scheduled for June 27 and 28, the festival combines an artisan market with hands-on workshops led by makers and small businesses. For Tetef, who has spent years producing events, the project represents a fresh start and a chance to bring new life to a space that held special meaning for many crafters.
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