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.
How a layoff led to a $24,000 investment in a craft festival
Tetef had started a corporate marketing role in March 2025, but she told CNBC that the import-heavy business was affected by tariff policies introduced during the Trump administration. She was laid off six months later in August.Rather than immediately searching for another full-time job, Tetef used the setback as an opportunity to pursue something more personal. Drawing on years of experience in event production, she began planning Open House Creative Fest, describing it as a blend of everything she had done throughout her career.Tetef and her family relied on her severance package and her husband’s income while she took on clients through her own company, Flourish Locally. She set aside all of her earnings and managed to save about $24,000 within a few months.Those savings became the foundation for the festival. She rented the former Joann space at Del Amo Fashion Center for $3,000, paid a $1,000 security deposit and spent several thousand dollars more on cleaning crews, construction work, decorations, rugs, photography and supplies.
A former Joann store gets a second life
When Tetef was looking for a venue, a leasing agent suggested the former Joann fabric and crafts store at the Torrance mall. The location held sentimental value for many people after Joann announced the closure of its nearly 800 stores following bankruptcy proceedings.“It was such a special place to all of us,” Tetef told CNBC. She recalled wandering the aisles for inspiration and said the store was where many people discovered new creative ideas.
What visitors can expect
Open House Creative Fest is designed to be more than a traditional market. Around 25 vendors are expected to sell artwork, clothing, home décor and handmade products while also leading interactive workshops.Visitors can attend activities such as creating greeting cards decorated with dried flowers or making keychains from recycled fabric materials. An activity passport, starting at $40, gives participants access to all workshops and the event’s “activity garden”, where guests can use shared supplies to create their own projects.Admission to browse the market is free.
Strong interest ahead of opening weekend
Before the festival even opened, Tetef said nearly 500 people had registered through Eventbrite and Partiful, while about 70 activity passports had already been sold. She also hoped that foot traffic from shoppers at Del Amo Fashion Center would bring in additional visitors.For Tetef, the event represents more than a business venture. she called the project “my dream come true” and said she simply wanted to create a place where people could sit together and make things.
Turning a setback into something creative
Open House Creative Fest highlights a growing trend of entrepreneurs finding new uses for vacant retail spaces while creating experiences that bring communities together. What began as an unexpected layoff has evolved into a celebration of creativity and small businesses, proving that sometimes a career setback can open the door to something entirely new.
