Meetup HQ Blog

Social media & real life

There are a couple of interesting layers in your group: you’re using Meetup to execute projects that you found on Pinterest! How did you come up with this idea?

I made the move to San Diego and had hopes of rebuilding my network of creative friends and businesses. Pinterest had entered my life and was my evening internet browsing obsession. I was pinning all sorts of fun things but it struck me that few got done. The idea was born. A way to meet like-minded people…and make something too!

How do you determine if a good number of members are interested in a Pinterest project?

We have been lucky to have talented people in the group like make-up artists and jewelry designers willing to host. I approach local businesses to collaborate and host as well. Stationary shops, soap making stores and boutiques have all been very kind and welcoming to open their doors to our group.

I picked and hosted the first few socials as skills I can teach and bring to the group…like trending hair braids and plant terrariums. At the ‘meet and greets’ I ask around what people are interested in attending and that helps a lot with ideas. The group becomes great with member participation. I love when people from the group come forward and have a project they want to host and share.

It can be a challenge to find a good space for project making. Luckily, San Diego has pretty great weather so ‘crafternoons’ in the parks have been a good spot and I don’t have to put a limit on attendees.

I have announced Meetups that didn’t generate much buzz due to cost of supplies. I send out an email letting everyone know that we need more sign-ups to keep it on the calendar. I figure if the group is interested they will let me know by signing up. If not, I take it off the books and try another idea.

Time for a logistical question: with all the crafts, how do you handle the costs?

Every Meetup that includes projects and supplies have a cost associated with it to sign up. The great thing is the more that participate, the lower the cost because of sharing supplies.

I usually do a quick price shop before so I know how much it will all come to before scheduling and setting a cost. Our terrarium social was great, for $12 a person everyone went home with two terrariums and the know how to make more. I try to keep the project costs as low as possible for member participation.

Last, what has been your favorite Meetup moment so far?

I’d have to say the braiding social. NBC had contacted me a few weeks before and wanted to do a piece on our group. I had such a fun time sharing my stylist tips and tricks with the girls and then seeing what they created on each other. Having the news cameras there added to the excitement.

When I got the email it was going to be featured on the national nightly news I couldn’t wait to share it with the rest of the group! I was so excited for our newly started group to get national attention.

Lisa Marie is on Meetup’s Community team.