About

Maker U’s mission “to cultivate a generation of makers, not takers” really began in 2005, when Olivia Higgins was born. From the moment she burst onto the scene, her mom (Michelle) and dad (Ben) inundated her with cool stuff and interesting things to make. She saw her dad trying (failing?) to build stuff all the time and began to walk in the way of THE MAKER.

She and her “old dad” discovered they had a lot in common. Father and daughter both loved to make things and push them out into the world. They both felt the joy of birthing something new. As a result, they became maker buddies. From popsicle stick houses and hot glue guns to digital art and story telling, they just understood each other. Together they grew in wisdom and creative stature, separated by twenty-seven years but joined by creative souls.

Ben Higgins, now very old and crotchety, publishes kid novels, self-help books, teaches english/ language arts, homeschools his four children, learns something new every day, and builds STUFF whenever inspiration strikes.

Since Olivia has been neck deep in the arts and crafts pool since she could hold a crayon, her interests range widely. She draws, beads, designs, crafts, films, edits, and takes photographs every chance she gets. Olivia started her business, Liv’s Video and Design, in 2022. She offers logo design, illustration, videography and editing services. She is currently working on a beading curriculum for home schoolers.

In this digital world, most people fall into a pattern of the taker (consumption). From entertainment, to food, to ideas, to fixing problems, to improving their lives, most people depend on others to provide their solutions. Most never discover their unique, creative genius or they let that genius atrophy as screens dazzle their brains with dopamine. Modern life could be characterized by our addiction to the click and the scroll. At Maker U, we believe our culture is trading the joy that comes with making for the numbing apathy that comes with taking. This is tragic, dangerous and unacceptable!

Maker U, an organization dedicated to fostering a love of making, in all it’s permutations is dedicated to throwing a spotlight on the richer, more fulfilling way. The Maker Way.