After losing her corporate marketing job in 2025, Southern California event producer Lauren Tettiff decided to bet on a long-held dream. Over the course of several months, she saved about $24,000 through freelancing and transformed a vacant former Joan’s Fabric store in Torrance, California, into Open House Creative Fest, a two-day event celebrating creativity and community.
The festival, scheduled for June 27-28, combines an artisan market with hands-on workshops led by makers and small businesses. For Titev, who has spent years producing events, the project represents a new beginning and an opportunity to bring new life to a space that holds special meaning for many artisans.
How layoffs led to a $24,000 investment in… Crafts Festival
Tetev began a marketing role for the company in March 2025, but told CNBC that its heavy import business was impacted by tariff policies introduced during the Trump administration.
She was discharged six months later in August.Instead of immediately looking for another full-time job, Titev used the setback as an opportunity to pursue something more personal. Drawing on years of event production experience, she began planning Open House Creative Fest, describing it as a combination of everything she has done throughout her career.Tetev and her family relied on her severance package and her husband’s income while she dealt with clients through her own company, Flourish Locally.
She set aside all of her earnings and was able to save about $24,000 within a few months.These savings became the basis for the festival. She rented Joan’s former space in the Del Amo Fashion Center for $3,000, paid a $1,000 deposit, and spent several thousand dollars on cleaning crews, construction work, decorations, carpeting, photography and supplies.
A former Joan’s store is getting a second life
When Tetef was looking for a place, the leasing agent suggested the former Joann’s Fabrics and Crafts store in Torrance Mall.
The site had sentimental value for many people after Joan’s announced the closure of nearly 800 stores following bankruptcy proceedings.“It was a special place for all of us,” Tetev told CNBC. She recalled roaming the aisles looking for inspiration and said the store was a place where many people discovered new creative ideas.
What visitors can expect
Open House Creative Fest is designed to be more than just a traditional market. About 25 vendors are expected to sell artwork, clothing, home decor and handmade products while also leading interactive workshops.Visitors can attend activities such as creating greeting cards decorated with dried flowers or making key chains from recycled textile materials. The Activity Passport, starting at $40, gives participants access to all of the event’s workshops and “Activity Garden,” where guests can use shared supplies to create their own projects.Entrance to browse the market is free.
Strong interest ahead of opening weekend
Before the festival opened, Titev said nearly 500 people had registered through Eventbrite and Partful, while about 70 activity passports had already been sold.
She also expressed hope that foot traffic from shoppers at Del Amo Fashion Center would attract more visitors.For Tatf, this event represents more than just 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.
Turn a setback into something creative
Open House Creative Fest highlights the growing trend of entrepreneurs finding new uses for vacant retail spaces while creating experiences that bring communities together. What started 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.
