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The Mini Maker, a kid focused makerspace

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kickstarter.com/projects/821322426/themini-maker-a-kid-focused-makerspace

While most people head to the mall in search of a new shirt or a fresh pair of sneakers, a new shop in the Meridian Mall has kids coming in with hopes of building robots and inventing machines.

The Mini Maker is located in a 100-square-foot space in the back of We Love Kids n Dogs’ Meridian Mall storefront. It offers classes, day camps and workshops which are focused on 3D printing, robotics, tinkering and building. Melissa Allen started the Mini Maker in 2014 because she had a passion for seeing kids learn while having fun.

“I work to see that spark in the kids’ eyes when they realize they are capable and able to do things now at their current age,” Allen said. “Getting them engaged at a younger stage of life, I believe, will help them with their development in the future.”

The Mini Maker is preparing to move into a new, 4,000-square-foot location in the mall and is seeking help to fill the new space with creative materials. Melissa Allen, along with husband and business partner, Christopher Allen, hosted a Kickstarter launch party Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Mini Maker crowdfunding campaign that launched the same day.

The campaign is hoping to raise $20,000 to purchase equipment to outfit the new space, including 3D printing and scanning equipment, computers and other equipment. A portion of the funds will also be used to develop educational programs and curriculum.

The campaign ends on Aug. 21, and financial backers are offered rewards such as sketchbooks, Mini Maker memberships or a maker-themed kids party.

“This is really good for the kids’ minds and for the community,” said Lansing resident Tricia Whittington, who attended the launch party. “My son would definitely like to learn while building and taking things apart.”

The Allens believe that many makers and inventors had vivid imaginations as children, but that the structure of school suppressed that creativity and they had to regain their imagination as an adult. To help fight this, the Allens hope to provide kids with a safe space in which they are given freedom to invent, make and build.

“We don’t want to place limits on their imagination by saying, ‘You can’t do that’ or ‘You are too young,’” said Melissa Allen.

Owosso resident Bonnie Dapper found the store by accident one day while walking through the mall. She

met Christopher Allen, who later introduced Dapper’s 6-year-old son to the Mini Maker’s Take it Apart Tuesday classes. He is now a faithful attendee of the class.

“My husband and I love how it is hands-on and child-led, because today’s society is too adult-led,” said Dapper. “How many places can you take apart things that you’d never get to touch at home?” “The day camps are phenomenal and we come as often as we can,” added husband Randy Dapper.

The Allens believe that kids will always be asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?,” but they want to give kids a chance to say “I can be something right now.”

Even as the Mini Maker raises funds for its first standalone location, the Allens are already looking for ways to expand the program into other locations.

“We’re trying to get word out and letting people know we’re here,” said Christopher Allen. “But we’re in the process of franchising after this store is up and running.”

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