
Sound Track | The Chamber Podcast
Ep. 13 Creating Space: Leadership, Creativity & Community. With Jennifer
What happens when we make space for creativity, art, entrepreneurship, and ourselves? In this episode of the Chamber Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer, Program Director of Spaceworks Tacoma , for a conversation about the role creativity plays in building healthy, connected communities, and what leaders can learn from the importance of slowing down, setting boundaries, and taking care of themselves. Spaceworks Tacoma launched in 2010 as a joint initiative of the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, created to address vacant downtown storefronts by bringing creative businesses, events, and art installations into underutilized spaces. Today, Spaceworks continues to create opportunities for artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses to grow while helping make Tacoma a more vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Jennifer shares how art and creativity contribute to the health and vitality of a community , creating places where people can connect, find inspiration, express themselves, and feel a sense of belonging. We also explore the economic impact of Tacoma’s arts and culture community and why investing in creativity can have effects far beyond the walls of a gallery, studio, or storefront. The conversation also gets personal. Jennifer opens up about leadership, burnout, and the importance of taking care of yourself while caring for and leading others . We talk about recognizing when you need to step back, creating healthy boundaries, and understanding that taking care of yourself isn't separate from being a good leader, it's part of it. Jennifer also shares her own experience as a pottery artist and creative entrepreneur , giving us a look at how having a creative practice outside of work can provide balance, fulfillment, and another way to connect with yourself and your community. In this episode, we talk about: The story behind Spaceworks Tacoma and its origins How art and creativity can contribute to community health and well-being The importance of creating spaces where people can connect and feel a sense of belonging The relationship between the arts, community development, and economic vitality Supporting artists, creative entrepreneurs, and small businesses What Jennifer has learned about leadership through her work Finding balance while leading, serving, and supporting others Jennifer's personal pottery business and creative journey How creativity can enrich our lives both personally and professionally The importance of making space for people, ideas, creativity, and ourselves About Spaceworks Tacoma Spaceworks creates and unlocks opportunities by providing space — space for new and established businesses to grow, space for artists to inspire, and space for everyone to work, create, connect, and enjoy. Launched in 2010 as a partnership between the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Spaceworks was created to help transform underutilized spaces and bring new energy, creativity, and opportunity to Tacoma. In 2022, Tacoma's nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $163 million in economic activity , supporting 2,065 jobs, generating $28.7 million in tax revenue, and providing $87.2 million in personal income to local residents. This episode is a conversation about more than just creating physical space. It's about creating room for creativity, connection, community, rest, and the people who make a place thrive.






