About Us
A Member-Owned Cooperative for Creators and Their Communities
At The Northwest Nest, every gathering adds something — to our lives, our connections, and our collective success. We’re a member-owned cooperative that produces retreats, workshops, and community events, powered by the skills and passions of our members. Some bring their craft, some offer their hands, some simply show up and take part — but all contribute to the energy that makes The Nest thrive. Here, the rewards are shared, from the profits that support our members to the relationships that deepen with every event.
Our Founding Story
The Northwest Nest was founded by Maddy Stutz after seeing how many incredible creators dreamed of hosting retreats or events but didn’t have the resources to do it alone. Unless you’re sitting on major capital, running a full-scale event or retreat business requires far more than one person can offer — venues, catering, marketing, registration systems, guest experiences, and more. The Nest makes those resources accessible through a member-owned cooperative, connecting creators with the network, skills, and infrastructure to bring their ideas to life. In return, the people who make these gatherings possible share in the rewards they help create.
What It Means to Be a Cooperative
In most businesses, the profits go to a single owner or outside investors. In a cooperative, the people who do the work and keep things running share in those profits instead. At The Northwest Nest, that means the chefs, facilitators, massage therapists, and other contributors who make our events possible actually see a fair share of the success. We still run like a professional business — with clear roles, systems, and standards — but our structure ensures the rewards stay with the people and community that create them.
