Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Varat
Hi Jordan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jordan Varat, and creativity has always been at the core of who I am. From a young age, I was encouraged to explore various mediums, and I quickly became intrigued by abstract art and sculpture. I had the unique opportunity to experiment with ceramics and 3-dimensional materials like plaster and wire, which laid the foundation for my love of hands-on, tactile creation. As I grew older, my interests expanded, and I began to explore textiles, which led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising at Texas Christian University (TCU). There, I delved into studies like apparel construction, fashion illustration, and textile testing. Alongside that, I also earned a degree in Political Science, placing a focus on environmental sustainability and social responsibility, which allowed me to connect my creative passions with broader issues that I care about deeply.
After graduating, I moved to Austin, Texas, where I quickly fell in love with the city’s vibrant and seemingly endless creativity. I worked as a Buyer at a local fashion boutique, but after feeling overworked, underpaid, and uninspired, I was looking for a way out. My life completely changed when I discovered Asmbly Makerspace — a creative haven that opened up new possibilities for me. Asmbly Makerspace is a thriving hub where creative makers converge to bring their boldest ideas to life with a mission “to enrich Austin’s creative maker community by providing a top notch creative space with tools and educational opportunities in a multidisciplinary, inviting, and member-focused setting”. I took my first orientation and laser class there, and I was instantly hooked. The access to industrial-grade tools across six different shop areas, the wide range of classes to help develop my skillset, and the programs and events available to members and the public blew me away. The ability to freely explore and create was exactly what I needed to break free from the constraints of previous creative limitations. I started volunteering at Asmbly early on and quickly saw the beauty within the space – the community, the collaboration, the innovation – and its positive effects on my own personal growth. My passion for the space led me to develop and teach my first class, and before long, I was teaching four classes. As my connection to the community grew, I took on more leadership roles, hosting a monthly Entrepreneur Special Interest Group, accepting the role of Outreach Coordinator and then being promoted to Director of Outreach. I’ve also had the honor of serving on the board for the past year. These experiences have been pivotal in my journey, not only providing me with the ability to grow as a leader but also enabling me to witness firsthand how life-changing this space can be for so many people. Every day I’m inspired by the creativity, innovation, and support of the community and leadership around me. As I became more involved early on at Asmbly Makerspace, my skills and confidence grew, and I began to see a path forward that allowed me to leave my job and start my own business at age 23. I founded Varat Enterprises LLC, a name that serves as tribute to my father, who passed away in January of 2019. He was always my biggest supporter, and he, along with my mother, instilled in me the belief that I could do anything I put my mind to. My father and I shared many similarities, one of my favorites being our entrepreneurial spirit. He owned a textile manufacturing company by the same name, and his passion for business and quality craftsmanship has been a constant source of inspiration for me. Since founding Varat Enterprises (VE), I’ve been able to combine many of my passions and create work that is both fulfilling and innovative. Asmbly Makerspace continues to play a pivotal role in my growth, providing me with the resources, tools, and community that support my journey.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but the challenges have shaped me as a maker and entrepreneur. Creating is a deeply personal process, and it can sometimes feel like you’re putting everything you have into your work with little recognition or immediate return. Additionally, balancing the creative side with the business side — marketing, networking, and selling — can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to stay true to your vision while navigating the demanding realities of being a creative entrepreneur.
Another struggle I’ve faced is analysis paralysis. I often find myself overthinking every decision — from design choices to material selection, trying to get everything ‘just right’ before moving forward. While this can sometimes lead to deeper exploration and refinement, it can also halt progress entirely. There have been many moments where I spent so much time analyzing my work that I felt stuck, unable to make meaningful forward strides.
I’ve come to appreciate all of these challenges because they’ve forced me to grow and adapt, both as a maker and as an entrepreneur. Over time, I’ve learned to seek out support from fellow makers and entrepreneurs, embrace the process of growth through failure, and most importantly, stay true to my vision. What’s been incredibly helpful is the support from my creative community at Asmbly Makerspace. Being around other makers and entrepreneurs who share their own struggles, triumphs, and creative processes has been invaluable. Collaboration and feedback from others have allowed me to step out of my own head and find clarity in moving forward with projects. Sometimes, just hearing a fresh perspective or realizing that others go through similar challenges can be the push I need to let go of perfectionism and embrace the process.
The space provides not only the tools and resources I need for creation and fabrication, but also this community which has been invaluable in offering feedback, collaboration opportunities, project exploration, and encouragement. It’s given me the chance to advance my business and skill set by experimenting with new techniques and ideas that I would not have developed or learned on my own.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a maker and entrepreneur specializing in laser cutting and engraving, textiles, woodworking, and design, with a strong focus on creating both functional and artistic pieces. My work blends technology with creativity, allowing me to transform a wide variety of materials — from wood and acrylic to leather and fabric — into intricate, custom designs. Whether it’s creating custom installations, unique models, or prototypes, I leverage laser technology to achieve a level of detail and precision that sets my work apart.
I feel very passionately about the power of making, and one of the core aspects of my business is encouraging others through education. My goal is to lower barriers to accessibility and show people that they can learn and have access to tools and skillsets that might otherwise seem out of reach. Once you understand how things are made and how they work, it’s incredibly empowering. There’s a profound sense of autonomy that comes with this knowledge. Learning the process behind something transforms you from a passive consumer into an active creator. This shift allows you to solve problems more creatively, adapt to challenges with confidence, and take control over what you create.
Understanding the mechanics of making not only boosts self-sufficiency but also fosters a mindset of possibility. You realize that you don’t have to rely on external solutions or be limited by traditional methods. This freedom to experiment, innovate, and troubleshoot builds a deep sense of confidence and independence. I love helping people realize they don’t have to be “naturally talented” to learn or create; it’s about giving them the resources, encouragement, and support to develop their own abilities.
This empowerment extends beyond the individual. Once you have the skills, you’re not just creating for yourself — you can share your knowledge, collaborate, and contribute to building a stronger community. In my opinion, that sense of shared empowerment makes the world feel much more open and full of possibilities.
Another important aspect that helps distinguish my work is the access I have to a wide variety of tools and shop areas at Asmbly Makerspace, along with the creative community there. The space offers 6 shop areas: Woodshop, Metal Shop, Lasers, Textiles, Electronics, and 3D Printing (with a 7th to open in March – Ceramics!). This allows me to experiment with and refine new techniques across different mediums. This cross-shop collaboration is invaluable—being able to blend materials like wood, metal, acrylic, and textiles in unique ways would be nearly impossible without the variety of tools and expertise available at Asmbly. The ability to move seamlessly between different areas of the shop enables me to bring complex, multi-medium projects to life in ways that are rare and difficult to achieve outside of such a collaborative environment.
In addition to the industrial grade tools, the community at Asmbly is a huge factor in my success. It’s a space where makers, artists, and innovators come together to exchange ideas, solve problems, and push creative boundaries. The diverse perspectives from other members inspire me to explore new approaches and techniques that I might not have considered otherwise. It’s this combination of resources and collaboration that allows me to create work that’s not only functional but also deeply original and innovative.
I am very proud of several accomplishments thus far – from learning how to navigate leadership in a setting and field where a young woman is not traditionally expected or welcomed, to awesome projects like my first SXSW installation for Tulsa House 2024, exploration with new tools during my first CNC collaboration for ACC’s Make It Center, and a more recent and particularly exciting project – recreating the famous ‘Morning View” album cover using multiple materials and laser marquetry to seamlessly connect all of the different elements. This one was particularly rewarding because we got to present it to the band pre-show backstage at the Moody Center here in Austin, TX. I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities I have had thus far, and look forward to seeing where the future takes me!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has certainly played a role in my life and business, though I’ve learned that it’s often a combination of being in the right place at the right time, and being ready to seize an opportunity when it arises. In terms of good luck, I feel incredibly fortunate to have discovered Asmbly Makerspace when I did. The timing was perfect — I had reached a point in my career where I was craving a deeper connection to my creative work, but I wasn’t sure how to move forward. Walking into Asmbly felt like a stroke of luck. The space provided me with access to tools, resources, and, most importantly, a supportive community that helped me take the leap into entrepreneurship. That moment, that discovery, was a pivotal turning point in my career. Without it, I would not have had the confidence to leave my job and start my business.
On the flip side, I’ve also had my share of what some might call “bad luck”. Like many entrepreneurs, there have been times when things didn’t go as planned — whether it was a project that didn’t turn out the way I envisioned, financial hurdles, or even personal challenges that impacted my focus. But I’ve learned that bad luck doesn’t have to define the outcome. Instead of seeing setbacks as failures, I’ve learned to view them as opportunities for growth. Bad luck has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of perseverance and determination.
Ultimately, while luck plays a part, I believe that success in business and in life is more about preparation, perseverance, hard work, and the willingness to take risks. The luck I’ve experienced has been amplified by the work I put in, the decisions I make, and the people I surround myself with. I’ve been lucky to have a supportive family, a creative community, and the chance to work in an industry that fuels my passion — but I also recognize that much of my success has been the result of making the most of those lucky breaks when they come, and that I am only lucky enough to have access to opportunities available at Asmbly Makerspace because of all of the hard work and dedication of all of our leadership and volunteers.
Pricing:
- Reach out to www.asmbly.org for more information on pricing and membership.
- Visit www.varatenterprises.com and contact for more information on custom project quotes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.asmbly.org and www.varatenterprises.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asmblyaustin/ and https://www.instagram.com/ve_innovations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asmblymakerspace
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AsmblyMakerspace
- Other: Subscribe to Asmbly Makerspace Newsletter: https://asmbly.org/contact/#subscribe
Image Credits
3 of the photos I used need credit to this professional if used (the woodshop shot, the metalshop shot, and the laguna swift CNC):
Instagram — must credit Andrew Bennett Creative and include tag
Photo by Andrew Bennett Creative @andewbennettphoto
Facebook — must credit Andrew Bennett Creative and include website URL
Photo by Andrew Bennett Creative, www.bennettcreative.co
Youtube — must credit Andrew Bennett Creative and include website URL
Video by Andrew Bennett Creative, www.bennettcreative.co
Website — must credit Andrew Bennett Creative in footer and include website URL
Photos and videos by Andrew Bennett Creative, www.bennettcreative.co
All others are up for use without credit. Please let me know if you have questions!
