A year ago, FUSE Makerspace workshops became eligible for Training for your Future Fund (TFF) scholarships. These scholarships cover registration costs for learners with a financial need or those who want to upskill or reskill in one of New Mexico’s priority areas for economic development.
To date, about 200 people have taken advantage of this funding to take workshops at FUSE. We spoke with one of them, Mike Ortiz, about how the FUSE workshops he took using TFF has benefited him and his business, Doublecat Oddities.
FUSE: Tell me a little about your business.
Mike: We started our business during the pandemic when I found myself unemployed after being laid off from my job at a local museum. Being a lifelong maker and wanting to invest in myself it seemed a natural progression if not coincidental timing.
We make nature and animal inspired jewelry, art, and furniture.
FUSE: How have the workshops you’ve taken at FUSE helped you to establish or grow your business?
Mike: Having access to the makerspace means being able to diversify with different machines over time which gives us an advantage of being able to give our customers what they want without relying too much on just one thing. There are plenty of great programs available with more being added.
FUSE: Why would you suggest other business owners take workshops and get a membership at FUSE?
Mike: Getting experience using some of the automated machines makes it easier to create consistency of product on small scale runs. I have met many other small business owners and hobbyists during the workshop tutorials who are looking at learning new things or are looking to perfect what they are doing. Having a membership ensures quality of goods, establishes stewardship in the program as well as fosters agency in one’s own work in my opinion.
FUSE: Where can other people find more information about or purchase your work?
Mike: Shop local. Explore places you haven’t been to in a while, or ever. Visit Old Town. You never know what you might see.
FUSE Makerspace will be closed for the holidays beginning Wednesday December 24, 2025 and will reopen Monday, January 5, 2026. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
