St. Petersburg Maker Will Join American Craft Convening
Emilie Hernandez of Mani Mina Studio will attend the Nest x Hermès event in New York City from October 8 to 10, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Needlework
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St. Petersburg-based dollmaker Emilie Hernandez will join the Nest x Hermès American Craft Convening in New York City. The event is scheduled to take place from October 8-10, 2026.
Why it matters
The convening provides a platform for craftspeople to share business expertise and connect with industry peers. It marks a significant professional engagement for Hernandez as she represents her studio at the national gathering.
The Nest organization is 20 years old, while Hernandez opened her dollmaking studio in 2022 before relocating to St. Petersburg in 2024.
The players
Emilie Hernandez
She is the owner of Mani Mina Studio and an artist known for creating dolls using embroidery and sewing skills.
Nest
Founded 20 years ago, this organization supports makers through professional development and industry connectivity.
Hermès
This global luxury brand is co-hosting the American Craft Convening to foster professional growth among artisans.
The details
Hernandez, who utilizes embroidery and sewing techniques to create character dolls, previously showcased her work at the Brooklyn Museum. She will leverage her background in design to engage with fellow makers during the three-day industry gathering.
Timeline
Emilie Hernandez moved to New York City in 2006.
The dollmaking studio opened in New York in 2022.
Hernandez relocated to St. Petersburg in 2024.
The Nest x Hermès American Craft Convening will be held October 8-10, 2026.
Culture Shift
The professionalization of independent craft studios reflects a growing trend where individual makers utilize industry-sponsored convenings to bridge the gap between artistic output and business sustainability. This shift mirrors a broader transition toward formalizing the creative economy for small-scale entrepreneurs.
This event highlights the evolving professional standards for artists based in St. Petersburg who participate in national platforms. Readers interested in dollmaking can follow the studio's progress as it adapts techniques shared at the upcoming convening.
The takeaway
Engaging with national craft organizations offers makers valuable business acumen that can help stabilize small studios. Developing professional networks is often as essential for artisans as mastering their specific technical craft skills.
What happens next
The Nest x Hermès American Craft Convening is scheduled to proceed from October 8 through October 10, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the local artistic community in our Needlework section.
More information
View recent projects and studio updates on the Mani Mina Studio website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St Pete Catalyst.
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