About Workshop | Wantagh, Long Island

Kristen Estela

Founder & CEO

As a former educator, employee engagement guru, and with nearly two decades of event planning experience, I've dedicated my career to creating engaging, meaningful experiences for diverse audiences. My passion for events runs deep — it's rooted in family and the joy of bringing people together. While I've worked on large-scale events, I've come to cherish the magic of smaller, more intimate gatherings — those moments that truly shape our memories.

Through Workshop, I'm on a mission to redefine the community engagement experience. My goal is to create lasting, joy-filled moments for people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. I see an opportunity to innovate, elevate, and modernize the way we learn, gather and celebrate.

My expertise allows me to thoughtfully design programs that cater to all ages — from children's workshops to adult gatherings — fostering creativity, connection, and celebration. Workshop is more than just a space; it's a place where people can gather, play, learn, and create truly meaningful memories. I've found my joy in being a host to these memorable moments, and I encourage you to find your joy with us.

Amanda Spillane

Co-Founder · Director of Operations & Strategy

Throughout my HR career, I discovered that event management was not only one of my greatest strengths, but also a true passion. Whether organizing team-building activities, Bring Your Kid to Work Day, company-wide conferences, or networking events, I embraced every opportunity to bring people together. The magic of these events wasn't just in the logistics — it was in witnessing connections form, ideas spark, and individuals grow through shared experiences.

What brought me the most joy was creating moments where people could share their stories, build meaningful relationships, and develop both personally and professionally. My love for supporting others and contributing to impactful experiences was always at the heart of my work. Whether managing an event or simply offering a listening ear, my goal has always been to make people feel heard, valued, and empowered.

For me, Workshop is more than just a space for learning — it's a place where people feel seen, supported, and inspired. My goal is to cultivate an environment where individuals can grow, find joy, and connect with others in authentic and meaningful ways.

How Workshop came to be.

As a former business owner turned stay-at-home mom, I knew I wanted to get back into work — but in a way that truly mattered. I wasn't just looking for a job. I was searching for purpose. A wise mentor encouraged me to explore what I truly loved and start with a passionette (or a mini passion), and that small spark led me down an unexpected and beautiful path.

With a background in event planning, I naturally gravitated toward hosting small gatherings at my home, bringing together my children and their young classmates. But what I didn't anticipate was the magic that would unfold. These parties and gatherings organically turned into something much deeper — a community of mothers who craved connection just as much as I did. In those moments, I saw the power of bringing people together, of creating a space where friendships formed and support systems blossomed.

The following year, I met another stay-at-home mom, Amanda, who had also stepped away from a full-time career to be with her kids. We became class moms for our children's kindergarten class and, almost instantly, kindred spirits. We started organizing events together — first through the PTA, then on our own — and quickly realized we shared a vision to build something bigger. A place where people could come together, not just for playdates and PTA functions, but for joy, creativity, and meaningful connection.

That vision grew into Workshop. What started as a small idea evolved into something much larger than us — a space dedicated to bringing people together. From toddler art classes to adult sculpting workshops, from wellness sessions for women to social gatherings for retirees — our goal is to inspire meaningful connections by creating joyful experiences.

Most importantly, we want to give people the same gift we found in each other: a village. Workshop is a place to step away from the curated world of social media and step into real-life connection, where you're not just watching others create — you're doing it for yourself. This is our passion, and we truly believe Workshop is a place of impact, joy, and belonging.

xo,
Kristen

Not a studio.
A village.

Warm, thoughtfully designed, and built for real life.

Workshop is the only space on Long Island where every age, every stage, and every reason someone walks through the door has a place.

The people behind Workshop.

Kristen Estela

Amanda Spillane

How Workshop came to be.

The creative partners who bring Workshop to life.

Not a studio.A village.

Warm, thoughtfully designed, and built for real life.

Workshop is the only space on Long Island where every age, every stage, and every reason someone walks through the door has a place.

The people behind Workshop.

Kristen Estela

Amanda Spillane

How Workshop came to be.

The creative partners who bring Workshop to life.

Come say hello.

Not a studio.
A village.