Artist and Founder, Agnes Pierscieniak of Crave Workshops Is Transforming Workplace Well-Being Through Creative Connection

Please share a brief introduction and your business:

I’m an artist, educator, and creative wellness leader focused on the art of human connection. I founded Crave Workshops to bring mindfulness, creativity, and community into the modern workplace. We design immersive art experiences that help teams slow down, reconnect, and spark inspiration through hands-on creative practice. Since 2017, Crave has led more than 300 global events for over 6,000 participants across 45 states and 30+ countries, partnering with companies like Google, eBay, Cisco, and TEDx to make creativity a meaningful part of how people work and connect.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I always knew I wanted to create, lead, and build experiences that made a difference—but entrepreneurship found me. I had always worked within large organizations, and it wasn’t until 2020 that I decided to go full-time with Crave Workshops. Originally, I focused on local clients and bachelorette parties, which were super fun but limited in revenue potential. When I began working with corporate teams and fulfilling large-scale event orders, I saw the real business potential of what I had created. Around that time, Google became my first virtual client, and I realized there was a growing need for meaningful, creative experiences that could bring people together—even through a screen. Using my background in design and teaching, I transformed Crave into a full-time endeavor, combining creativity, mindfulness, and connection in a way that felt both innovative and essential.

Do you have a co-founder?

No, but I deeply believe in building a network. Some have called me a bridge—someone who authentically connects people, embraces their talents, and sees the potential of what we can create together.

Take us back to when you launched? What was your marketing strategy?

When I first launched Crave Workshopsf full-time, the demand for unique virtual events during COVID was incredible. Clients kept finding me—mostly through my website—and early partnerships with brands like Google and eBay helped show that we could deliver high-quality, creative experiences at scale. We handled everything from customized kits to seamless virtual sessions, and word quickly spread. Most of our growth came organically through referrals, and even today, the majority of our clients come from teams or companies who’ve experienced a Crave event and want to bring it to their own groups.

What accomplishments are you the most proud of to date in your business?

I’m proud of creating something that genuinely changes how people feel. Seeing participants leave a workshop lighter, more connected, and more at peace is the greatest reward. Crave Workshops welcomes people from all backgrounds—especially those who may feel intimidated by creativity. We’ve taught everyone from tech developers in Albania to interns, and within 60 minutes, they’re collaging, painting, or marbling with confidence and joy. Each experience is designed for success, regardless of skill level, and it’s incredible to watch participants surprise themselves and tap into their creative potential. On a larger scale, I’m proud that Crave Workshops has reached thousands of people across 30+ countries and collaborated with some of the most innovative companies in the world—all while remaining true to its roots in mindfulness and art.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

That clarity comes from doing. You don’t have to have it all figured out—just begin, stay curious, and refine as you go.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

“What brings you joy outside of work?” It reveals how someone refuels their creativity and whether they value curiosity and connection. I also believe how you do anything is how you do everything—so I pay close attention to how candidates communicate, follow up, and handle details. Their actions often speak louder than their words.

What did you go before starting your own business?

Before launching Crave, I spent over 15 years working as a Creative Director and designer at global architecture and branding firms such as Gensler and CallisonRTKL. I also taught design at RISD, USC, and Otis College of Art and Design. My background in experiential design, art direction, and education helped shape Crave’s unique approach—where creativity becomes both a design experience and a mindfulness practice.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

After years in high-pressure design environments, I saw how easily creative burnout could take hold—even among the most passionate people. I wanted to build something that helped others reconnect with the joy and presence that drew them to creativity in the first place. In the early days of Crave, I started hosting backyard art parties inspired by my global travels—teaching shibori dyeing in Venice through Airbnb Experiences and creative sessions for friends in Los Angeles. What began as a way to connect and make new friends quickly grew into something deeper. The response was overwhelming—people were craving calm, color, and connection. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just a workshop—it was a movement.

Do you have any recent wins?

This year has been one of tremendous growth. Some of our biggest wins have come from returning clients who loved their experiences so much that they invited us back to lead new events for additional teams. Companies like Minted and Cisco have brought us in multiple times within the same year—ranging from leadership retreats to special occasion gatherings. Cisco alone has partnered with us five times over the past two years. Managing these larger, more complex events has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s shown how scalable and adaptable our experiences can be. We’ve successfully scaled from virtual to hybrid and live events, which has opened the door to even more meaningful in-person experiences. This year, we’ve also continued to refine and expand our signature series of workshops—from Alcohol Inks and Suminagashi to Collage and creative mindfulness—highlighting the evolution of our offerings and the diversity of ways teams can connect through art.

What's one app on your phone that you cannot live without?

Honestly, Instagram. I use it as a way to tell stories visually—to document our workshops, share behind-the-scenes moments, and create a digital scrapbook of the experiences we’ve built. It’s where I connect through imagery, edit short videos, and celebrate the beauty of creativity in motion. I’ve always believed in the power of photography and hosting photo shoots to capture evocative visuals that tell a story without words.

Who are your customers?

Our clients are forward-thinking organizations that value well-being, creativity, and human connection—spanning industries such as tech, finance, biotech, and design. Based in Napa, Crave Workshops hosts in-person events throughout the Bay Area and virtual experiences for teams all around the world. We’ve taught participants of all backgrounds—men, women, and people who don’t consider themselves creative—using art as a tool for mindfulness and mental health. Our sessions range from intern programs to leadership retreats and wellness summits, each designed to spark creativity and connection. We’ve shipped thousands of kits globally, and we’re now developing the Crave Calm Club, an ongoing membership for clients who want to bring creative wellness into their workplace on a regular basis through themed kits and guided experiences.

What's your top productivity tip?

My yoga practice or a nature walk does wonders to help me focus and get inspired. I start each day with presence—taking a quiet moment to ground before diving into work. Creativity flows best from calm, not chaos.

What's your favorite business tool?

I use Adobe InDesign and the full Creative Suite for most of my design work, but I actually love using Canva for newsletters. One of my favorite parts of running my business is creating and sending newsletters—sharing what we’ve been working on with clients, potential partners, and friends. Canva makes it easy to design engaging, visual updates that feel creative and personal at the same time.

What's your approach to work-life balance?

I think of it as creative integration, not balance. Life and work are both expressions of creativity, and the more aligned they are with my values, the more naturally everything flows.

How do you avoid burn-out?

I schedule creativity like self-care. When I make time to create just for myself—without a deadline—it restores my energy and reminds me why I started.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Follow the spark that feels alive. You don’t need a perfect plan—just a clear intention, authentic relationships, and the courage to take the first step. Creativity rewards momentum.

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