Meraki Metal Works

Home
United States
Bakersfield, CA
Meraki Metal Works

Directions Website Contact the establishment

Art with an Edge by Alisyn Palla.

10/19/2026

MEET THE SPEAKERS | PAISLEY WITKOWSKI

Welding isn’t just about striking an arc.

It’s also about the science, engineering, problem-solving, and technical expertise behind every weld.

Enter Paisley Witkowski.

A licensed Professional Engineer specializing in welding and metallurgy, Paisley has spent more than a decade in the energy industry, tackling complex technical challenges and helping shape the standards that guide our profession.

Her work with Republic Testing Labs and TIPTIG, along with her involvement in ASME, API, and AWS, reflects the breadth of her expertise and passion for advancing the industry.

And that’s exactly why I wanted her in this conversation.

But there’s more to Paisley than engineering.

Outside the technical world of welding, she has another passion: horses.

And I love that she chose a photo that shows that side of her.

Because we’re not defined by a single title, career, or passion. We’re the sum of all the things that make us who we are.

Join us for BREAKING THE MOLD: BUILT, NOT BORN at FABTECH 2026.

Five women. Different paths. Real conversations.

Thursday, October 22 | 3:00–4:30 PM
FABTECH Las Vegas | Room S210

10/18/2026

MEET THE SPEAKERS | HOLLIE CALVERT FOWLER

Opera singer turned off-road racer, fabricator, and entrepreneur.

Seriously. You can’t make this stuff up.

From performing on stage to building race cars and competing at King of the Hammers, Hollie Calvert Fowler has taken a career path that’s anything but conventional.

As the founder of Seat Time Syndicate, she’s continuing to push boundaries in motorsports and fabrication.

And that’s exactly why I wanted her in this conversation.

Because there’s no rule that says your first career has to be your last. Or that you have to follow someone else’s blueprint to build something incredible.

Hollie’s story is about taking chances, learning new skills, and having the guts to change direction.

Join us for BREAKING THE MOLD: BUILT, NOT BORN at FABTECH 2026.

Five women. Different paths. Real conversations.

Thursday, October 22 | 3:00–4:30 PM
FABTECH Las Vegas | Room S210

10/17/2026

MEET THE SPEAKERS | MIKALA SPOSITO

First woman to represent the United States in welding at WorldSkills.

First woman EVER to medal in welding at WorldSkills.

Let that sink in.

Mikala Sposito just returned from Shanghai with a bronze medal and a place in welding history.

But that achievement didn’t happen overnight. Years of training, countless hours under the hood, and a whole lot of determination brought her to the world stage.

And that’s exactly why I wanted her in this conversation.

Mikala represents the next generation of welding talent, and her story is proof of what can happen when passion meets hard work.

Join us for BREAKING THE MOLD: BUILT, NOT BORN at FABTECH 2026.

Five women. Different paths. Real conversations.

Thursday, October 22 | 3:00–4:30 PM
FABTECH Las Vegas | Room S210

10/16/2026

MEET THE SPEAKERS | RAE RIPPLE

Artist. Fabricator. Entrepreneur. Rule breaker.

Rae Ripple doesn’t just work with metal. She turns it into something that tells a story.

From creating incredible metal sculptures to building a career around her passion, Rae has carved out a path that’s entirely her own.

And now she’s taking it even further.

As the founder of the Rae Ripple Foundation, she’s working to create opportunities for people facing hardship through welding, art, and skilled trades education.

Because sometimes learning to build something with your hands can help you rebuild your life.

And that’s exactly why I wanted her in this conversation.

Rae’s journey is about more than metal. It’s about resilience, creativity, second chances, and using what you’ve built to help others build something of their own.

Join us for BREAKING THE MOLD: BUILT, NOT BORN at FABTECH 2026.

Five women. Different paths. Real conversations.

Thursday, October 22 | 3:00–4:30 PM
FABTECH Las Vegas | Room S210

10/15/2026

MEET THE SPEAKERS | STEPHANIE HOFFMAN

From welder and fabricator to business owner, educator, and industry leader, Stephanie Hoffman has built a career that proves there’s no single path to success in welding.

With more than 25 years in the industry, Stephanie has experienced welding from just about every angle.

Today, she’s the Director of Industry Development and Engagement at Miller Electric, bringing both hands-on experience and an MBA in Engineering and Construction Management to the table.

And that’s exactly why I wanted her in this conversation.

From the shop floor to industry leadership, Stephanie’s journey is a reminder that where you start doesn’t have to define where you finish.

Join us for BREAKING THE MOLD: BUILT, NOT BORN at FABTECH 2026.

Five women. Different paths. Real conversations.

Thursday, October 22 | 3:00–4:30 PM
FABTECH Las Vegas | Room S210

10/14/2026

🔥🔥🔥BUILT, NOT BORN🔥🔥🔥

Five women. Five different paths. One shared passion.

I’ve been looking forward to bringing these incredible women together for BREAKING THE MOLD: Women in Welding at FABTECH 2026!

But we’re doing things a little differently this year...

No traditional panel. No rehearsed answers. No perfect career paths.

Just real women sharing real stories about finding their way, breaking barriers, taking risks, and building careers in an industry we love!

I’m honored to moderate a conversation featuring:

⚡ Stephanie Hoffman
⚡ Rae Ripple
⚡ Mikala Sposito
⚡ Hollie Calvert Fowler
⚡ Paisley Witkowski

Different backgrounds. Different experiences. Different perspectives.

And that’s exactly the point.

FABTECH Las Vegas | Room S210
Thursday, October 22
3:00–4:30 PM

Whether you’re a welder, artist, fabricator, engineer, student, or simply curious about this industry, there’s a place for you in this conversation.

Come curious. Leave inspired.

10/10/2026

And there she is!

A 1972 VW Super Beetle. A whole lot of hand-drawn, hand-plasma-cut flowers. And one creative bucket-list project officially checked off!

When I heard the theme for this year’s ArtFest was 1970s Vinyl, I knew exactly what I wanted to create and I jumped in!

I’ve always loved the way light and shadows interact with my metalwork, and this project took that obsession to a whole new level.

The best part? This one was created for a cause that matters.

I donated 100% of my time to bring this project to life, and 100% of the proceeds from its sale will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Kern County.

The Beetle is available for purchase through BGCKC’s Art on the Grand Scale program.

Interested? Contact Bethany Rowlee at [email protected] for more information.

A little flower power, whole lot of Meraki 🌻

10/09/2026

Sometimes what isn’t there is just as interesting as what is.

10/08/2026

Special delivery!!!
One 1972 VW Super Beetle with a whole lot of hand-cut flowers.
ArtFest.
Tomorrow.
Just wait.

Super special shoutout to Urgency Trailer Rental for such a smooth transport + delivery! I can’t wait to show some of the amazing footage from our delivery adventure ❤️‍🔥🌻❤️‍🔥

07/02/2026

After years of building beautiful steel flowers…

I decided they needed teeth.

Join me at on July 18 for a full day of creative welding and cutting as we turn steel into carnivorous Venus flytraps.

Let’s build something a little dangerous. 🌱⚡️🤘

Book your spot: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/buildyourownartpeace

Address

Bakersfield, CA

Website

http://www.merakimetalworks.net/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Meraki Metal Works posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Meraki Metal Works:

Want your establishment to be the top-listed arts & entertainment in Bakersfield?