NestFest is created by Willamette Week — a Portland institution known for spotlighting the people, places, and ideas shaping how this city lives.
The festival’s partnerships, programming, editorial direction, creative strategy, and event design are led by the Willamette Week team, building on decades of experience convening Portland audiences around culture, design, food, and community.
House of Commons produces NestFest and provides strategic direction on the programming.
To help shape the festival’s perspective, strategy and deepen its connection to Portland’s creative community, NestFest is also supported by a group of advisors working across design, hospitality, retail and the arts. These advisors play a key role in bringing the event to life, offer insight, ideas, and community perspective that help inform NestFest.
NestFest Advisory Board
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Melanie Nead
Lonesome Pictopia founder Melanie’s background as a custom tattoo artist, her lifelong love of pattern and old objects, and her passion for botany all shape her approach to interiors. A former Literature major, Melanie loves to read, write, identify plants, watch horror movies, and play with her two half-dachsund dogs. She unabashedly and non-ironically loves Christmas. Originally from Santa Cruz, California (setting of the seminal 1987 film The Lost Boys), Melanie has lived in Portland since 1999. Some of Melanie‘s superpowers are: accidental perfect color-matching across space and time, big ideas, and collaboration.
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Puji Sherer
Puji Sherer is the Executive Director of Color Guild International, a global organization that supports independent paint manufacturers through color. She is also the founder of Puji Studio, where she helps Portlands small businesses build thoughtful brands inspired by a deep appreciation for color, craftsmanship, and design.
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Amy Jeffers
Amy Jeffers is the founder of Amplify Co. Studio, a Portland-based consultancy working at the intersection of strategic growth and community activation for design, architecture, and maker-driven businesses. Her guiding philosophy — "I change the conditions so growth becomes possible" — shows up in everything from brand positioning and sales strategy to the events she produces for Portland's design ecosystem, including The Amplify Room, a showcase connecting local makers and designers.
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Bridgid Blackburn
Bridgid Blackburn is co-owner of Cargo, a vibrant marketplace in Portland's Central Eastside that champions local makers, small businesses, and global artisans through thoughtfully curated retail experiences and exhibits.

