About Us

Blythe has had a long-time passion for creativity and the power to create. She attended the High School for the Visual and Performing Arts in Houston, went on to the University of Houston with a B.A. in Art History, graduating with honors, with a minor in Studio Art and a focus of photography. She has sold art internationally and has had her photography recognized multiple times through notable outlets, such as National Geographic, KPRC News and more. She worked as a street fashion photographer in for Girl on the Street in NYC documenting Houston street fashion and had her eye for unique fashion and clothing designs featured in Trace Magazine, Bust Magazine, and sold pieces internationally.  She completed her Ec-12 teaching certification in art at ACT and went on to direct and teach enrichment centered classes for youth in Houston. Through years of volunteering, she had a love for nonprofit work and teaching kids the importance of their individuality, ideas, and the power of creating. Since her move to Boerne, TX, she has continued her work wih youth and founded Girl with Grit Program and Come and Make It!. She also lauched a line of patented safety glasses for women, Safety Sasses. She likes to encourage creativity alongside practical business skills.

Staci Andrews served as Blythe Zemel’s mentor through the start-up of Girl with Grit Program. She is retired Navy and a successful business woman herself. She currently runs Staci’s Gift Shop and Hot Rod Garage in Boerne, TX. She led some of the best Hot Rod Nights Boerne ever saw!

Briana Huhn has been a welder/fabricator for 11 years across multiple industries. In addition to welding, Briana shares her love of the trades with children through a Minnesota based nonprofit, Big Ideas Inc. Her main goal is to help end the stigma that the trades are second rate. Her metalworking skills earned her a spot on Motortrend’s ‘Bitchin Bootcamp’ and Discovery Channel’s ‘Monster Garage’.

Natalie Salyers is our right-hand person day-to-day at the Makerspace. She assists our Executive Director in classes and administration. Natalie started out as a talented student in the program and has grown to be a worthy sidekick.

Ann Asher has worked as an art teacher for some time. She is well loved for her sweet heart mized with her daring fashion. She works alongside students too encouraging them as a peer to problem-solve.

Ryli Danai is a long-time peer volunteer in the program and is currently training for a role of an assistant. Ryli is a maker with an eye for design and color. She enjoys everything from fashion to digital to more.