This May 3-4, San Diego Made Factory in Sherman Heights will transform into a vibrant sanctuary of creativity, culture, and self-care with the debut of the Golden Makers Market, a free two-day celebration hosted by the non-profit organization Golden Guide in honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month.
At its heart, the Golden Makers Market is a deeply intentional space where wellness, community, and cultural pride converge to spotlight over 20 AANHPI-owned businesses and artists. With thoughtfully curated workshops and healing experiences, the market goes beyond the typical vendor fair—offering attendees opportunities to slow down, reconnect with their inner selves, and honor traditions of self-care rooted in AANHPI heritage.
“We created Golden Makers Market to build the community we want to see here in San Diego—collaborative, welcoming spaces where AANHPI makers, artists and small businesses can thrive,” says Peter Huang, co-founder of Golden Guide. “We're excited to bring this vision to life and create a meaningful space for both vendors to discover one another and connect with San Diego’s AANHPI communities at large.”
Where Culture Meets Wellness
A key highlight of the market is its wellness workshop series, which reflects the rich tapestry of ancestral knowledge and modern healing practices. Guests can participate in eight immersive sessions ranging from gua sha, ikebana, and yoga to tea tasting and emotional processing—all led by AANHPI practitioners. Among the standout offerings:
"The Soulcare Ritual: Gua Sha Flow & Release” by Soulcare Standard combines Traditional Chinese Medicine with self-massage and grounding tea, offering participants a full-bodied ritual of beauty and introspection.
Este’s Japanese Tea Tasting Workshop invites tea lovers on a sensory journey through sencha, wakoucha, and matcha, paired with Filipino kakanin (rice sweets) for a cross-cultural fusion of flavor and mindfulness.
"Embracing Yourself & Your Emotions” by The Thoughtful Beast offers a culturally responsive space for AAPI attendees to explore emotional awareness through movement, theater, and guided journaling.
"Spiritual + Energetic Maintenance” by Balete Bodywork & Botanika introduces ancient practices from Filipino, Chinese, and Indian medicine, including meditation, energy cleansing, and breathwork, to promote holistic balance.
On Sunday, Kate Cobarrubia’s Yoga and Sound Healing session will hold space for gentle movement, sound bath meditation, and journaling—an inclusive healing experience designed specifically for the AANHPI community.
These experiences emphasize a recurring theme of the weekend: wellness as a cultural practice that has been passed down, adapted, and honored in modern ways.
Makers, Healers, and Visionaries
In addition to its wellness programming, the Golden Makers Market will feature a vibrant showcase of handcrafted goods, original art, and small-batch culinary delights. Participating vendors include local favorites like Amoi, Soulcare Standard, Vy.Lan Atelier, Balete Bodywork & Botanika, and The Thoughtful Beast, among others.
A curated group art show, themed “Hiraya Manawari” (a Filipino phrase meaning “may your dreams come true”), will also be on display, reflecting themes of aspiration and resilience across AANHPI identities.
Tickets and Event Details
Golden Makers Market is more than a pop-up—it's an invitation to celebrate wellness, community, and cultural identity all in one place.
Event Details:
📍 SD Made Factory – 2031 Commercial St, San Diego, CA
🗓️ Saturday, May 3 + Sunday, May 4, 2025
🕙 VIP Shopping Hour: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
🛍️ General Admission: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
🎟️ Free Entry (RSVP encouraged); VIP tickets $20
Workshop tickets sold separately ($25-$95) at goldenguide.org/golden-makers-market
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