The PM Podcast: Launchpad – A Conversation with Rebecca and Chris Van Bergen

Release Date: April 5, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: The PM Podcast
• Host: Jay Frost
• Organization: DonorSearch
• Description: Through in-depth interviews with thought leaders in social good, The PM Podcast reveals the cutting-edge ideas and transformative work reshaping our world. From pioneering philanthropists to trailblazing nonprofit innovators, every episode delivers the insights you need to spark inspiration and action.

Introduction to Nest and Its Founders

In this episode, host Jay Frost engages in a deep conversation with Rebecca and Chris Van Bergen, the dynamic duo behind Nest, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing gender equity and economic inclusion within the global artisan and maker economy.

Rebecca Van Bergen founded Nest in 2006 at the age of 24. Under her leadership as Executive Director, Nest has forged partnerships with prominent brands like Etsy and Patagonia, supporting over 250,000 artisans across 120 countries. Chris Van Bergen, who joined Nest in 2011 as Chief Financial and Operating Officer, has been instrumental in guiding the organization through rapid growth, ethical compliance, and program expansion.

Jay Frost introduces the couple by highlighting their combined efforts in redefining handmade craft's role in the global economy, empowering communities, promoting transparency, and shaping a more equitable future for workers worldwide (00:29).

The Meeting of Partners in Life and Work

The conversation begins with an exploration of how Rebecca and Chris met and combined their personal and professional lives.

Rebecca recounts, “We met through a mutual friend from St. Louis... our shared passions for fundraising and craft and culture really kind of started the conversation” (02:03). Their romantic relationship blossomed before Chris joined Nest, driven by a common vision for social good.

Chris shares his transition from a classical musician to joining Nest, stating, “...what Rebecca was doing at NEST was having such a direct, intangible impact on the stakeholders that NEST was serving” (04:37). This shift was fueled by his desire for tangible impact beyond the beauty of music performances.

Genesis of Nest: Vision and Mission

The founders delve into the origins of Nest, highlighting the inspiration drawn from Muhammad Yunus's Nobel Peace Prize for microfinance, which sparked early conversations about social business models.

Rebecca explains, “I had just gotten my master’s degree in social work... my vision was about holistic support, market building, business education... creating a stronger model for supporting women in business development” (05:57). This led to the establishment of Nest as a platform supporting artisan and creative entrepreneurs globally through initiatives like the Artisan Guild and Nest Connect, an e-learning platform offering business accelerators and financing (07:44).

Scaling Nest: Evolution and Strategic Partnerships

A significant portion of the discussion centers on how Nest evolved to scale its impact, transitioning from a trunk show model to strategic brand partnerships.

Chris elaborates on this evolution: “We shifted from solely direct to consumer to brand partnerships... allowing us to drive scale quicker” (12:03). This strategic pivot enabled Nest to support thousands of artisan businesses by leveraging existing brand audiences instead of relying solely on direct consumer engagement.

The couple discusses the challenges of acting as an intermediary and the decision to break this bottleneck to enhance market access for artisans. This led to the development of supply chain transparency programs and ethical compliance standards, ensuring responsible sourcing and fair treatment of artisans (19:22).

Case Study: Gee’s Bend Quilters

Rebecca shares a poignant example of Nest’s impact through their work with the Gee’s Bend Quilters, a renowned community in Alabama.

Rebecca describes, “We helped the quilters form their first online retail shops... This community has earned over $1 million in direct sales back into the community. Before our arrival, the average annual income was $13,000 a year” (22:38). This partnership not only expanded market access but also significantly boosted the community's economic standing.

Navigating Organizational and Personal Challenges

Running Nest as a married couple presents unique challenges. Both Rebecca and Chris discuss balancing their professional roles with their personal relationship, emphasizing the importance of active listening and iterative program development.

Rebecca reflects, “I take everything at Nest very personally... balancing our roles as partners in both life and work has been challenging” (43:56). Chris adds, “We need to make sure that there are guiding lines between the work that we do... it's the blessing and the curse of being able to work together” (44:55). They highlight the necessity of setting boundaries and maintaining a supportive environment for both their team and family.

Impact and Future Aspirations

The Van Bergens express their vision for the future of Nest, focusing on the rising demand for handmade crafts in an increasingly automated world.

Rebecca states, “As the world becomes so much more automated, people are yearning for the handmade... we’re just at the tip of the iceberg of what’s possible in bringing craft into the mainstream” (52:32). Chris emphasizes the importance of storytelling and direct impact: “Seeing the impact of the work and understanding the stories of the people behind the hands that make the product... those are the goosebump moments for me” (48:37).

Their ultimate goal is to continue expanding Nest’s global footprint, supporting artisans in more countries, and fostering sustainable economic growth through empowered craftsmanship.

Closing Reflections and Personal Inspirations

Both Rebecca and Chris share personal anecdotes about their family’s crafting heritage, highlighting how these influences shaped their commitment to Nest.

Rebecca reflects on her grandmother’s legacy: “She was Nest’s biggest cheerleader... her family legacy was textiles... she was inspired by social justice” (53:56). Chris adds, “My mom is a weaver... she finds it inspiring that craft can drive forward amazing opportunities for communities” (56:23).

Conclusion

Rebecca and Chris Van Bergen's journey with Nest exemplifies the transformative power of combining passion, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to social good. Their ability to adapt and scale while maintaining a personal connection to their mission underscores the impactful work being done to empower artisans globally.

Notable Quotes:

• Rebecca Van Bergen (00:00): “It has been so meaningful... we’re loving this stage where they’re old enough to be a part of it.”
• Chris Van Bergen (04:37): “What’s missing for me... was the feeling of tangible impact.”
• Rebecca Van Bergen (05:57): “A big piece of our mission has been... to change the narrative that craft is a major driver of employment for women.”
• Chris Van Bergen (12:03): “We as an organization... started thinking about how we can create increased market access opportunities.”
• Rebecca Van Bergen (22:38): “Before our arrival, the average annual income was $13,000 a year... transitioning to crossing that digital divide to real significant income is just so powerful.”
• Chris Van Bergen (48:37): “Understanding the stories and watching the impact... those are the goosebump moments for me.”
• Rebecca Van Bergen (52:32): “As the world becomes so much more automated, people are yearning for the handmade.”

Learn More: To discover more about Nest and their impactful work, visit Nest@buildanest.org.

About the Podcast: Produced by Jack Frost with theme music by Jay Taylor, The PM Podcast is brought to you by DonorSearch, the world leader in AI and donor research for nonprofit fundraising. Subscribe on your favorite platform and explore our sister shows, Front Lines of Social Good and How to Raise.

This summary encapsulates the essence of the conversation between Jay Frost, Rebecca Van Bergen, and Chris Van Bergen, providing insights into the founding, evolution, and impact of Nest in fostering global artisan communities.