24-02-2025
New skill share club encourages people to teach each other
DSM Skillshare is helping residents learn practical and creative skills from their neighbors — for free.
Why it matters: In an era of online classes and workshops, the new organization brings people together for hands-on, in-person experiences.
How it started: The idea started when founder Cheltzie Miller-Bailey ran into car trouble a couple of years ago and realized she had no clue what to do.
Frustrated and feeling powerless, she tells Axios that she almost signed up for mechanic classes at DMACC.
But that sparked a bigger thought: What if people could learn everyday skills from each other without the cost or intimidation of formal classes?
The first event last month, led by DSM Crochet Club, was so popular that a second session had to be added afterward on the fly.
How it works: Community members volunteer to teach what they know — whether it's woodworking, car maintenance or makeup application.
Sessions are currently held at the Wander Women Midwest office in the Market District. Registration is required.
What's next: The group's next event on Sunday focuses on self-care, including planning self-care and finding strength through movement.
March will focus on gardening with professional and hobbyist gardeners helping people prep for the growing season.
Get updates on future sessions by following DSM Skillshare on Instagram.
The bottom line: "I know what it feels like to be stuck, wishing I had someone I could trust to teach me the things I need to know," Miller-Bailey says. "This is about making sure no one in our community has to feel that way."
