About NANI Works
Kathy Hanson
— Founder, Instructor and Artist at Nani Works
NANI Works began with a simple idea: creating something with your hands can change the way you think, feel, and connect with others.
The name “Nani” is inspired by the Hawaiian word meaning beauty, glory, and splendor. This description reflects the years Kathy Hanson spent living in Hawaii and the lasting influence that experience had on her perspective and creative life.
For Kathy, creativity has always been more than a hobby. It has been a way of exploring, problem-solving, and bringing ideas to life across a wide range of mediums. From wood and glass to fluid art and functional pieces, she is continually drawn to the process of making something unique and meaningful.
Helping people learn, grow, and develop has been central to Kathy’s work for many years. She has taught learners from kindergarten through graduate school and has spent much of her professional life helping individuals and teams communicate more effectively, navigate challenges, and grow through hands-on, experiential learning. She is a certified professional coach through the International Coaching Federation and a former U.S. Army helicopter pilot.
At NANI Works, those two paths come together. Her workshops and creations are designed not just to teach techniques, but to create space for people to explore, experiment, and connect with the materials, with each other, and with their own creativity. In the process, participants are invited to create something truly beautiful.
