Hemlock Studio is an independent publisher and special events organization founded by partners, Katelyn Kireta and Tim McKenna, inspired by their shared passions, values, and unabashed nerdiness. We’re dedicated to building community and fostering connections among people with wide-ranging interests—from meditation to typography, education to esoterica, and social games to social issues.
Mission Statement
We highlight underrepresented ideas and support diverse voices that challenge conventional thinking. Through inclusive publishing, engaging events, and expert consulting, we foster curiosity, lifelong learning, and cultural equity. Our goal is to connect historical perspectives with current insights, creating an open environment where everyone can connect, learn, and advance together.
Our Values
1. Radical Inclusion
We create spaces where everyone—regardless of background, belief, or identity—feels welcomed, respected, and safe. We actively seek out and uplift voices that are often unheard.
2. Authentic Connection
We foster genuine relationships built on trust, empathy, and openness. Every interaction is grounded in honesty and a commitment to real human connection.
3. Curiosity Without Boundaries
We celebrate the joy of discovery and encourage fearless exploration of new ideas, perspectives, and traditions—especially those at the margins of mainstream thought.
4. Community-Driven Growth
We believe in the transformative power of community. By gathering, sharing, and learning together, we help each other—and the world—grow.
5. Courageous Knowledge Sharing
We honor the wisdom of the past and the innovation of the present. We bridge ancient and modern insights, making space for every question and every perspective.
6. Integrity in Action
We act with authenticity and transparency in everything we do, holding ourselves accountable to our values and our community.
Our Principles
- AI Usage—It’s an enabler, but not a replacement for quality work created by people.
- What we might use it for includes
- Helpful editing in text, video, audio
- Automation of business administration work
- Data Analysis (as needed)
- What we won’t use it for
- AI-created content with no human intervention
- What we might use it for includes
- Artwork & Editing – We use real people creating real artwork and work with real editors.
- Vetted Partners – We don’t do business with vendors and individuals who don’t share or go against our values and principles.
- Publishing Standards – We do not publish materials that do not share/go against our values and principles. More on publishing standards to be announced
- If we both aren’t 100% committed to an opportunity, then it’s a no. We respect ourselves, our relationship, and the integrity of our business. So if we both aren’t a Hell Yes, than it’s a Hell No.
- We don’t sacrifice relationships for the sake of business. We want to remain authentic to ourselves first and foremost. Hemlock Studio is an extension of our passions; thus, we want to make sure quality and excitement remain high. The business should be secondary to our relationship.