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Melanie Callahan

Humber Baker Inc., a newly opened local bakery in Corner Brook, uses the Makerspace's services to create signage for its new storefront. (Photo: Kathryn White) 

With their new signage in front of their store, the recently opened Humber Baker can’t be missed. Ashmit and Gauri Jaitely opened the storefront for their previously home-based business on Sept. 14. The sibling duo moved from Toronto, where they both previously studied culinary management at George Brown. The pair worked at several Michelin-star restaurants before settling in Corner Brook in 2024. The bakery serves a variety of freshly baked breads, desserts and sandwiches.

Ashmit Jaitley originally heard about the Centre for Research and Innovation (CRI) Makerspace from a friend. Curious about what the space could offer his growing business, Mr. Jaitley toured the facility in early 2026 with makerspace manager Neil Nordeje. The facility opened in 2023 as a creative hub for entrepreneurship, applied research, community engagement, and learning. The Makerspace fosters a culture of innovation while providing public access to a wide variety of tools and technology through a membership structure.

Neil Nordeje (left), Ashmit Jaitley (right) posing in front of the sign they created over the summer at the CRI Makerspace. (Photo: Kathryn White)

“Our Makerspace provides entrepreneurs, small businesses, and members of the community with access to equipment and resources that they may not otherwise have access to, helping them turn their ideas and visions into reality. Our goal is to foster and grow the maker movement in Western Newfoundland, with a particular focus on supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses” said Mr. Nordeje, an electronics engineer by trade with a master’s in business.

 

Working together

After seeing the wide array of tools and technology available, Mr. Jaitley knew the CRI could help him fabricate the signs he wanted to produce for his business.

“I knew what I wanted the (signs) to look like, but I didn’t know how to get there,” he said. 

Over the summer, Jaitley worked with Mr. Nordeje in the Makerspace to fabricate the signs using a combination of the laser cutter, CNC machine, track saw, drill, and sander.

“It’s not even that I don’t have access (to these tools); I don’t even know how to use them. It was all new for me. I had some super basic knowledge, but that was it. Actually executing the projects, I needed help from Neil.”

Mr. Nordeje promotes collaborative work and encourages Makerspace members to learn the hands-on skills needed to use the technology and tools available there.

Nordeje setting up a cut on the CNC machine inside the Makerspace (Photo: Kathryn White)

“He (Jaitley) came with his own design and idea, and I helped him execute the actual project. When people come to the space with an idea for us to work on together, that’s when I’m really able to help.”

The Makerspace manager's role is to provide guidance and instruction to use the equipment and software available in the space.

“The Makerspace is (so much more) than a facility that makes sure you’re using the equipment safely; it’s actually providing guidance on how to accomplish something,” said Mr. Jaitley.  “The space is super accommodating.”

 

Hidden secret

Mr. Jaitley promotes the Makerspace as a “hidden secret” and his membership as “the best business investment” he could have made.

“For the cost of the CRI Makerspace membership, what you can get out of it is insane.”

Membership is free to all faculty, students and staff across Memorial and CNA. General memberships for the public are $300 a year, with daily or drop-in rates also available. Makerspace members have access to a wide variety of tools and technology: 3D printers, laser cutters, a plasma cutter, woodworking equipment, metalworking equipment, an electronics workstation, a small booking section, sewing machines, a vinyl cutter, and more. Any questions about the Makerspace can be sent to Mr. Nordeje at neil.nordeje@cricornerbrook.ca.

Ashmit Jaitley prepares the case of baked goods at the new bakery location on West Street in Corner Brook, NL (Photo: Kathryn White)