Mayor Karen Bass talks about Creators @ Laboratory Aug. 26 during a press conference and ground-breaking ceremony. With Bass is City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and Creators @ Laboratory founder James Fauntleroy.
Courtesy photo
By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
CRENSHAW — Multiple Grammy Award-winning songwriter and record producer James Fauntleroy wants to revolutionize the Crenshaw community with the launch of his innovative Creators @ Laboratory, scheduled to open in 2026.
The state-of-the-art workforce training and content hub, situated along the iconic Crenshaw Corridor at Crenshaw and 48th Street, will offer jobs, resources and career pathways, empowering residents to pursue their passions and achieve success.
Fauntleroy, an Inglewood native, said he’s creating this project “To help locals have access to tools to help them execute their work.”
“I always thought, how much further could a dreamer go with help if the odds were changed to assist them,” said Fauntleroy, who has written songs for Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Cardi B., Rihanna and more. “This is the changing of the odds.”
Ground-breaking ceremonies for the laboratory Aug. 26 were preceded by a press conference featuring Mayor Karen Bass, and Fauntleroy’s partners that include the Handy Foundation, BRIC Foundation, CVL Economics and county and city leaders/
“He has brought together the public sector, the private sector, colleagues of his,” Bass said. “That’s what it takes to build community. That’s what it takes to be successful, and I’m just very proud.”
Bass thanked Fauntleroy for his vision and for the work he has already accomplished.
“The idea of having this laboratory here, Creators @ Laboratory, is an absolute jewel in the community,” Bass said. “So many of our youth have all of the ideas, all of the creative energy, but they weren’t necessarily born into the relationships that can just facilitate all that they have.”
Bass said that the idea of young people coming to the Creators @ Laboratory to not only create but also learn business skills and entrepreneurship, thereby increasing their chances of success, is precisely the type of business and organization the community needs.
“It’s a beautiful example of how government and the nonprofit sector can work together,” Bass said. “I think people like Nipsey [Hussle], and Tiffany [Haddish] and Issa Rae, we have a tradition in our community that I want to see really expand.”
The event marked the official kickoff of construction for the new facility, located at 4707 Crenshaw Blvd. It featured a ceremonial “hard hat” sledgehammer swing and guided tours of the future center site. The day’s activities highlighted the significance of the initiative, which promises to bridge the gap between creative talent and industry opportunities.
The Creators @ Laboratory is described as an opportunity experiment for entrepreneurs focused on the arts and media. It will offer cutting-edge training programs, workshops and mentorship opportunities, equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the creative industries.
By providing access to industry-standard equipment and facilities, Fauntleroy hopes his laboratory will become a hub for innovation, creativity and collaboration.
The location of the facility on Crenshaw also shows Fauntleroy’s commitment to community development and empowerment as he aims to bring opportunities and resources directly to the area, fostering economic growth and promoting social mobility.
Fauntleroy sees the laboratory as a game-changer for the Crenshaw community, providing a platform for local talent to shine and creating a new generation of creatives who can shape the future of the industry.
With the support of city and county leaders, Fauntleroy’s vision is set to become a reality, inspiring a brighter future for the community.
The Creators @ Laboratory is not just a workspace — it’s a catalyst for change, a hub for creativity, and a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives.
“We want to help you formalize your vision,” Fauntleroy said. “If you’re starting a beauty supply, or you’re a braider, maybe you’re the most fire braider in a five-mile radius. We want to teach you how to formalize your business, learn how to do an EIN, and create an LLC. We want to continue doing what’s already happening in our communities, but invite the people of the community to participate.”
Funded by a catalyst grant from the California Jobs First Los Angeles Collaborative, Creators @ Laboratory will serve as a community-led training and production hub for registered apprenticeships and entrepreneurial development in South Los Angeles.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
