NAST Studios: Participant Spotlight on Blake Burton
Today we’re shining a spotlight on Blake Burton, the creator and host of the NAST Podcast and founder of NAST Studios, a podcast recording studio in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood. The studio offers both video and audio recording sessions for podcasters from all levels. Blake shares with us what it’s like owning his own business and the importance of community.
Q: Hi Blake! Tell us about your business focus.
A: NAST is a person (Blake), a podcast, a community and now a place. I founded the studio, and I’m the host of the “NAST Podcast”. My show highlights artists, creators and influencers with the goal of bringing community together. NAST Studios’ focus is to be a place that offers a safe, friendly, and professional environment for all levels of podcasters!
The studio features three rooms: The NAST Podcast Studio, Client Studio, and the editing room. Since NAST is a creator and podcaster as well, I’ve poured hours of care and creativity into the space. Even the little things help make a space feel more welcoming. Such as the vintage sign wall, photo corner, coffee bar and more!
Q: What’s a project you’re working on, and how can your Seattle Restored participation help you with it?
A: The NAST Podcast will always be an ever-evolving project. Having a space to myself to create and to share my knowledge with others has been very inspiring. Being a participant in Seattle Restored helps me know that I’m on the right path!
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your business pursuits?
A: The most rewarding part is knowing that the four years I have put into my podcast is really paying off. Now that I have a business that I’m working on full time, it helps with my legitimacy and inspires others so they can pursue their podcast dreams. My podcast studio is a space that gives people that opportunity.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
A: I look forward to my studio becoming a Seattle staple. I have every intention to stay in my space once the program ends for me, so I have been at my studio for close to 15 hours every single day. I’m looking forward to seeing all my hard work pay off. Having my own business is one of the greatest things to ever happen to me, but I do get tunnel visioned when I’m working. There’s pros and cons to that style of work, but even as I’m writing this, I know I am and will continue to grow. Sometimes you don’t notice the growth until you take a step back and acknowledge it months down the road.
Q: What brings you most alive about working or living in Seattle?
A: I grew up on the Eastside and have many memories in Seattle, but during COVID I was living at my family’s house in the woods in Snohomish. I was hired as a podcast producer in 2021 and would commute to Seattle for the podcasting job. I would meet people and was able to pursue podcasting, but I never felt involved with the community because of the commute. Now living in Seattle, as well as having a business in Seattle, gives me so many opportunities to connect with the community and build my own community here. Being part of something bigger than myself helps me feel alive for sure.
Q: If you could give any one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
A: Seattle has almost every type of community you can imagine. I feel that you have to take charge and look for that safe space for you, but it’s there. You don’t have to be alone in your creative endeavors and there are people who want to support you.
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle Restored pop-up or art installation and why?
A: Little Orchid Annie’s. I love moss walls, and I plan to buy one of theirs for my studio soon! It’s on my to-do list!
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle memory?
A: I have so many great memories and have met so many people. I’m constantly making memories that beat out the previous!
Q: Where would you spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in Seattle?
A: At a nice brunch spot and then going to binge movies with friends!
VISIT NAST STUDIOS
Address:
219 1st Ave, Suite 320
Seattle, WA 98104
Open hours: M-F, 10am-5pm
Dates: August 15, 2023 – April 15, 2024