OUR STORY | WILLIAMSBURG, BROOKLYN
Meet Natalie — the Founder Behind Bat Haus
Bat Haus was founded by Natalie Chan, who landed in the United States alone 22 years ago and built Bat Haus with her own two hands and a stubborn dream. For 14 years and 2,000+ gatherings, the space has welcomed New Yorkers of every culture, faith, and perspective — united by one reason: sharing joy with the people they love.
Founded 2012 ★ Williamsburg, Brooklyn ★ 2,000+ events ★ An immigrant-founded space
IN MY WORDS
I came here alone, with a stubborn dream
I landed in this country alone 22 years ago. I didn't have a blueprint — just a deep curiosity, a willingness to start over, and the kind of stubborn hope that immigrants know well.
I came from Taiwan to study, first earning a graduate degree in Philosophy in Texas, then moving to New York to study Photography at the School of Visual Arts. New York asks a lot of you, but it also hands you something rare: a city full of people from everywhere, all looking for a place to belong.
In 2012, I built that place. Bat Haus started in Bushwick as a small community space for coworking, workshops, and gatherings — built, quite literally, with my own two hands. When the pandemic reshaped everything in 2020, I moved Bat Haus to its home in Williamsburg, where it continues to thrive today.
"Each gathering proves that honoring one another's traditions makes everyone feel at home."
Since then, this space has welcomed thousands of New Yorkers — every culture, faith, and perspective — united by one reason: sharing joy with the people they love. From doljanchis and christenings to chuppahs, nikahs, and beyond, every celebration here reminds me why I started.
2012
BAT HAUS FOUNDED
22 yrs
IN THE U.S.
All
CULTURES WELCOME
2000+
EVENTS HOSTED
OUR MISSION
We stand with immigrants — past, present, and future
Bat Haus exists because an immigrant's dream took root here, and it keeps thriving because of the courage, creativity, and stories that newcomers bring through our doors every day.
This space was built to be inclusive, welcoming, and respectful of all people and all the ways we celebrate. Whoever you are, whatever you're honoring — you belong here. That's the heart of Bat Haus: yesterday, today, and always. 🌱
MY CRAFT
The expertise behind every workshop
I don't just host these experiences — I teach them. Each one is rooted in real training and years of practice.
FLORAL ARRANGING
Certified floral designer
I earned my floral design certification from the New York Botanical Garden — so every floral workshop I lead is grounded in real technique, not guesswork.
POTTERY
Eight years at the wheel & table
I've practiced pottery for eight years. That hands-on experience is what makes our hand-building classes feel relaxed, guided, and genuinely fun for every skill level.
SOUND BATH
Trusted by leading teams
My sound bath sessions have been trusted by teams at Google, Audible, PayPal, and more — a calming, restorative experience companies return to again and again.
LAMP-MAKING & PAINTING
My latest creation
Lamp-making is my newest offering — born from a lifelong passion for craft, color, and drawing. It's the most personal workshop I've built, and I'm proud to share it.
A SPACE FOR EVERYONE
Celebrations we've been honored to host
BEYOND THE VENUE
A little more about me
When I'm not at Bat Haus, you'll find me teaching, moving, or at home with my cat, Momo.
☀︎ I practice Ashtanga yoga
☀︎ I'm a trained photographer (SVA, NYC)
☀︎ I'm originally from Taiwan
☀︎ I dance Argentine tango
☀︎ I studied Philosophy in graduate school
☀︎ I live in NJ with my cat, Momo
About Bat Haus — FAQs
Who founded Bat Haus?
1
Bat Haus was founded by Natalie Chan, an immigrant from Taiwan who came to the U.S. to study philosophy and photography, then built Bat Haus in Brooklyn in 2012. She personally teaches the floral, pottery, sound bath, and lamp-making workshops.
What are Natalie's qualifications to teach the workshops?
2
Natalie is a certified floral designer (New York Botanical Garden), has practiced pottery for eight years, and leads sound baths trusted by teams at Google, Audible, and PayPal. Lamp-making is her newest craft, rooted in a lifelong passion for color and drawing.
How long has Bat Haus been open?
3
Bat Haus opened in Bushwick in 2012 and moved to its Williamsburg home in 2020. Over 14 years, it has hosted more than 2,000 events.
What does Bat Haus stand for?
4
Bat Haus is an immigrant-founded space rooted in inclusiveness, cultural respect, and human connection — welcoming all cultures, faiths, and identities, from doljanchis and christenings to chuppahs, nikahs, and LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Explore Bat Haus
Come Gather at Bat Haus
Whatever you're celebrating, there's a place for it here. Tours are free and always welcome.