Wichita now has a fantasy factory, but what is it?

Wichita now has a fantasy factory, but if you’re over 40, there’s a good chance you won’t understand what the phrase is referencing.

CR8RHub is a new business, or fantasy factory, for content creators who are looking for help with networking, improving their skills and growing their social media presences.

“There’s really nothing like it in Wichita,” said Cody Morgan, who does cinematography and animation.

He’s a member of the LLC with musician Darius Flournoy and cinematographers Anthony Lovell and Kyle Kester.

In other cities, Morgan said, creators are “able to push each other further because they have a real community of collaboration.”

“There’s just not a lot of collaboration in the city is what I’ve found.”

CR8RHub’s tagline is “cultivate your creativity,” or “cultiv8 your cr8ivity,” as its website puts it.

The business is kind of a local take on the popular reality show “Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory” that was on MTV for seven seasons starting in 2009.

Dyrdek is a skateboarding figure who had a Los Angeles warehouse where he created businesses.

“Whatever you can think of, they did it,” said Shakeria Zachry, who is handling the business side of CR8RHub.

The new hub is just north of downtown at 1500 N. Broadway, which also has a warehouse feel like Dyrdek’s, Zachry said.

There’s an in-house studio for artists with six rotating sets for photo and video shoots. There also is a recording studio, a podcast room and an event center. There’s also a creators’ lounge for networking.

Everything is geared to creating content and pushing it out, Zachry said.

“We’ve been actually doing the groundwork for about six months,” she said.

That has included going to various clubs and doing promotions for artists and influencers to get attention. Zachry said it’s gotten to the point at some places that if the creators don’t show up, people want to know where they are.

“It kind of spices up the nightlife, too,” she said.

Membership packages range from $20 to $500 a month for various services.

The official kickoff for CR8RHub is noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday for guests to see what the hub offers.

There’s a group of people in their early 20s to mid-30s who have been helping with the groundwork, but Zachry said everyone is welcome.

“It’s open to all ages,” she said. “We respect each niche.”

So, say you’re interested in being a cooking influencer but don’t know how to get started. The hub can help with that.

“We are beginner friendly,” Zachry said.

That includes tips and tricks to try. It also includes a built-in network of other creators who will be ready to support you and your passion by liking, commenting and following you on social media.

“Whatever helps gets your stats up,” Zachry said.

That’s what leads to partnerships — and income.

Zachry said there’s sometimes a feeling that there’s no support in Wichita, but she said there is.

“We have everything we need in this city, so let’s use it.”

This story was originally published June 2, 2025 at 4:04 AM.