Innovation

Cosmic Bobbin's up-cycling mission began with a seven year partnership with a small community in central Mexico to produce hand-woven bags from recycled magazines. This partnership had an enormous impact on the depressed community where few jobs were available.

Today, Cosmic Bobbins has developed other Ohio strategic partnerships where they deconstruct and re-purpose clothing for sale. In their partnership with local company Jakprints, Cosmic Bobbins receives miss-printed t-shirts and re-purposes them into liners and backings for bags and other products. In addition to this partnership, Cosmic Bobbins receives and accepts sizable donations of fabric, thread, and supplies that would otherwise go into the waste stream. These materials are either re-purposed into goods or used for educational purposes.

Cosmic Bobbins puts local educational partnerships (Youth Unlimited Organization) at the forefront of their mission. Through apprenticeships and workshops, Cosmic Bobbins is dedicated to teaching and promoting a lifelong skill in the local under-served markets. Individuals from the apprenticeships have gone on to work for Cosmic Bobbins as well as other area businesses including Team Wendy.

Behind the unassuming Shaker Square storefront and down the basement stairs, you will find an impressive classroom arrangement. This classroom is outfitted with multiple sewing stations and racks of fabric. This is where the magic happens and creativity is put to work. During the interview for this story, a young student was in the middle of crafting a quilt for his new baby brother. He was laser-focused and engaged in the sewing and construction process. Sharie explained that the technical nature of the machines is something that keeps young students engaged.

Inspiration

Sharie's inspiration behind Cosmic Bobbins is founded in her view of life on earth. "We have a limited time to make the world better," Sharie explains. Her background at Jo-Ann Fabrics as a national educator was a natural pathway to her current business in Shaker Heights. Through her smaller storefront she is able to have a more meaningful impact on the local community. This has become her life's work. At the end of the day Sharie wants to give back more than she takes.

Overall impact

Cosmic Bobbins is undoubtedly having a positive impact on the local Cleveland community.

First, Cosmic Bobbin's initiatives on up-cycling reduce waste and provides a more responsible way of consumption. Second, education in all forms is positive and sewing is not an exception. Sewing involves the development of fine motor skills, mathematics, as well as creativity. Development of these lasting societal skills is invaluable to the students in our community. Students have in the past gone on to work for Cosmic Bobbins as well as other area businesses.

Business benefit

There are multiple business benefits realized by Cosmic Bobbins. Up-cycling is a relatively low cost venture. Often the materials are free and it only takes a creative mind to turn them into profitable products. Apprenticeships and training often leads to creativity within Cosmic Bobbins where new products/designs are launched. Lastly, the visibility earned through their training programs generates business in the local community.

Social and environmental benefit

The positive impact doesn’t stop with the business itself. Cosmic Bobbins is having an impact on the environment and society as a whole. First, through up-cycling there are inherent reductions in the waste stream. Second, the focus on apprenticeship program and training initiatives promote education and useful sustainable skills. Skills to repair, reuse, and re-purpose common fabric goods is inherently sustainable. Perpetuating these skills in our local community to the broader population can have a tremendous impact on the larger waste stream.

Interview

Sharie Renee, Owner