SBDC Pitch Competition

FABSCRAP won the fall 2016 New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Pitch & Competition and received a $2,500 cash award! More than twenty competitors presented to a panel of judges from Capital One, who sponsored the event.  

In preparation for the competition, Jessica participated in a two-part workshop series hosted by the Pace SBDC, worked with Pace SBDC Senior Business Advisor Rawle Brown on mapping out her business growth as well as building out her financial projections, and received targeted market research regarding textile recycling and New York City’s apparel manufacturing industry from NYSBDC’s Research Network.

Magnifeco Radio: Waste Not

We're getting into the afterlife of clothing and fabric in the "Waste Not" episode of Magnifeco Radio. Hosted by the insanely knowledgeable and super friendly Kate Black, we talk about donations, how FABSCRAP came to be, and I share a pretty big announcement. She's got the perfect soothing radio voice down!

Here's a behind the scene look from the interview - taped live at Roberta's pizza in Brooklyn.

Discover. Connect. Swap.

Eventually, clothing wears out. It fades, rips, develops holes, or fails to fit us. But more often than not, we simply get bored with the clothes we own. Do you ever think about what happens to your discarded clothes when you’re done with them? Thanks to fast fashion, Americans are throwing away more clothing and textiles than ever before, while continuing to consume at increasing rates. This cycle of rapid consumption and discard results in the constant production of new materials, placing an unsustainable burden on the environment. But it’s not all bad news.

Together, we can break this cycle! Join us on October 4th as we explore various fashion practices that work to extend the lifecycle of clothing and divert textiles from landfill. 

As part of campus sustainability month, you’re invited to a panel discussion with educators and industry professionals who will each bring a unique perspective on ways we can all reduce the impact of textile waste. Perspectives to be explored include zero waste design, textile recycling and reuse, swapping, upcycling, and more. 

The discussion will be followed by an interactive clothing swap where we can all participate in a meaningful exchange of clothing and ideas. To participate, please bring up to three gently loved items of clothing for swapping, and a story to share about at least one of the garments you will swap. (ie: Why did you purchase it? Was it a gift? What is one special memory you have of wearing it?) You will be able to swap as many items as you bring, and in the process will engage in a meaningful discourse about extending the life of clothing and forming emotional connections to our personal belongings. You will also explore your personal fashion habits and will learn how you can do your part to close the fashion loop!

WHEN: Tuesday October 4th 2016, 6-8pm

PANELISTS: Timo Rissanen, Assistant Professor of Fashion Design and Sustainability, Parsons The New School for Design, Jessica Schreiber, founder, FABSCRAP, and Emily Spivack, author, Worn Stories.

Talk Trash City

FABSCRAP was one of four trashy start-ups to compete in the inaugural Talk Trash City.

After a quick presentation and Q&A from the expert panel, attendees vote on the pitch that best demonstrates its ability to help NYC reach its 0x30 goal (zero waste to landfills by 2030). It's like American Idol for the anyone obsessed with reducing waste.

The contestants: FABSCRAP, GoBox, Repeat Roses, and Industrial/Organic

AND WE WON!

We're beyond grateful to everyone who attended and voted, the incredible hosts, and the expert panel! The funds are going towards the purchase of more FABSCRAP bags!

Kudos to the other competitors - you're all making a difference in the world of waste.

Follow Talk Trash City on Twitter and Instagram for updates.

NYTM: Talking Textiles

We were thrilled to be included in TALKING TEXTILES, a full-day seminar about textiles for fashion and interiors that explores the important trends, fabrics, yarns and techniques for the seasons to come.

Hosted by Lidewij Edelkoort, Dean of Hybrid Studies and featuring a long list of inspiring speakers, this seminar promoted textile education and celebrated September as the first ever New York Textile Month!