BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Abigail Osborn, a member of the Martin County Chapter of FCCLA, turned an idea into a business making environmentally friendly purses and accessories from discarded books and clothing. “Reimagining the Classics” emerged from her Entrepreneurship Level 2 Star project, “Repurpose and Redesign,” leading to her placing 14th nationally last year. She has since evolved the idea into a full-fledged business model, securing second place at the gold level during the FCCLA Kentucky Conference this year.
Osborn presented her project at a recent Kiwanis Club luncheon in Inez. Holding up an old, torn hardback book, she stated, “This book almost made it to a landfill.”
She added that hardback books can only be recycled when the cover is removed.
“So what can we do with these hardback books?” she asked. “Let’s reimagine a second life for these books.”
Osborn noted that 640,000 tons of books and 17 million tons of textiles end up in landfills annually, citing studies from McGraw Hill and municipal statistics. Her solution utilizes these materials to make unique purses, combining hardback book covers with textiles from second-hand stores like Goodwill.
Osborn’s business journey included extensive planning and market research. She found cost-effective locations, identified and surveyed her target audience and outlined her production costs.
Her market analysis revealed a strong demand for eco-friendly products among local consumers, particularly young women aged 16-24 in Martin County.
“Overall, the responses to my survey were very encouraging.”
Already armed with information, she established an organizational structure, determined funding sources, including potential grants and loans, and developed an operational budget while ensuring compliance with relevant laws. She then crafted a comprehensive marketing strategy that included social media, a webpage and newsprint advertising.
Osborn plans to sell purses at Madison Blue Boutique in Inez and will organize a “sip and shop” event to be announced.
Currently, her business is a “one-woman show,” as she handles various roles from creative direction to seamstress, finance and distribution. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her team, including roles for multiple directors and seamstresses.
“My mission is to protect viable materials from landfills, inspire creativity, and foster a community that values style and environmentally conscientious living,” stated Osborn.
The young entrepreneur is targeting funding through grants like the SOAR Startup Pitch Competition, Tory Birch Foundation and Girlboss Foundation, alongside a U.S. Small Business Administration microloan.
Recently selected as one of 25 students for The Center for Rural Development Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute this summer, Osborn credits FCCLA advisor Connie Harless for inspiring her entrepreneurial spirit.