ML - Boston Common

2014 - Issue 3 - Summer

Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF CRAWFORD T here may be no tote more New England than one made by Sea Bags. Utilitarian with a dash of whimsy, the color- ful pieces are made out of sturdy cloth that has been sourced from discontinued boat sails. Here, Mainer and CEO Beth Shissler talks about finding the raw material, what's next for the business, and its partnership with J. Crew. Tell us how the company was founded. Beth Shissler: My business partner, Hannah Kubiak, started the company in 1999; her dad had the idea. As founder of the Port Canvas Company in Kennebunkport—and an avid sailor—he under- stands the principles of making a good bag. It started as a word-of-mouth business—probably 40 or 50 bags per year. This last year, we sold 55,000 units. It's amazing. How are the bags made? BS: Every sail we get is different in size, weight, color, and shape. From there, it gets cut down. Our sail cutter is an artist by trade, and he is great at maxi- mizing every square inch. Between dyeing, printing, and appliqué, we can create unique designs unlike anything else on the market. Where do the sails come from? BS: All of the sails are used before being transformed into bags; that's what makes Sea Bags unique: The stitching, weight, and fabric are differ- ent on every one. Customers can send in their sail—on us—for a Sea Bag in exchange. We also make donations to sailing schools in exchange for sails. How did your partnership with J. Crew come about? BS: We did a collaboration with local designer Angela Adams that J. Crew took part in, and since then we've grown the relationship year after year. Sea Bags also supports a number of local charities and businesses. BS: Yes, we work actively with Boston Community Sailing. They recycle sails, and we give them product. We've also raised more than $60,000 for cancer. We work with Make-A-Wish foundation and also Sail Maine, which is a youth organization that teaches kids to sail. What's next for the brand? BS: You'll see us expanding into nautical lifestyle products. So soon you may see items from us for the home and tabletop. Blackstone's of Beacon Hill, 46 Charles St., 617-227-4646; seabags.com B Cut from the (Sail) Cloth PORTLAND'S BETH SHISSLER CHASES THE HIGH SEAS AND BIG BUSINESS WITH SEA BAGS. BY JULIET IZON Medium navy anchor tote bag ($130). 86 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM MADE HERE

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