Ossining Business Spotlight: Thoughtful Entrepreneur, Re-usable Bags

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special. Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.

Our spotlight today is on Sharon Rowe.

Business: Eco-Bags Products, Inc.
Owners: Sharon Rowe
Website: www.ecobags.com
Address: 23-25 Spring Street, Ossining, 10562

How did you come up with the name?

My husband and I were kicking names around at the kitchen table. This was back in 1989. We put eco (the focus of the business) together with what we were going to sell (bags) and came up with “ecobag” and the name of the brand, ECOBAGS®. We expanded the brand name for the company, Eco-Bags Products, Inc.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

We chose this location because it’s a short walk from my house and it’s downtown. We didn’t start the business here. We started it in 1989 in NYC. We live in Ossining; we wanted to have the business close to home. We are mostly administrative offices here.

Briefly, what business are you in?

web seller, wholesale, manufacturing, promotions

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

cash flow during the “great recession.”

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

nope

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

There’s been more than a few moments -
named Entreprenuer of the Year by Westchester Business Council, Time Magazine feature article, Goods featured on Oprah and more

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

good question. Summer Fridays?

How do you deal with difficult customers?

We look at difficult customers or situations as opportunities to improve and learn more.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

We have been involved on many levels - In the past, when our kids were still in the schools, we did the Tshirts at cost for the schools foundation, we recently donated bags to the elementary school, we produced the custom bags for Green Ossining and sponsored a showing of the film, BagIt, at the local library, our CEO speaks when invited and, most recently we are supporting our Down to Earth Farmer’s Market campaign to eliminate single-use plastic bags at the market, by serving on a committee and providing product give away.