Inspiration, Stories, Uncategorized
We Admit It… (A little bit about where Mirrix Looms are made)
Update, January 2020. We are moving to our very own manufacturing facility! Learn more here.
We admit it; our looms could be made a little faster. We could even make them a little cheaper.
If we wanted to, we could outsource our manufacturing overseas. We could use inferior materials. We could hire a call center for customer service.
But we don’t. Because we know that two things matter to our customers.
First, a quality product. A Mirrix Loom really will last a lifetime.
And second, a quality company. Mirrix Looms are not only made in America, they are made at an incredible facility called Sunshine House that employs people with mental and physical disabilities in a supported work environment.
Sunshine House is located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. From providing group activities to training and supported employment, Sunshine House’s goal is to help people become more integrated into their community and to give them a place where they can be successful. The managers at Sunshine House take the time to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each employee and provide them with an environment where everyone can take pride in their work.
Sandy (the gal in the middle of the picture) is Mirrix’s work floor supervisor. From coordinating shipping to supervising loom-making to helping to develop new products, Sandy does it all. Without Sandy, Mirrix would be lost!
Thank you to all of our customers for supporting us and thank you to everyone at Sunshine House for making our products what they are and our company what it is. Without the amazing customers and employees that we are so fortunate to have, Mirrix would not be the company it is today.
Pictures, from left to right
First row: Don making clips, Karl drilling legs, Jason making bottoms
Second row: Karen stuffing loom bags, Sandy taking a selfie, Jason deburring wrench holes
Third row: Erik making wrenches
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14 Comments
Susan Murry
This brought happy tears to my eyes. Thank you for posting with the photos. To put a face to their names is wonderful. It brought a smile to Mac too. We think of “the crew” every time we use or see a Mirrix Loom. They are a very talented group of people and being led by their fearless leader Sandy makes me Happy Dance. The Mirrix story is one of pure love to us. Claudia very easily could have moved the production site closer to home. Because she has such a good heart and soul she kept these people employed. Proving Mirrix Looms are not in business just to make money. They provide a quality, made in USA product that is user friendly to share the joy of weaving while providing jobs for challenged people. I can only hope more businesses would see this success story and look towards providing more jobs for those that are wiling and able to work if given the opportunity. Everyone who purchases a Mirrix Loom is telling “the crew” they support them and appreciate their hard work. Sandy you are a blessing. Guiding your Team to make beautiful products loved and cherished by weavers. Thank you all for bringing joy to Mac and I. Hugs
Sherri Foreman
I love my loom. Now I love it even more. I hope the workers are really proud of themselves. Thank you for sharing your story. It adds so much more value to my loom. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
Sue
I had no idea and I am so pleased to hear about the makers of your looms. My first job was working with people in Southern CA in what was called a sheltered workshop. It’s so good to know that a company I love is part of making sure that “the crew” has meaningful work and income. Wow. Happy thoughts. Thank you.
Helen Hart
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Actually at one time I wondered about your two places–Workshop and your home. I visited a “sheltered”workshop as Sue said, in Christ Church, Newzealand. I visited and people were weaving. I bought a few things. So glad you are doing this. I love my new loom. A 16 inch I believe. Blessingsm, Helen in snowy Cheyenne, WY
Victoria Moore
What a heart warming story! I do appreciate the craftsmanship and service of your company. I am enjoying my Little Guy, Big Sister and Zach looms as well as the many free e- books and instructional videos. I have participated in several of your weave-a-longs that have improved my weaving and beading skills. Thank you to all these wonderful people and to you for keeping this a made in America company.
Virginia
I love my loom. Yes, it was expensive but worth it for a quality loom. I had to save a little longer to buy it but, why not? Now , reading the stories behind the building of each loom, I’m even happier with my purchase.
Linda
I love my new Mirrix Loom and love the fact that it was made by the valued employees at Sunshine House! What a lovely story. This is by far the best-made item I’ve used in a long while. A big thank you to Claudia and Elena for their creativity and commitment.
Kantu
Thank you for sharing this story. My husband is physically handicapped and has really done very well for us, his family. But I do have deep understanding of the challenges The Crew at Sunshine might have faced time and time again. Even though I signed up to get your updates, I really cannot afford to buy a Mirrix at this time. Maybe in a couple of years. And I keep thinking I will unsubscribe. Then I get a fantastic thing to read about Saori weaving. And now Sunshine! I say, Three Cheers for Mirrix and The Crew at Sunshine!
Cheryl
I am disabled as well Before I got my Mirrix, I kept hoping to win a loom. I saved for 4 years to get my loom, then I did win another one. They are everything I thought they would be and more. Mirrix is a great product with great support and if you want it keep updated on the contests they run and the support group – there are few companies like this one
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Ten Reasons to Choose a Mirrix | Mirrix LoomsRuth
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. What a wonderful human-business decision. N
ow I know I’ll buy from you; I was wavering about spending extra for a Mirrix but this just tipped the decision your way. (Just as soon as I save up).
Ann Davies
One of my first jobs as an Occupational Therapist was working with clients in a sheltered workshop. I saw the value of having purpose and meaning and an end product for the clients at the end of the day. Combine that with the history of weaving in the profession of Occupational Therapy and my love of working with my hands and I have a perfect match for my new tapestry weaving passion. Thanks for embracing the goal of making a great quality product in the USA!
William
Thank you for using Sunshine House. One of my joys was working with children who lacked skills in many areas. I did that as a youth for several summers. My father’s joy in retirement was working in an a similar industry as this in his town. The workers filled his heart with joy and love. He felt integrated into their communities.
Fran
I have been weaving for many years on floor looms but have had very little experience with tapestry. After visiting Gobelin in Paris and Jean Lurcat’s castle studio 2 years ago while visitng in France, I have been inspired to try my hand at attempting tapestry weaving. I just bought a Zach loom and will begin to teach myself! Very exciting! After digging deep on your website to find out where the looms are actually made, I was delighted to read that my new loom was manufactured by individuals with disabilities! Having just retired, after over 30 years, from teaching in a post secondary program for individuals with significant learning issues, this was a lovely surprise and makes me value my lastest loom all the more! Kudos on a quality product to all involved!