October, 2023

Turning Pages into Success -

The Story of HardbackYoYo

Earlier this month, HardbackYoYo was a vendor at TotalLink’s Business Breakfast: Inclusion in the Workplace, It’s Good Business. At the breakfast, local businesses and community members heard from a panel of TotalLink employment partners about successful inclusive workplace practices and had the chance to purchase products from Hardback YoYo, an eco-friendly company that repurposes and upcycles books into journals and other fun products.

“It was nice to be at the business breakfast. Any chance to display my products is a good day,” said Brian, owner of HardbackYoYo and local entrepreneur. Brian’s smart business model and environmentally conscious mission have kept him in business for over ten years. He keeps his costs low by cultivating donated books from local libraries and small bookstores, and at the same time, “keeps the earth a nice place,” as Brain says.

“Brian and his aunt, a graphic designer, brainstormed the name HardbackYoYo based on springing old books into a new life, the same way a yo-yo springs back when used,” shared Joan Martin, one of TotalLink's founders and Brian’s mom.

Brian generously donates $1.00 from each online sale to TotalLink, making it double the reason to give a product from the HardbackYoYo collection this holiday season. Click here to shop now.

As Brian packed up after TotalLink’s Business Breakfast, Executive Director Emily Raming asked about his sales that morning. With a big smile, Brian said, “About $180, which is $60 an hour. Not bad for a Friday morning when I’d usually still be sleeping.”

Thank you to all who participated in TotalLink's Inclusion in the Workplace Networking Event

Thank you to our host, First Bank Chicago, our sponsors, Rotary Club of Northbrook and Sunset Foods, our moderator and panelists, and all who attended our business breakfast to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Special thank you to HardbackYoYo and I Just Am who provided pop-up

shops at the event.

Community Life Creates Community Ties

TotalLink's Community Life program was invited to I Just Am’s Community Ties: Tie-Dye Workshop. In addition to making colorful tie-dye shirts, the group celebrated what made each of them unique and shared what they appreciated about each other. This special opportunity reached two of Community Life’s goals - building community connections and exploring new experiences.

“Together, we created 26 beautiful tie-dye shirts. We also made a symbol of our community ties with string. One by one, we shared our gifts and places where we feel we belong. It was so cool. I love Community Life!” says Sarah Weinstein, I Just Am.

Participants shared they feel a sense of belonging at their jobs, Special Gifts Theatre, with their families, and at TotalLink.

Pictured on the left: Community Life participants tied together commonalities that demonstrated how each individual is uniquely connected through community.

I Just Am, founded by TotalLink’s very own Sarah Weinstein and Janice Weinstein, has a mission to uplift humanity through the power of love by ensuring families in need have access to high-quality health care, education, economic resources, and supportive networks. They donate ten percent of profits to organizations and individuals who are actively supporting people to thrive and overcome diversity. Click here to learn more about I Just Am.