Meet Robin Cox | Founder and Executive Director of Remainders Creative Reuse; Artist, Teacher and Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Robin Cox and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robin, what is the most important factor behind your success?
From the very beginning I made a point each day of doing at least one thing for the non-profit – even if only reading or doing research. It was this incremental growth that created a stable base for all that came afterward. If I focused on at least one thing a day, the whole vision did not become overwhelming, but rather a vision that could come together based on each day’s growth, which made it seem realistic and possible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an art student at UCLA I quickly realized that becoming a gallery artist was not for me. It has always been the creative process that has excited me more than the result. This led me into teaching – first with children, then with all ages. I felt that my own creativity would grow and prosper if I helped others find their own. This proved the most rewarding result of my journey. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so after gaining two bachelors degrees and teaching art for many years, I naturally and effortlessly moved into the creation of Remainders Creative Reuse. It was not difficult, since the vision fit my skills and aptitude, but it was – and still is – hard work. Any challenges that arose were overcome by maintaining clear and consistent effort. The greatest lesson has been that I could either have control over everything or have growth. I chose growth and made every effort to find dedicated people whom I could work with and most importantly, trust. I would like everyone to know that if you trust the process you will succeed. Success may not look like what you imagined, but in my case it became something much greater than I had ever imagined. Also, everyone who crosses my path is there for a reason and has something to add to my life experience, whether it is lovely or difficult.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I spend at least half of my time in Joshua Tree, CA, so of course I would take them to Joshua Tree National Park and the incredibly rich art community in the high desert area. My home is where I have had the richest experiences with friends. It is comfortable, has a large studio where others are welcome to pursue creative interests. My husband – who is totally supportive – is a great cook and there are beautiful views to take in the calm and quiet of the desert, which nourishes me every day that I am there. The rest of the time I spend in Pasadena that has too many wonderful places to eat, drink and visit to mention. The best hours spent there though are with my three adult children and two grandchildren who have become incredible creatives in their own right.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Everyone who believed in me and helped me realize my vision: Family members, long time friends who also became volunteers, loyal customers who became volunteers and everyone who came in the beginning and called it their “happy place”.

Website: https://www.remainderspas.org

Instagram: remainders_creative_reuse

Image Credits
Robin Cox or Remainders staff.