Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Cooper.
Leah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
NOVA Creative Reuse Center (NOVA CRC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering creative reuse throughout Northern Virginia. Creative reuse involves the upcycling and repurposing of materials in innovative and artistic ways to extend their lifespan, reduce waste, and promote sustainability. Our mission is to encourage reuse of everyday items, divert materials headed for the waste stream, provide affordable materials to the creatively inclined, and to promote and support the arts in Northern Virginia.
NOVA CRC was founded in 2018 by Jess Griffin. In college, Jess was introduced to a reuse center in Durham, NC called the Scrap Exchange, and her world opened to the idea that havens for artists like her existed. She spent much of 2018 introducing the idea of reuse and NOVA CRC to the community and opened up a donation and retail space dedicated to all things arts & crafts in March 2019 in Paeonian Springs, VA. Like many businesses, the pandemic was tough on NOVA CRC and we shuttered in March 2021. BUT in March of 2023 we re-opened in downtown Leesburg. In December of 2024, Leah Cooper came aboard as Executive Director and Jess continued as Board President. Under Leah’s direction, NOVA CRC expanded hours, increased the number of workshops offered, and developed new and existing community partnerships. In September of 2025 we moved into our current location at 3 West Market Street in Downtown Leesburg.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Running a small business or non profit means that MANY conversations start with the “if only we had enough money to…” But not having capital available immediately means that we’ve had to be very thoughtful and make really considered choices. We’ve also had to rely on an absolutely phenomenal network of volunteers. They are our floor staff, instructors, organizers, movers, community event hosts, fundraisers, party planners, board members, etc. They are the backbone of this operation. Relying on the time and knowledge of volunteers, other downtown business owners, the Town of Leesburg, and on the generosity of our customers and donors, has built an incredible sense of community. So, while financial constraints are always a challenge, they have given us an opportunity to really build meaningful connections.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At NOVA CRC, we provide a unique, thrift-store experience for arts and crafts enthusiasts. Our inventory is kept stocked through community donations and we offer an eclectic selection of materials that inspire creativity and innovation. Our center serves as a hub for the community, where individuals can discover valuable materials for their artistic projects and access a variety of affordable workshops and programs. We believe that integrating environmental stewardship and creative expression into everyday life should be accessible to all, which is why we are committed to offering inclusive, low-cost programming, alongside affordable supplies for everyone in our community.
We accept donations on Tuesdays or by appointment (there is a required form online to fill out) and we are open Wednesday through Friday 10-5pm and Saturday 10-3pm for shopping. We host a variety of workshops that are free or low cost and can be found on the events page of our website.
What are your plans for the future?
We would love to be successful enough to hire more staff at a living wage, expand our retail space to be as inclusive and accessible as possible, and offer low cost, environmentally sustainable Summer Camps for kids. At NOVA CRC, we strive to encourage creative exploration, promote the value of everyday items, and highlight the importance of mindful consumption. We would love to share our message with as many people as we can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.novacrc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nova_creative_reuse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NOVACreativeReuse/
