Ciclo Sewing Lab: Empower Community Through Fashion
“Working with the SBDC alongside other small business technical assistance providers has been an incredible source of guidance and support for Ciclo. I’ve received valuable mentorship through one-on-one advising, finance workshops, and specialized training sessions that have strengthened the financial and operational foundation of my business.”
Ciclo Sewing Lab is a women-owned small business in San Francisco dedicated to teaching sewing, promoting textile reuse, and inspiring conscious fashion practices. Through its community-centered studio, Ciclo offers hands-on classes, workshops, and creative programs for children, teens, and adults. Ciclo’s model combines education, sustainability, and empowerment, helping individuals develop practical skills while reducing textile waste and fostering a culture of mindful design.
After more than two decades in her family’s apparel business in Chile, Robertha “Roby” Hernandez moved to the U.S. with a vision: to empower others through creativity and sustainability. Her lifelong passion for craftsmanship and concern for the environmental impact of fast fashion inspired her to create Ciclo, a space where people can learn to sew, upcycle, and make conscious choices about clothing.
Despite early hurdles common to small businesses – such as limited funding and the complex transition from pop-up workshops to a permanent studio – Roby’s persistence has paid off. Over the last six years, Ciclo has steadily increased revenue, expanded its programming, and grown from a solo operation to a team of three employees, supported by part-time instructors, contractors, and City College of San Francisco interns. The studio now serves hundreds of students each year, diverts textiles from landfills, and offers scholarships and free workshops for underserved communities. As demand continues to grow, Ciclo plans additional hires and a second location in 2027, expanding responsibly while remaining rooted in its mission of creativity, sustainability, and community empowerment across San Francisco.
The most impactful support Roby received from the SBDC was the personalized business advising that helped her refine her business plan, navigate post‑pandemic challenges, and identify mission‑aligned funding opportunities. The support has played a crucial role in helping her grow her business responsibly while staying true to her values of creativity, sustainability, and education.
“Working with the SBDC alongside other small business technical assistance providers has been an incredible source of guidance and support for Ciclo. I’ve received valuable mentorship through one-on-one advising, finance workshops, and specialized training sessions that have strengthened the financial and operational foundation of my business.”
– Robertha “Roby” Hernandez
