Each month, we highlight an Ohio 4-H alum with an inspiring story—from their time as a member to the ways they continue to give back today. This month’s feature is Robin Cook, a Wood County 4-H alum who now owns her own sewing and home interiors business.
Robin joined 4-H as soon as she was eligible. Her mother served as a 4-H club advisor, and her older sister was already active in projects, making 4-H a natural fit. She became a member of the Bloomdale Cloverettes and remained involved for 11 years, taking a sewing project every year and completing a wide variety of cooking, creative arts, and leadership projects.
Although sewing was her primary focus, Robin also immersed herself in club leadership. She served as an officer, completed multiple leadership-based projects, and even attended Ohio Club Congress at The Ohio State University. She participated in the Wood County 4-H Demonstration Contest, took part in the Style Revue each year she could, and competed at the Ohio State Fair.
Among all her experiences, attending 4-H Camp at 4-H Camp Palmer stands out as Robin’s favorite memory. Camp gave her the chance to meet new friends from across the county and try activities she quickly grew to love.
Her years in Wood County 4-H equipped her with skills she still uses today. She learned practical household skills— cooking, landscaping, and especially sewing—that eventually helped her launch her own business. Project interviews taught her how to present herself confidently and professionally, skills that served her well long after aging out of the program. Through club meetings, she mastered parliamentary procedure, which she continues to use in her career and community involvement.
The greatest lesson Robin carried with her is the 4-H motto: “To make the best better.” It instilled in her a mindset of continuous improvement, pushing her to work hard, stay accountable, and pursue her goals with intention.
Several 4-H volunteers left a lasting impact on Robin, including Dick Martin, Doris Herringshaw, and Jayne Roth, whose support and guidance shaped her 4-H journey. Her extended family also played a meaningful role. Aunts Sally Bresler, Virginia Shammo, Faye and Donna Schuerman were constant cheerleaders in her sewing adventures. But the person who influenced her most was her mother, Paulette Bresler. Deeply involved in youth development, Paulette encouraged Robin to grow into the best version of herself. “Our arguments over sewing projects and ripping seams really did pay off for me,” Robin reflected. “She pushed me to become the person I am today.”
After completing her 4-H career, Robin attended The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, majoring in agribusiness and applied economics with a minor in horticulture. Scholarships she earned through Wood County 4-H played a significant role in her college decision. Following graduation, she worked in Consumer Affairs at Borden, Inc., then became a commodity representative at Central Soya (now part of Bunge).
Today, Robin owns her own sewing business specializing in home interiors, including window treatments and home furnishings, a venture she launched in 2004. After working for a drapery workroom near her home, she rediscovered her passion for sewing and decided to become her own boss. Her work can be found in private homes as well as apartment models and clubhouses across central Ohio. She credits 4-H for her sewing foundation and for instilling “the desire to keep improving my craft, a skillset initiated by 4-H.” She also relies on the leadership, communication, and financial literacy skills she developed through the program.
For today’s 4-H members, Robin encourages a mindset of effort and authenticity. “Always do your best and try not to compare yourself to others. We all have a different story,” she shared. She remembers being shy, nervous, and terrified of public speaking—but confident in the work she produced. “Powering through the uncomfortable moments is necessary, and it does pay off in the end. The journey of completing projects and trying new things matters more than the outcome of the competition.”
Robin continues to give back to Ohio 4-H by donating at the county level and supporting the programs that shaped her. She believes that “4-H continues to be among the best leadership organizations available to youth” and encourages young people to get involved. Through 4-H, Robin gained hands-on skills, lifelong confidence, and a passion she continues to use every day.