In photos, shopkeepers show off equipment and techniques. In interviews, they talk about their work process, personal history, and the future of their trade.

Repairers look to both the past and the future: Some, including Abbie Dwelle, a hatmaker and repairer, work at a craft as it has been practiced for generations, while others, like fixers of smartphones, reach for the latest technology.

Woven among the portraits are conversations about sustainability, right-to-repair legislation, and small business resilience. These interviews underline the idea that repair doesn’t just restore broken objects, it also keeps material out of landfill, saves money, and supports vibrant communities.