How did being furloughed during the Coronavirus epidemic made me a face mask designer?
Well, the world has changed. The Covid-19 crisis has turned our lives upside down. People seem to be hiding behind cloth face masks, avoiding people by keeping a 6-foot distance, and staying at home.
Many have lost their jobs, including myself. This reminds me of 2009 during the H1N1 or Swine Flu epidemic. I lost my job then also. I was an executive for a swine equipment company and pork sales plummeted, swine producers went bankrupt. At that time Smithfoods couldn’t even give away hams because people were afraid of eating pork. (now they have even different problems)
But I am an eternal optimist. Some call me obnoxiously optimistic. When one door closes another opens. I feel incredibly blessed right now.
In 2010 I started taking my photography and graphic design more seriously. I opened online stores on various platforms including Zazzle, FineArt America, and even Amazon.
I have a strong faith in God and the scripture verse from Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.”
Reusable Cloth Face Mask Designer
The same week I was furloughed due to Coronavirus Zazzle offered reusable cloth face masks to their designers. I was accepted into their Promoter Progam the next day.
One of my companies, Zazzle, started manufacturing blank masks in California when the Washington State coronavirus cluster broke.
This has been a blessing and I spent almost every hour that week creating designer face masks. How this works is I create the graphic design and then send it to the printing company who then prints and ships the masks directly to the customer.
I first started with dog-themed face masks for my “Boxer Dog Life” Facebook Community.
Then I started taking special face masks requests.
The traditional face mask suppliers were out of stock. People were asking how to make COVID-19 mask at home. People were in search of the best cloth mask pattern. Quilting groups could no way make enough for the nationwide demand.
Coronavirus Face Mask Design
You can now buy face masks online on my Zazzle store. I started with dog-themed face masks for my Boxer Dog Life community. I then started taking requests for customized
Social Distancing Face Mask
Social distancing has become the norm during the Coronavirus epidemic. Some states are now requiring everyone to wear a mask in public to lower the curve.
Cloth Face Mask Cover
Not all face masks are created equal. Zazzle is offering a two-layer polyester washable face mask with a microfiber backing and an insert pocket to place a carbon filter insert for even more protection.
Since I started I have earned enough to cover the wage gap in being furloughed. I don’t know how long this will last, but until now I will keep adding new products and personalized gifts on Zazzle.
Check out all my custom products and if you need anything send me a chat on my Zazzle store.
