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Business owners establish COVID-19 mask startup
Business owners establish COVID-19 mask startup
Listen to this articleA trio of local business owners have pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic to create Quality Mask Supply, a startup formed to produce stylish, high quality, reusable masks.
The woman-owned business, founded by Jill Andrews, from Jill Andrews Gowns; Kim Strassner, from Words with Boards; and Dan Janssen, from Imperium Shaving, supplies masks crafted from 100% organic cotton, have an inner pocket for a filter and are available in a variety of patterns.
The company is also donating 10% of all masks made back to the community.
Strassner said the idea for the startup came as the trio’s businesses, all which revolve around luxury brands and events, saw a significant decline in demand. They decided to pool their resources and business experience with manufacturing, laser cutting and personal protection equipment to fill a need for high quality masks. The startup also employs local sewers who were out of work and were available to sew from home. The company was also able to leverage Andrews’ experience working closely with Johns Hopkins University to design, develop and make an updated Ebola hazmat suit several years ago.
Fabrics for the masks are selected for breathability, softness and tight weave, offering better filtration than T-shirt fabric or a bandana. The ergonomic fit of the masks permits movement of the mouth even while the mask stays fitted to the nose.
For more information, go to www.qualitymasksupply.com.
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