We are all in the middle of practicing physical distancing, and while this time is very challenging for everyone right now, it is especially difficult for small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we need to support them however we can, so every week we will be featuring some of our local small businesses.
Small Business Sunday continues on with ABCD Masks, which could not come at a better time when we could all support this business for our masks that we have been needing, and will continue to need, over the next several months.
What is Unique About Your Business?
My husband and I wanted to do something to help stop the spread of COVID, and thanks to my large stash of premium quilting cotton, it seemed like the obvious choice to start making reusable cloth masks. I have designed my own clothing in the past, so we looked at the patterns that other countries were providing for people to make, did a mash-up of a couple of them to make a hybrid of the best of both. Our original mask has 3-layers of premium cotton, an adjustable nose wire, and a filter pocket. Six weeks later and we now have 3 other styles to choose from.
What is Your Favourite Small Business (aside from your own)?
Maximum Colour Ink – it is a tattoo shop in St. Albert that does great work with a small team of fantastic artists that do custom work.
If You Had One Piece of Advice to Someone Just Starting Out, What Would It Be?
Do your homework, be flexible and digital – following your dreams and doing what you are passionate about is extremely important; however, you need to do the research to see if the market also has the desire to purchase what you want to make, be where they are, and shift your business as needed.
What Are Your Long-Term Business Goals?
Making reusable face masks is not likely going to be a long-term business. What we would love is that people in Canada continue to use face masks when they are feeling under the weather to help protect the people around them. As long as people wish to purchase our masks, we will continue to make them.
What is Your Funniest/Weirdest/Most Memorable Experience With A Customer or Client?
We have the best customers!!! We have had a couple of customers who have made multiple repeat orders and through texting back and forth, have formed friendships. One customer picked up his mask later in the evening and we were able to wave at each other through the window, then he called from his vehicle to thank us for letting him pick up so late. He said the product looked great and asked if it was okay if he shared our website with people. One other person ordered a single mask, picked up from the house, then texted and asked if he could buy 4 more!
Be sure to follow ABCD Masks on Facebook and check out their website for their latest designs and to order your face masks!
Thank you, Carolyn, for participating in Small Business Sunday!
