Mask vs. No Mask

By: Veronica Leighton

 

With the arrival of the Covid pandemic, there also rose the concerns about our health safety, number one of which was the wearing of mask. At first, almost everyone was receptive in following the wearing of mask and gloves rules, then as months rolled on, many have started getting tired and declining to wear mask that they find too obstructing and inconvenient for their everyday rituals and get-ups.

Wearing mask seems to start defining a different culture for many though. With the problem of mask shortage at first instance, some community- conscious individuals gifted with creative talent, thought of making masks to help out their family’s and friends’ needs; pretty soon, the custom-made mask idea has expanded to the community at-large.

In our own community, we have one active member who has done exactly what I am describing above. A very pretty and charming woman who’s known for her gracefulnes in social dancing and modeling executions on the fashion ramps, Neriza Pineda is one person in our community who saw her talent in sewing beautiful and designer-looking masks to help her own community out of the pandemic. She quips, “I really enjoy being a homemaker, and this Covid problem has given me more time to enjoy myself as a homebody. Besides making masks, I now have more time to try baking and cooking different recipes for my family and friends.”

Let’s follow what Neriza has to say about her newly-found hobby in life…

“When this pandemic began, I was trying to buy disposable masks which unfortunately, were all out-of-stock in retail and online stores. So I resorted to making one, hand-sewn. Was I very proud to wear my very first mask that I made! Then, I started making masks for the whole family. I got tired of sewing by hand later on, so I started to use the sewing machine being stored in my basement for a long time and made a few batches which I distributed to friends for free. The response has turned out incredibly enormous that I ended up producing different styles, different colors, and different sizes for them.

The incredible responses and through the advice and push of friends, I started selling to some small groups in our community. Of course, I had to give away some free of charge. By buying materials online and selling my masks for a reasonable price, is a way for me to help the community. I only charge extra on those expensive materials which I think is still affordable.

I have been enjoying making these masks during the period of lockdown months and I believe that even though the pandemic will be over, I will still continue making them, as they have now become a part of many people’s outfits to match the clothes they wear every day, it’s now a fashion statement, and likewise, a necessity. At first, my intention of selling was just to cover for the material costs and not to profit a lot. But, surprisingly, I never thought that people will start contacting me, asking to purchase more masks. I was really amazed as this kind of responses! What people love about my masks was the quality and the price, which they find very affordable.

I think I’ve got this “talent” from my mom who used to be a dressmaker. Plus, it’s all about passion in yourself, too. I do enjoy making each piece that I create. I listen to people’s ideas regarding designs and colors that they prefer. Through this all, I have learned to never stop believing on what you can do, and always follow what your heart desires. I will still continue doing these masks even after Covid because it’s my passion, the possibilities are endless. God gave us this talent and don’t be afraid to try and share it to others. Thank you for the opportunity and I will still never stop searching for new ideas in customized mask-making creations. Famous international fashion designers have sought this route, too, so why not me, Neriza Pineda of Chicago? Thank you all for your support to my little cottage business!”

 

Covid Masks Design by Neriza Tan Pineda