Getting fancy with a practical accessory
While many entrepreneurs have adapted to the new circumstances owing to the pandemic with grit and determination, the Mirror Magazine this week spoke to a few people who have adapted their business ventures in order to focus on new opportunities that have cropped up with one of those items in high demand being face masks.
Almost everyone in Colombo who is part of a theatre group, choir, cosplay convention, or is just a lover of costumes knows JoJo and her costumes. As one of the go to persons when it comes to getting a fantastical costume, JoJo has now ventured into fantastical masks!
Initially as the country went under curfew for the first wave, her productions were restricted as performances came to a halt while safety measures were being adhered. However, by April, she realised that while costumes were on hold, face masks were in high demand.Using 100% cotton handloom, she initially started making and selling face masks through her client base. When the masks caught on, with more and more orders coming in every day, they expanded from colour ranges to styles like tie dye as well.
With the festive season upon us masks with Christmas themed designs could also be purchased to jazz up the at-home celebrations.
Currently, JoJo is available to take orders for customised mask whether an individual requirement or a coporate one through phone and Whatsappon 0777772726. Follow her page on facebook.com/jojoscostumes/ for updates.
Nipunika Fernando, who started her business in October 2019 designing and creating garments and costumes, casual and business wear, is another such story.
Nipunika actually made her very first face mask last year as part of a full outfit. This was for a client to wear to a music festival, and was purely decorational. In 2020 when the pandemic hit Sri Lanka she was quick to see a gap in the market for high-end designer masks and began offering custom masks that offered both protection and style. “A practical new accessory if you will.” she tells us.
All of Nipunika’s masks are made specifically for each client. From quilted to jewelled to painted designs, she’s done all that and more. Some of them were even made to match sarees. Nipunika’s venture has been developing well and her clients are always excited at the prospect of creating a unique mask, she says, adding that they also seem to appreciate the option of being able to choose their own ties as some find a cord tie behind the head more comfortable and others the regular elastic ties.
“Feedback has been good with customers requesting more masks after receiving their first orders.” she concludes.
To follow her designs head to the following page facebook.com/nipunika.fernando.design/
Pic courtesy JoJoCostumes