In March 2020, my son mastered riding two-wheel bicycles, a significant milestone for this 3-year-old. That week, after numerous riding sessions, he collided with a side-walk curb and was thrown over his steering wheel... sustaining a chin injury... requiring urgent care... blood streaming down his chin, causing emotional turmoil as I fight back tears... The urgent care declined entry to both parents due to covid-19 concerns, prompting a video consultation to evaluate the severity of the injury. Despite an hour passing since the accident, the Chance's chin continued to bleed. It was overwhelmingly stressful and unsettling. If you experienced something similar, feel free to share your story in the comments below.
Amidst the global spread of an invisible virus, our household was on the hunt for toilet paper and masks... Costco quickly restocked toilet paper, but masks were scarce due to supply chain issues... After exhaustive research, we crafted a surgeon-style mask using paracords and a cord lock in lieu of elastic bands. The initial batch was dispatched to our inner circle, families and friends, with subsequent distributions cascading outward. As supply chains gradually resumed operations, a semblance of normalcy began to return.
The term 'Normal' seems somewhat contentious to my taste...how can you define normal? Everyone's normal is different than others... anyway, after all of designing and producing masks and distributing to friends and families, a group from my church and I crafted over 1000 masks to send to Mexico; this was our goal to aid those in need of protective masks against this dangerous virus!
Time passed inexorably... Reflecting, I'm unsure how I accomplished it... A week was dedicated to crafting the mask, determining its size, and rigorously testing the filter slot functionality. It withstood numerous washes and endured typical wear and tear.
In June, I created an Etsy store and listed my masks. Initially, there were no sales, but eventually a few orders came in. Customers expressed satisfaction with the masks, leading to repeat purchases. Numerous hours dedicated to making masks... morning until evening... I was grateful for my customers loyalty and support, despite some challenges with delivery times during the pandemic.
During September 2020, in my birthday month, the atmosphere was more relaxed regarding mask-wearing. In the suburbs, it was less common, but in the inner city, masks were still prevalent. I was restless trying to use my industrial sewing machine, thinking about playing with leather made me excited. For my birthday, my husband bought me a few skins from Tandy Leather; came home from Tandy Leather store feeling exhilarated, I set up my little portable table, pulled out few tools to do my craft... My first project didn't have an exact plan, but I approached it as if I were hand sewing a fabric bag. Yes, I did... And this is how everything began.
During this period, amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic, I have acquired valuable skills in handling pressure, crafting products with my spouse's assistance, and producing masks all day long. These skills and profits have laid the groundwork for By YOM.
Reflecting with a coffee in hand, pondering the eventful years, feeling a pause in the whirlwind of life. Striving to embrace the present and make the most of the circumstances...
Until next time,
From the desk of ...