Chesterfield mum's success after diversifying her company to make face masks during coronavirus crisis

A Chesterfield businesswoman and mum has been ‘blown away’ by the success of her company’s new range of face masks in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
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Evolve Printing & Embroidery, based at Staveley, diversified into making the cotton masks after seeing its usual order sheet ‘grind to a halt’ when lockdown was introduced by the Government.

Owner Jo Darwesh realised she needed to act quickly to avoid becoming ‘another failed small business’ and started making the masks using her stash of fabrics.

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Now she is having to order in fresh fabric every day to meet demand.

The masks modelled by Jo Darwesh and her daughter.The masks modelled by Jo Darwesh and her daughter.
The masks modelled by Jo Darwesh and her daughter.

“I rely fully on my income for covering my bills and mortgage so this was not just about keeping my business going but surviving through this period with zero income,” Jo said.

“I am a member of numerous craft groups on social media and the masks had already taken off in America. It was something I thought could at least help people during this time.

“The price I charge is not my usual rate, I decided to offer at a lower rate as we all need to do our bit during this time.

Some of the face masks produced by Evolve Printing & Embroidery in Staveley.Some of the face masks produced by Evolve Printing & Embroidery in Staveley.
Some of the face masks produced by Evolve Printing & Embroidery in Staveley.
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“I could not physically afford to be without income and put in 12-hour days working, but I could work for less and this is what I am doing. It has been tricky at times.

“I have prepared fabrics at 6am in a morning and 9pm at night to ensure I’m ready for the next day sewing.”

Jo, who has been in business for seven years, has had to juggle work and spending time with her daughter who is six and currently being home-schooled.

The masks, which are available in a host of different colours and patterns, come in child and adult sizes and are made from cotton with elasticated straps and have an internal pocket for placing your own filter.

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“Customers place their own medical grade filters inside them – a cotton mask will not provide protection without this,” Jo said.

“Take-up has blown me away, they were an instant hit from the moment they went on the website. Customers have been so supportive, and for that I am really grateful.”

Visit the website here for more information.

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