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Local fashion designer sees surge in demand for the latest accessory: masks

Posted at 9:57 AM, Aug 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-13 18:37:15-04

A sewing machine is altering a Northeast Ohio woman’s business plan. Dru Thompson runs Dru Christine Fabrics & Design. By March, a chunk of her business was gone, because people had stopped ordering dresses for weddings and proms. Thompson lost about 25 percent of her business.

The coronavirus forced closures — and creativity.

"But that's kind of what entrepreneurship is,” said Thompson.

Not prepared, but not willing to give up, Thompson put her sewing machine to use.

"People who made masks were ahead of everybody else, because the manufactures couldn't keep up with the demand,” said Thompson.

Thompson said someone saw a mask that she made and posted about it on Facebook. That post set off a surge in customers.

"Business has been great, actually. Probably the best it's been in 8 years,” said Thompson. "I did a virtual sewing class, so I’m going to expand on that."

"My eyes have seen so much because of my machine,” said Thompson.

You can check out Thompson's work and order your own mask, or other items, on her website here.