The coronavirus crisis turned the life of tens of thousands upside-down leaving many jobless. When the second wave of the pandemic began to hit hard in Victoria forcing a second lockdown, an Indian-origin relief teacher in Melbourne began exploring a new opportunity that came her way.
Elizabeth Chungath is now reviving her long-lost hobby of stitching and is utilizing the lockdown by making designer face masks. She is not alone in the new venture. Her daughter Susan Sam is helping her out in her spare time.
“I was working as a relief teacher and when Victoria went back to remote schooling again, I didn't have much work, Elizabeth said.
"When I heard the news that the Premier is recommending the public to wear masks, a week before it was made mandatory, I thought of dusting my tailoring machine again.
Source: Instagram
Initially, she didn’t have the intention of stitching and selling them. However, after her daughter posted images of the masks she made for her family on Instagram, Elizabeth was taken aback to see the number of orders she received.
My daughter’s friends asked for them first. Then it spread by word of mouth.
So with the support of her daughter, the family started making more masks and selling them. When the government made face masks mandatory, she saw a spike in orders.
Elizabeth is now busy making 30-40 face masks a day catering to the requirements of her customers.
“I usually stitch masks with two or three layers. While some ask for designs and filters, some people place orders for plain masks that can be used for men. Although masks are not made mandatory for children aged below, a few people order masks for kids too with cartoons figures on them,” says Elizabeth.
“As we can’t meet people in person, we post the orders to the customers. We are not doing it for profit. It is something that when my passion met with the current situation.”
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Her daughter who is very much interested in their mum’s hobby is lending a helping hand to make their masks unique.
Susan helps her in cutting, stitching, and marketing face masks made in different sizes and designs.
“I like stitching. Mum has taught us how to cut clothes with stencils and now I can stitch masks all alone. It is very simple that anyone can easily make,” says Susan.
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“It was very exciting to see our friends and other unknown people ordering the masks we make. Although at the moment they are selling it only through Instagram, this enthusiastic girl is keen on marketing their new venture through other social media platforms as well."
Residents in metropolitan Melbourne are subject to stay-at-home orders and can only leave home for essential work, study, exercise or care responsibilities. People are also advised to wear masks in public.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
