Sophomore makes masks more user friendly and fashion-forward

During this pandemic, people are required to wear masks to protect themselves from the virus.  However, a problem many people run into is that some masks can be uncomfortable and make it feel hard to breathe. Sophomore Irsa Shaikh has come up with a solution:  she started a mask business called “Breathe -EZ masks.”

  Not only does Shaikh advertise that the masks are comfortable, breathable, and easy-to-wear, they are also sold at affordable prices. Shoppers can request custom designs or they can buy the designs already available in the shop.  

  “Stock designs will be around eight to ten dollars,” Shaikh said. “The designs I make or ones that my dad has in stock in his shops such as RVA and BLM mask designs,” 

  “The masks are one hundred percent cotton which makes them soft, washable, comfortable, and easy to breathe through,” Shaikh said. 

    During this time, the right mask may be difficult to find, but Shaikh’s business lets customers make the most of this pandemic by customizing their new required apparel. Shaikh found inspiration by looking no further than her own family.   

  “My dad makes custom clothing, and I got inspired to start making my own designs and selling them on masks since they’re so common right now, obviously, and I thought it would be a fun project to do,” Shaikh said. 

 Shaikh is planning to create an Instagram account for her business in the near future to showcase designs and spread the word about her work. 

“I started designing my masks and planning around August a few weeks before school started,” Shaikh said. “I’m still in the process of completely getting my shop open, which I will start on Instagram.”  

Shaikh looks forward to getting her business off of the ground and watching it grow. In the future, she hopes to positively impact her customers and the community around them.