Who’s Behind The Masks

Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2020/07 – July | Photograph By: Marjorie Christiansen Photography

When beautiful art binds with perfect function, the result is fantastic craft.  

Nan and her mother, Nok, have joined creative forces to produce an indispensable creation in these troubled times…fashionable, protective face masks, custom-designed for men, women, and children, all ages, all sizes.

Eleven years ago Nan flew from Thailand to Western North Carolina with a student visa in hand. Since early childhood, she dreamed of a home in America, learning English while immersing herself in Western culture. She worked hard, fitting nicely into the Highlands community, and serving the patrons of Mountain Fresh. 

A little over a decade later, she’s now fluent in English, happily married, the proud mom of two toddlers, and starting her own cottage industry. Her American dream came true.

Another part of her dream materialized out of the Covid 19 crisis. While she felt very fortunate for her family’s good health, she kept thinking, “How can we help people not so lucky?” 

Her mother came for a visit to help with Nan’s newborn. She got waylaid by travel restrictions, so she had to remain stateside. 

Nan said, “That turned out to be a huge bonus. Mom had a sewing talent. She made all my clothes when I was growing up. We were aware there was a shortage of face masks in the U.S., so I suggested that she make masks to occupy her time and do a good deed in the process. We had no idea the concept would meet with such success,” she laughed.

They made a few masks and posted them on Facebook. It caught the attention of many Highlands residents. Orders started rolling in. Custom orders of flag designs, animals, both pet and wild, particularly bear prints are among local favorites.

Nok can accommodate nearly any request. Turn-around time is just a few days. These reversible masks are made of 100 percent cotton and are three layers thick with a filter pouch. While they are not medical grade, they are more than adequate for office visits, shopping, etc. 

And they are an original design, typically more comfortable than other bulky products you see online. They are hand-wash items, but can be machine-washed on delicate cycle. The best part … the price is only $5 (plus shipping if required). 

When the crisis subsides, Nan and Nok plan on making cloth shopping bags to help with another crisis …  the crush of plastic waste that affects climate and just might be contributing to the viral situation.

To learn more, visit Nan on Facebook (private message her: Nannypris), email her at [email protected], or call her
at (828) 347-2905.