By d-mars.com News Provider
After 20 years, d-mars.com continues to give back through our media platform, publishing content and success stories highlighting our business leaders and entrepreneurs. We are proud of our feature, the Young Entrepreneur Spotlight, shining light on our young African American adults in entrepreneurship who are already starting to leave a footprint in their industry. What makes these rising stars so special is their commitment to business and the community at such a young age. This month’s spotlight is shined on Shelbi Campbell, owner of MaskThePeople2020.
Shelbi, a native Houstonian earned her Associate of Arts degree from Houston Community College (HCC). She is currently enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and due to COVID-19, will resume in-person classes in 2021. Her company creates fashionable, but high-quality masks effective in helping reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Being just as invested in serving her community, for every five masks purchased, one is donated. Read the Q&A with Shelbi below, learning more about MaskThePeople2020.
Q&A with Shelbi Campbell:
What inspired you to start your company and what detail goes into each mask? My company, MaskThePeople2020, was birthed during this pandemic. I wanted to design a mask that was fashionable, but also made with high-quality materials, helping protect the wearer from COVID-19. Inspired by protective N95 respirator masks worn by essential workers in health care, I make my masks lined with two layers of polypropylene, an air filtration material.
How long have you been designing/working in fashion and how have things been since you started your business? I have been sewing for more than five years now. I am happy to design, using my skills and talents to create something that helps people. With the support of friends and family, I was able to achieve the goal of starting my mask business. I was surprised at how many people were in need of masks. There is a high demand for them. I’m happy that my business can meet the need.
How is your business growing? Today, many people want safe and stylish masks for the ‘new normal’ that COVID-19 has brought. My business is running smoothly. I have made over 600 masks so far and am able to work on this business full-time. I now have a very supportive community of followers/customers who are loyal and give me honest feedback that helps my business grow.
Who are your mentors? Who do you admire in your industry? I currently look up to all of the new, up-and-coming African American designers being recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) and Vogue this year. They make me believe that anything is possible.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years? In the next few years, I see myself owning my own luxury fashion brand worn by top influencers and recognized worldwide!
Is there anything else that you want to share with our readers? MaskThePeople2020 has been such a blessing. It’s mainly helping pay for school. So, I am appreciative and grateful for each and every purchase and all of the support.
We congratulate this fashionista for not being defeated during this pandemic, but instead realizing how her passion and purpose could meet a need, which in turn is making profits to help fund her education. To purchase your stylish, high-quality mask, please visit www.maskthepeople2020.com or email contact@maskthepeople2020.com. You can also follow Shelbi and her business on Instagram: @maskthepeople2020 and @shelbi_campbell.
