Stepping up your business during a pandemic

We talked with Maybelline T, a full time tax auditor and mom that saw a need and used her love of sewing to create a side hustle that really fulfills a need when she saw one.

What’s your name, age and occupation?

Hello! My name is Maybelline T. I'm 43 now, and i'm a Tax Auditor.

What kind of side hustle do you do?

I sew face masks for kids and adults with a variety of fabrics, sizes and designs.

Why did you choose these?

It was a hobby of mine and masks were in low supply at the start of the pandemic.

What skills do you need to do this side hustle?

Intermediate sewing skills and sewing machine proficiency 

What motivated you to do a side hustle?

I started sewing masks for my family and it just turned into a side hustle.

How much time do you spend doing your side hustle?

I slowed down quite a bit but when I started I was sewing 40 plus hours a week.

How much money can you make per hour, per week, per month, per year?

Maybe $1000-1200 per month. Depends on the demand.

What are the downsides to your side hustle?

It is time consuming. Sometimes I get on a roll and I look up and its 4am. I don't have the time to do all the marketing online and invoicing but luckily I have help. My sister assists me with the admin work so I can focus on sewing.

All of the customized masks that make kids AND adults super happy when having to wear one now.

What are your future goals?

Offer additional items on the site like aprons, baby blankets, bibs, nursing covers, little dresses, etc.

Any advice for people looking to do a side hustle?

Do something you are interested in and have fun doing it. I did not have any expectations going into this. I was able to save all my mask money and bought myself a pre-owned Prius. I always wanted one and that is one perk of doing something I enjoy. It doesn’t feel like work at all.

She has her family hang up their masks by the front door, so they always remember to take one before they leave

Check out all the cute designs on her insta Masks by Maybelline

#sewingforfun #pandemicmasks #DIYmasks #masksbymay #hobbyforprofit