The pandemic posed a lot of challenges for small businesses, especially those who rely on public events to sell their products. Switch Purse fell into this category. Events were cancelled. People experienced job loss or deferment. People were not buying products like purses.
Just like many other small businesses, Switch Purse pivoted and learned how to make masks. Thanks to YouTube, a new Switch Purse product was born. And no, these were not reversible! Just cloth masks that had a pocket to insert a filter for extra protection.
There were some trial and errors. The first ones were too thick. They had strap that tied instead of elastic straps. Then the straps had to be adjustable. A nose bridge was added. Finally, the mask evolved into a wearable product.
We made a minimum of 500 masks in 2020. It didn't replace our purse profits, but it helped. But we were so glad we could contribute to keeping people safe and comfortable.
At the beginning of 2021, vaccines were provided and disposable masks were made readily available. Switch Purse navigated back to purses and put masks on the back burner. People still favor our masks, so we will still make them.
2022 brings us back to participating in public events and developing new products. New products as in new purses! Purses for people to wear when they are out and about in public.
Stay tuned for exciting things in 2022! ox Jill