Jerra Cook is a Charlotte seamstress who owns Covers by Jay, creating masks for both adults and children.
Courtesy of Jerra Cook
CharlotteFive
With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise in North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday that the state would remain in Phase 2 for at least three weeks and require face masks in public.
Now, having a few face masks on hand is more important than ever.
All signs point to face masks remaining in high demand. But the “out of stock” note on Amazon shouldn’t deter you from purchasing protection. Rather, get off that app and instead support these local retailers that are offering hand-made cloth face coverings:
This Charlotte-themed shop lets you show your “704” pride with hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts — and now masks. The team is expecting a restock by the end of the week, which will include three additional designs.
This South End print shop started making masks a few weeks ago to sell to customers, and it’s since sold 325. The owner is working to find regional providers for the mask materials to help get Carolinians back to work. Starting with the next shipment, the elastic will be made in NC.
To purchase: Call 704-376-0938 or or email mattk@allegracltsouthend.com.
Known for its eclectic selection of gifts in the heart of Uptown, this shop is now offering masks and hand sanitizers.
To purchase: Visit in person 11 a.m-3 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, or place an order ahead of time for curbside pickup by calling 704-334-9322 or emailing thebeehivegifts@gmail.com.
Price: Disposable masks are $5.98 for a 3-piece pack. Reusable, adjustable cloth masks are $16.98. They come in adult and child sizes with two carbon refills.
This Charlotte-based Etsy shop offers face masks in a variety of fabrics.
To purchase: Order on the website
Price: $10
Blush & Bourbon is working on an initiative to donate the proceeds from its masks to an organization that supports the Black Lives Matter movement and another to a Pride organization. Courtesy of Blush & Bourbon CharlotteFive
Charlotte Knights, the city’s MiLB team, will begin to sell Knights-themed masks as part of a “Knights Care 4 CLT” campaign. All of the proceeds will go to Knights Care 4 CLT, which will help healthcare workers, select local charities and Knights employees in need.
Jerra Cook, a local seamstress and owner of Covers by Jay, creates masks for both adults and children. The masks are made of cotton and have pocket inserts for filters.
Custom Apparel Source’s Southeast factory, which usually makes all custom clothing, has switched to producing masks full time. Custom Apparel Source sells N95-style masks with and without filters that are approved by the FDA. The masks are sold in packs of 10.
This mobile alterations company is run by a man with over 40 years of experience in tailoring and alterations. He’s now offering handmade cloth masks, as well.
To purchase: Call 980-389-0878 for information and pricing.
Charlotte nonprofit Empower for Hope is working with artisans who are refugees and immigrants to make masks out of African print fabrics left over from its skirt making business that benefits its sister organization in Burundi, Africa. The sewing team is also seeking donations toward making masks for Charlotte hospitals and public workers.
To purchase: Visit the website.
Price: $12, 5 for $50 or 10 for $90
Christin Boone’s mask was made by refugee and immigrant artisans working with Charlotte nonprofit Empower for Hope. Courtesy of Christin Boone CharlotteFive
Fashion & Compassion is a nonprofit organization empowering women overcoming trafficking, abuse, addiction, incarceration, poverty and ethnic persecution by teaching them to make jewelry, face masks and more.
To purchase: Order on the website or at 1717 Cleveland Ave. in Dilworth.
A go-to spot for cozy and trendy gear from female vendors, Girl Tribe Co. is now also selling reusable face masks in a variety of prints and sizes for adults, teens and toddlers.
Local businesses known for clothing, alterations and Charlotte-themed gear are now also offering handmade cloth face masks amid the COVID-19 crisis. Courtesy of Girl Tribe Co. CharlotteFive
This Charlotte arts and crafts retailer has transitioned to offer face masks in a variety of fabrics and colors. Custom orders are available.
To purchase: Leave a Facebook comment or send a message. Payment can be made through Venmo: @marieta-stewart, PayPal: marieta_watson@hotmail.com or invoice for payment can be sent through Square.
Price: $10, plus $4 shipping or porch pickup is available in Ballantyne.
This online quilted face mask shop states that its motto is: “Individually Together we rise each morning in the pursuit of one destination… HAPPIVALLY.” It carries sizes in preschool, grade school, large and X-large.
To purchase: Order on the website.
Price: $15
Happivally’s face masks are quilted creations. Courtesy of Happivally CharlotteFive
This popular spot for drag clothing and accessories has added cotton face masks to its lineup. The retailer has also stepped up to aid local hospitals — its MASK4MASK foundation gives one mask to a hospital in need for every mask purchased.
To purchase: Order from the website for delivery. Make sure to select the “MASK4MASK” option at checkout.
Price: $20+
Priscilla Chambers, star of “Boulet Brothers Dragula” on Netflix, models a mask created by House of Mann. Courtesy of House of Mann CharlotteFive
This gift shop that is usually a hot spot for bridal registries and baby gifts has added face masks to its lineup. Shipping or curbside pickup is available, and the shop does free delivery in Charlotte on Thursdays.
To purchase: Visit in person or call 1-704-334-5040.
Price: $16
John Dabbs is selling face masks, with options for in person shopping, curbside pickup, shipping or delivery. Courtesy of Crosby Cordell CharlotteFive
Bright, vibrant tones highlight all of the clothing and accessories at KK Bloom. The boutique will receive another shipment of masks and anticipates restocking early next week.
You can feel good about a purchase from Pura Vida, which sells handmade, fair trade, ethically produced products. And now, they have face masks in solid and print designs.
To purchase: Order from the website or call for curbside pickup or visit the store. Private shopping is also available.
It makes sense that a shop dedicated to custom sewing and alterations would also offer cloth face masks during this time. This weekend will be the last chance to get one of its face masks before the shop transitions back into normal alterations.
To purchase: Visit the shop in person. The team will be selling masks out in front of the store from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, May 17. Limit five masks per person.
Price: $3 or free for healthcare workers
Visit RCB Fashion’s shop this weekend to purchase a face mask. Masks are $3 each or free for healthcare workers. Erin Foley / RCB Fashion CharlotteFive
Roses and Azalea has face masks in both child and adult sizes with elastic or ties. It’s also For every mask sold, it is also donating one to a child in need.
To purchase: Order on the website
Price: $10-15
Roses and Azalea has a local pickup option available for its masks, with limited edition fabrics. Jenny Melick CharlotteFive
The Skin Center by Charlotte Plastic Surgery partnered with North Carolina-based company, Nufabrx, for its mask, called Soliscia. The mask is infused with copper and shea butter, which moisturizes skin while protecting against germs. The masks can be machine washed and dried. Also, if you want to know more about preventing “maskne,” check out the center’s blog on the topic.
The Skin Center by Charlotte Plastic Surgery has a face mask with shea butter, which moisturizes skin while protecting against germs. Melissa Oyler CharlotteFive
Kymm McLean, owner of Who’s the Fairest, a beauty service that offers both professional makeup and hairstyling, is preparing cloth face masks for purchase. Turnaround time is typically 48 hours from ordering.
Jessica is a writer fueled by coffee, cookies and long walks in the Magic Kingdom. She’s often found exploring the culinary scene (mostly pasta) and traveling. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @jessicaswannie.