Cherise Walker received her custom-made mask from a small business owner, Sir Fitz’Gerald.
Courtesy of Cherise Walker
CharlotteFive
It is now mandatory in North Carolina to wear a face covering in public spaces like businesses, restaurants, public transportation and child care facilities. In most cases, it will fall to the establishment to enforce the face mask requirement on their property.
“I think if masks are enjoyable to wear, and if we look good in them, then people are more likely to wear them, which will help curb the spread of Coronavirus,” said Kelly Telljohann, a Charlotte resident who has made masks for family, friends and donations. “Stylish masks make living during a pandemic a little less scary.”
It’s true. Living in the COVID-19 pandemic can be scary. To help spread happiness and cheer during a difficult time, we asked you to share your mask selfies. And you delivered:
Heidi Abell is sporting a semi-disposable classic blue mask provided to her for work at Windsor Jewelers. Courtesy of Heidi Abell CharlotteFive
Mariellen Auer got her mask from Custom Apparel Source, which has begun making masks in its Southeast factory. Courtesy of Mariellen Auer CharlotteFive
Frank Blacklocke got his mask from Gone Rogue Trading Co. Courtesy of Frank Blacklocke CharlotteFive
Jerra Cook is a seamstress who makes and sells masks in Charlotte. Courtesy of Jerra Cook CharlotteFive
Kristine Fisher made her own mask, as well as masks for her family. Courtesy of Kristine Fisher CharlotteFive
These first responders are sporting masks handmade by Kristine Fisher. Courtesy of Kristine Fisher CharlotteFive
Ann Garrity sews masks in a variety of patterns and solids, which are available from Thairishpepper on Etsy. Courtesy of Ann Garrity CharlotteFive
Meghan Huntley got her mask from The Liberty Book Company in Rock Hill. Courtesy of Meghan Huntley CharlotteFive
Jill Jurgensen artfully prepared her own mask. She also provided one to her husband and daughter, as well as a few neighbors. Courtesy of Jill Jurgensen CharlotteFive
Matt Kinser is the owner of Allegra, a printing company in South End that is now offering masks. Courtesy of Matt Kinser CharlotteFive
Michelle Kukral made her mask and masks for her family from a neoprene-esque fabric lined with cotton that she had left over from a dress design she recently completed. Courtesy of Michelle Kukral CharlotteFive
Nathan Leehman, owner of Ultra Running Company, got his mask from INKnBURN. Courtesy of Nathan Leehman CharlotteFive
Kelly Telljohann made her mask herself using a cambric interfacing fabric as a filter later for added protection. She has been making masks for donations, for family and for friends. So far, she’s donated 20 masks to her local Wells Fargo branch and 40 masks to the Urban Ministry Center. Courtesy of Kelly Telljohann CharlotteFive
Mark Thacker got his homemade mask from a friend. Courtesy of Mark Thacker CharlotteFive
Cynthia Matz ordered her mask from the online boutique Onzie, because if she “has to wear a mask, she wants it to be functional and chic.” Courtesy of Cynthia Matz CharlotteFive
Kymm McLean, owner of Who’s the Fairest, made her mask from fabric she had in storage. Courtesy of Kymm McLean CharlotteFive
Crystal Newman got her vibrant mask from The Good Dogg, a Charlotte-based business. Courtesy of Crystal D. Newman CharlotteFive
Michelle Shope is an RN, BSN from Charlotte helping out in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy of Michelle Shope CharlotteFive
Susie Stancil created her mask from a Clemson Tiger rag using a video sent from the university alumni association. Courtesy of Susie Stancil CharlotteFive
Ann Staples received her polka dot mask from a friend in California who knows how to sew. Courtesy of Ann Staples CharlotteFive
Samantha Story is wearing a colorful mask from her coworker at Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. Courtesy of Samantha Story CharlotteFive
Betty Thomas purchased these masks from Coolibar, a company that sells clothing to protect you from the sun. The masks provide some protection from COVID-19 and also block UVA/UVB rays. Courtesy of Betty Thomas CharlotteFive
Ashley Vargas received her purple hydrangea mask from her mother in Georgia, who’s very high-risk and has not been able to leave home. She says her mom has been using her time to make masks for friends and family who are essential workers. Courtesy of Ashley Vargas CharlotteFive
Carrie Veal purchased her mask from an Etsy store called FABoutlet. Courtesy of Carrie Veal CharlotteFive
Will White made his mask himself using Ankara print because he likes to express his love for the culture and his ancestors in a new, bold way. It has an added pocket for a filter, and he has started selling them to keep everyone safer. Courtesy of Will White CharlotteFive
Barbara Williamson ordered her face mask from 704 Shop. Courtesy of Barbara Williamson CharlotteFive
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Editor’s note: This article was first published May 19, 2020, and has been updated.
This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 1:03 PM.
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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.
