Babylon Woman Starts Mask Business During Pandemic

BABYLON, NY — One local resident turned a hobby into a small business during the coronavirus pandemic. Ryan Gold, who has lived in Babylon for the past 14 years, started helping out in the beginning of the pandemic after the Facebook group Babylon Strong sought out volunteers to help those in need. The group helped by providing meals to essential workers and supporting local businesses.

Then at the height of the pandemic, the group asked the volunteers to help make masks since there was a shortage of PPE at the time. So Gold got to work, joining a virtual sewing circle to help sew and assemble masks to donate. Together, the group made over 1,000 masks for essential workers in the community. However while the demand for health professionals and other essential workers eased up, the demand for face masks for the community did not as it became a part of daily life. As a result, people started asking Gold if they could buy her homemade masks.

That's when Gold started her business, Natey and Bode, named after her 5-year-old's imaginary friends. She started selling what she calls "The Good Masks" because they are "more substantial, more comfortable and have better longevity" than disposable masks. Gold makes the masks with two layers of 100 percent cotton with a pocket for an additional filter and a nose wire.

Photo courtesy of Ryan Gold

"When masks become part of your everyday life, they also become an opportunity for a fashion statement," she said. "That's probably the main advantage of buying custom handmade - customers can be particular about their preferences and get exactly what they want."

She has also partnered with other local restaurants, service providers and retailers, providing them with bulk custom orders tailored to their business. In addition, she will be vending at fall trunk shows at Hitch LI on Main Street in Babylon.

"We've received so much positive feedback and love from people," she said. "It brings one level of happiness that customers just want to support a small business. But having people tell me how much they like the masks, that they are able to wear them for extended periods of time, and to have repeat customers come back for more brings an added level of joy."

Gold says that it's been a challenge for a lot of small businesses during the pandemic and encourages local community members to help support them.

"Business owners are feeling the economic crunch and limits of operating while protecting the health of their community," she said. "Any dollars put into local businesses will truly help them survive."

Photo courtesy of Ryan Gold