COCHRANE— Despite COVID-19 being a negative situation we are all dealing with, it has brought together many people and allowed for entrepreneurs to prosper.
Rakesh Consul, 13, has taken the pandemic as an opportunity to create something that's helping the general public feel safe. Understanding his love for sewing could be used as more than just a hobby, Consul decided to start his own business - LifeSafe Masks.
"With the shortage of masks - and I read that cough masks actually do help with stopping the spread of COVID-19, I just wanted to help out the community," Consul said.
The teen and his family live in Tuscany but are in Cochrane every day where he is fast at work behind his sewing machine. His father works as a developer and was kind enough to lend him space to house all his needs. Consul operates out of a storefront in River Heights Place which also acts as his warehouse and distribution facility.
As school is no longer consuming the majority of the young man's life, Consul said he has had plenty of time to sift through the news and learn about the growing demand for face masks. About a month ago, he started testing different design types for his custom made masks and says it has been tricky to get all his supplies from one distributor, often reaching out to several different outlets.
Consul uses poly and soft cotton for his masks, which are both lightweight and breathable. He explained he has been fine-tuning his skills and can have one mask complete in around five minutes, and a pack of three in roughly 15 minutes.
"I find soft cotton takes a little longer just because it is harder to cut," said Consul. "When people order multiple sets it's quicker because you just cut each piece of fabric into the same size and then you can just sew it."
Although LifeSafe Masks has only been open for about a week, Consul says he has been getting a significant amount of orders, which is keeping him busy considering it is just himself working. He says with the high volumes he will be looking at hiring some help in the future.
"We are definitely looking at bringing a bunch of people in, mainly for storing and shipping, but my dad is helping me a lot as well," Consul said.
The face masks are sold in bundles of three for $14.99 plus shipping. Consul says he is aiming at improving his warehouse by adding more colours, styles and collections. All of Consul's masks are made to order and are reusable and washable. Those looking to place an order can do so at lifesafemasks.com.
Big dreams are on the horizon for the ambitious teen as he plans to go on to attend the Civil Engineering program at the University of Calgary when he graduates high school.
