Launching a physical product in a pandemic

The Making of Maskwell

It’s World Mask Week, so I’m sharing this journey!

As someone who mostly works behind a computer screen, producing a physical product was a learning experience from the start.

Over the past few of months, I have had the chance to work behind the scenes on launching Maskwell – a company that produces quality reusable masks with protective filter inserts, while also funding the needs of frontline healthcare workers.

From naming the company and designing the visual identity from scratch in record time, to establishing our charitable partnership and media outreach, being in lockdown mode allowed me to cover a lot of ground early on – while still learning a ton along the way about everything from materials and manufacturing processes to air quality and e-commerce fulfillment. Combined, the PureFilters and Now Creative Group teams had everything covered.

After some delays due to shipping system strains (not something I experience at all running a service-based business), when we finally sent our first orders sent out, it felt great.

What also feels great is that from day one, we built giving in to the company. Given the growing needs locally due to COVID-19, and not being pandemic experts, The Home Front became our cause of choice – taking care of the greatest (evolving) needs on the front lines. This was an easy decision to make as Now Creative Group is already a member of The Upside Foundation who runs the initiative. I’m proid that we were able to make our first donation very early on in Maskwell’s existence.

Like any startup, there are challenges and pivots, and time is always a major factor. As a team, everyone brings their varied expertise together to keep things moving forward. Having a driven, diverse team has been key during these tough times.

Thankfully, with orders from across the country, we were able to move past the pre-order phase and are now able to fulfill orders daily as they come in.

Thanks to the awesome team at Maskwell and Now Creative Group for pulling everything together so quickly, and continuing to optimize things along the way. It’s been a great learning process while making impact along the way.

If you’re looking for a mask for yourself, your family or your workplace, feel free to visit getmaskwell.com.