The COVID-19 epidemic has created shockwaves throughout the global supply chain and companies are working feverishly to manage shortages. The manufacturing sector that produces vital medical supplies including Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves and medical gowns has been hard hit. Since the pandemic began domestically roughly 5 weeks ago, there has been a huge surge in demand for medical supplies and protective gear as numbers of those infected rose across the nation. This shortage has been further compounded with factories seeing either closures or quarantines coupled with international trade heavily restricted.
Like many business owners, Dallas-based Kathy Fielder was faced with furloughing her staff and halting operations when shelter-in-place mandates were issued. Instead, she and her team went all-in and in 3-weeks reworked the entire business model of Kathy Fielder Boutique and Isabella Collection by Kathy Fielder to utilize her resources and contacts through her illustrious 20-year career in the field of manufacturing to bring in crucial PPE products for frontline defenders and 3-ply disposable masks for medical workers and the general public’s use. For the past 15 years, Fielder has manufactured a bedding and home décor collection, Isabella Collection by Kathy Fielder, in Dallas, TX. This collection has sold to numerous retailers including Neiman Marcus, Horchow, Perigold, and QVC, to name a few. She also operates Kathy Fielder Boutique, a retail clothing and accessories boutique with locations in the heart of Lower Greenville in Dallas, Texas and in the Garden District on Magazine Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.
“This is an unbelievably stressful time for all business owners, but I’ve always been one to tackle a problem head-on instead of letting it defeat me.” said Kathy Fielder, “In addition to homeschooling my two children, I’ve spent endless hours over the past few weeks educating myself on the medical field, FDA, and NIOSH in order to bring the highest quality merchandise available to those who need it. I am thrilled that I can help my local community, keep my staff employed, and continue to stimulate the economy.”
Essential businesses seeking medical-grade products can contact Fielder at INFO@KATHYFIELDER.COM. 3PLY non-woven disposable face masks (6.5 inches by 3.5 inches expandable to cover nose to chin) are currently available to the general public. Available in packs of five for $8, ten for $15, twenty-five for $35 and fifty for $65. Product is currently shipping from the warehouse 2-3 business days after the order is placed. To purchase or for more information, visit https://kathyfielderboutique.com/products/3ply-mask.
For DIY-ers, Fielder has also created a unique pattern designed to be fitted, functional, and washable. Create your own masks with materials found around the home using step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial: https://kathyfielder.com/2020/04/creating-a-mask-with-essentials-from-your-home/