SARASOTA – We introduced you to local businesses and residents making and selling face masks to the public. But a seamstress is choosing to give the masks out for free.
“It’s Friday, I’ve got to run down and get some masks for the weekend and they’re fabulous,” said Janet Martin.
With business slowing down at Aiko’s Alterations in Sarasota due to the coronavirus pandemic, owner Aiko Noro, decided to use her 30 years of sewing experience to make face masks herself.
A typically bustling shop now sits alone with Aiko the only employee still coming into work. “It was all my husbands idea,” said Aiko. “When the virus happened. I had to stay home, I cannot stand to stay home.”
So Aiko started doing what she does best. She started making the masks at work thanks to her husband and owner of Kiyoshi’s Sushi for sponsoring her, and helping provide some of the material.
Aiko says she came up with the design of the masks so that one size fits all…and they do, thanks to one key element.
“Pantyhose,” she said.
Aiko says making them is the easy part for her but when she couldn’t find elastic and other materials needed she took a pair of her stockings cut them up, and presto. Aiko’s masks were born with their own unique design.
She says she’s able to make 1,000 a week and donates them to customers, friends, family, and anyone in the community all free of charge.
“To have somebody that would take the time to go through and make masks, and nice masks like these that you want to wear but not just boring masks but something that somebody is not embarrassed to go in public with,” said Beau Burton.
Since word began spreading that Aiko’s was the place to pick up your reusable face masks she’s donated to several businesses around her. She says now is not the time to think of money, it’s about being there for one another.
“I want to help people these are kind of difficult situation, we have to help each other,” said Aiko.
Aiko doesn’t accept payment for her work instead she says the donating for the material is just enough and seeing the faces on people after their search for masks has come to an end.
Aiko masks are washable to be reused time and time again. Donations are also being accepted at Kiyoshi’s Sushi Japanese Restaurant located next door. Aiko’s Alteration is located on 6546 Gateway Ave, Sarasota, FL 34231.