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Vintage 90s Fabric Benefiting Black Non-Profit Organizations

Kaitlin Briones • June 15, 2020

Vintage 90s Fabric Benefiting Black Non-Profit Organizations

From a young age, I was immersed and surrounded by hip hop culture. Hip Hop was created as a reaction to society and injustices in the South Bronx during the 70s. It was influenced by black and latinx culture. It was a reflection of the systemic racism, oppression, and police brutality that was going on at the time and was used as a nonviolent means of expression. Those injustices haven't gone away. The recent murders of people like Breonna Taylor and George Floyd have brought that into the light.

As a guest of hip hop and a small business owner, I want to do what I can to support my black brothers and sisters so I am making masks out of a vintage 90s fabric that reflects the classic color block style of that era. These masks are $25 each and I will be donating the money made from these masks to Bay Area black owned businesses and organizations benefitting black lives. Please send contact me if you are interested in supporting this cause. This fabric is very limited and since it's vintage, once they're gone, they're gone so get yours today! Also stay tuned for more fabric updates.
By Kaitlin October 16, 2020
I was really excited to do live vendor events this Summer. Obviously, mother nature had different plans and the Pandemic has affected us on a global scale. Event organizers have had to come up with creative ways to connect with the community through various online platforms. We can now attend multiple live events through Twitch and somewhat maintain our sense of normalcy. I really looked forward to attending the summer Undiscovered SF events here in the Bay Area. The live performances were happening non-stop and the food trucks provided the delicious flavors of the Filipino street food scene. You could purchase everything from handmade goods to your vintage Nike windbreaker. I'm very happy to say that the event will be going virtual this Saturday and Sunday. https://www.undiscoveredsf.com/undscvrd-x. I will be one of the virtual vendor at the event and you'll be able to interact with me through the event portal. Please make sure you visit the event page to register for your free ticket and to see the entire festival schedule. I look forward to seeing you all. Here are some detail for the event: Details Saturday, October 17th & Sunday, October 18th, 2020 UNDISCOVERED X ONLINE EXPOSITION ONLINE | Hopin All Ages | 11:00am-5:00pm Pacific Standard Time | FREE Info: undiscoveredsf.com UNDSCVRD X is a global gathering of entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, creatives, and thought leaders that are expanding the cultural dialogue using a new online platform to engage attendees in participating in this larger narrative of solidarity and connection. Join us on Hopin on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17th & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18th from 11:00am-5:00pm.
By Kaitlin Briones July 5, 2020
I think the one of the best feelings I have when making masks or scrunchies, is seeing them on people on social media or in the wild. Some of the fabrics that I use for the frontline healthcare workers facial covering are in short supply so they aren’t available to the public. One of my favorites is the playful kitty pattern that was donated to me. Which fabric is your favorite?
By Kaitlin Briones June 24, 2020
Ever since I was little, I've always loved HK. When I found out this fabric, I was so exited and had to get it. These fabrics are super fun and cute and I love them so much. Please send me an email if you're interested in buying these masks or any others!
By Kaitlin Briones June 19, 2020
I am such a big boba fan. For those of you who don't know what boba is, boba is a drink that originated in Taiwan and was created by Liu Han-Chieh. He was inspired to serve Chinese tea cold when he went to Japan and saw people serving coffee cold. He then started his own teahouse where he served cold tea. One day, one of his workers was eating a traditional Taiwanese dessert called fen yuan which is like a tapioca pudding and he got the idea to add the tapioca pearls to his cold tea. That was how boba I know and love was born. I was so excited when I finally found a boba fabric because I love boba so much. I even learned how to make boba pearls at home when shelter in place started and all the boba shops had to close down. These masks are $20 each because the fabric is made to order. As always, it includes an adjustable nose bridge, a pm2.5 filter, and shipping. I hope you guys like this mask as much as I do!
By Kaitlin Briones May 15, 2020
We just received a new shipment of fabrics that will be available soon for mask purchases. We have so many fabrics already, but it is so exciting whenever new fabrics come in! As the days blend into weeks and the weeks blend into months and there is no concept of time anymore, getting fabric is always something to look forward to! Having different patterns to choose from allows us self expression while keeping us safe. I always choose fabrics that I know I would wear and other people too. Keep in mind that we only allow you to choose fabrics for personal orders since we have a special type of mask that we make for frontline healthcare workers.
By Kaitlin Briones May 15, 2020
I had no idea what "pivoting" a business meant until I started making masks. I was questioned by my uncle about it and I really didn't know how to respond. I just started making masks and tried to contact hospitals to see if they were taking donations. At the time, hospitals in my area were unresponsive and most couldn't accept handmade masks. So I turned to Facebook and social media. I started to get emails from nurses who saw my Facebook or Instagram posts. Slowly, word started to spread and I started to get busy. The KRONTV Hero segment was a real success and many frontline workers reached out to me. Then, Brendan Ergas, a producer with the San Jose Sharks contacted me. The Sharks wanted to interview me about my mask project. I was pretty nervous but excited at the same time. The video came out great and it was really cool to see some of the Sharks players wearing my masks. Go Sharks!
By Kaitlin Briones May 11, 2020
I didn't know how important my mask project would be. I just wanted to help frontline healthcare workers and help keep them safe. Thank you to KRONTV for choosing me for a Hero of the Pandemic. https://www.kron4.com/features/kron4-heroes/13-year-old-makes-masks-for-healthcare-workers-in-the-bay-area/ Special thanks to some of the frontline workers who shared their pictures with me.
By Kaitlin Briones November 23, 2019
The Samoan solutions event was one of the coolest events that I have ever been invited to! There were so many unique and cool vendors and super good food as well. There were also free health screenings! Samoan solutions is an amazing organization and to find out more about them visit their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SamoanSolutions/ . I hope to come back next year!
By Kaitlin Briones November 19, 2019
Oaktoberfest was amazing and I am so glad to be a part of the Dancing in the Diamond event. The music and dancing was so good and the dance floor was never empty. I met so many people and also got to compete in the All Styles dance competition. I hope to be back next year!
By Kaitlin Briones October 13, 2019
I was so exited to be a part of this yearly event for the first time. Outdoor festivals are definitely my favorite type of events because you aren't confined to a small space. My booth was busy and I met a lot of new people. There was music and a bunch of performances as well as lots of delicious Filipino food! I hope to be back next year!
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