Keenly Reading Opportunities, Motif Mask Business Becomes a Promising Source of Income

Kapanlagi.com - Since the outbreak of the corona virus pandemic covid-19, cloth masks have become one of the most sought-after items. This is because cloth masks are believed to effectively prevent the transmission of the corona virus covid-19. In addition, the use of cloth masks is also considered more economical than disposable medical masks.

Now, after months of the pandemic, the value of mask usage by the community has started to shift. Masks that were originally worn for health reasons have now become part of enhancing appearance. Masks are no longer just mouth and nose coverings. Various unique models of masks with interesting motifs have emerged, giving the impression of being fashionable.

Unconsciously, the pandemic has made the use of fashionable masks seem like a new trend. This momentum is then utilized by several entrepreneurs who are keen to read business opportunities. As a result, amidst the difficulties caused by the pandemic, they can still survive and profit. What is the story like?

1. Surge in Mask Production

(credit: personal doc)

Since the beginning of the pandemic in Indonesia, the demand for masks from the public has been increasing. This has even caused a shortage of medical masks. The government then recommended the use of cloth masks as an alternative. Who would have thought, starting from that, cloth masks have now become a part of fashion support.

The surge in demand for cloth masks was witnessed directly by Nidaul Urwatul Wutsqa, a contract manufacturing entrepreneur from Klaten. Nida, as she is commonly known, admitted that she had been flooded with mask production orders since June 2020. Nida acknowledged this when contacted by kapanlagi.com, on Friday (08/01).

"Since the beginning of mask production between May and June until now. We usually produce 1000-2000 masks per week. Currently, the orders are starting to decrease, but they still exist and are relatively stagnant. In the beginning of the pandemic, the demand was always high because of projects. Then there were many orders for contract manufacturing of cloth masks from individuals and online shops," explained Nida.

2. Promising Business Opportunities

The skyrocketing demand for masks is seen by Nida as a new business opportunity. As a makeup artist, she decided to produce her own fabric masks. As a result, Nida is currently running a mask production business and her contract manufacturing business simultaneously. "So I created resellers, I produce and sell as well. For my own mask production, I look at the market. What do people need, that's what I make."

3. Meeting Market Needs

(credit: personal doc)

Being accustomed to doing business since college, Nida's keenness in reading market needs is highly honed. Nida is able to analyze the types of masks that are currently in demand and needed by consumers. In fact, her ability to read the market enables Nida to sort various types of masks and their current enthusiasts.

"Currently, the popular masks are the 3D-shaped ones, like the OVO mask. Then, there are brocade masks that can be worn daily, with not too flashy motifs, not just for attending events. So, the selection of motifs is important. And cute-shaped masks are usually favored by girls, while abstract ones are usually favored by boys. Plain ones can be favored by both girls and boys, but usually from the indie or campus community who prefer simplicity," said Nida.

4. Starting from Experience

The promising mask business opportunity is also utilized by Mutiara Larasati and her friend, Tanjung Sekar. Together with Ayas and Tanjung, as they are commonly called, they established a mask production business called Nomunomu Project.

When contacted by kapanlagi.com on Friday (08/01), Ayas explained that their decision to start a mask business began with their experience as cloth mask users. Ayas and her friend felt that the masks available in the market were uncomfortable to wear. As a result, Ayas and Tanjung, who are skilled in sewing, took the initiative to create cloth masks that are as comfortable as possible.

"Initially, it was only for personal consumption, but then we started thinking that this is a business opportunity since many people said they liked it. And when they tried wearing it, they said the masks were very comfortable. They are not stuffy, and the designs are cute. So, we started producing them for sale. Our first order at that time was masks for the bookstore employees' uniforms at Solo Square," Ayas explained.

5. Release Series with Special Design

(credit: instagram/nomunomuproject)

Nomunomu Project produces masks with various patterns that are currently trending. However, Ayas admitted that they don't really care about the popular patterns or models in the market. Instead, Ayas mentioned that they will only produce masks with models and patterns that they like.

Nevertheless, Ayas and their team still consider the design and pattern as very important. Therefore, Nomunomu Project always updates the design of their masks by releasing special series every month. Besides updating the design, Ayas also sees the special series as a marketing strategy.

"The purpose of creating special series is to make customers wait and feel different from buying regular masks," explained Ayas.

6. Prioritize Comfort

In addition to the design and pattern, comfort is also an important factor in mask production. Especially for Ayas and Tanjung, their business started because they were unsatisfied with the uncomfortable masks available in the market.

To create the most comfortable mask possible, Ayas admitted that they have gone through several trial and error processes. They continue to improve the design that they feel is uncomfortable.

"The first attempt had too big of an elastic, so it hurt the ears. And the mask pattern was too narrow, so it felt suffocating. Eventually, we found the right pattern that is truly comfortable and safe, God willing," Ayas explained.

In addition, for the comfort and satisfaction of customers, Ayas and Tanjung also wash and iron their masks before packaging them. This way, buyers can wear them comfortably right away. Although it may sound trivial, Ayas admitted that they have received many positive testimonials regarding this small matter.

7. Total in Business

(credit: instagram/nomunomuproject)

Although still relatively new, Ayas and Tanjung's mask sales business is already able to compete with competitors. It is proven that in one month they have been able to sell 500-600 masks. Up to now, the mask sales are also acknowledged by Ayas to be quite stable.

To achieve this point, Ayas admitted to maximizing the marketing process, starting from word of mouth, utilizing social media, e-commerce, and maximizing reseller services. In addition, Ayas and Tanjung are also total in creating promotional materials.

"One thing that we consider most important is the product photos and the brand concept that Nomunomu carries. We always take every product photo seriously, from the catalog concept, feed to posting on Instagram and Shopee, we do everything seriously," said Ayas.

8. Hoping for the End of the Pandemic, Business Continues

Nomunomu Project is recognized by Ayas as a business idea that emerged suddenly in the midst of a pandemic. Previously, Ayas had been running a handmade gift business, while Tanjung had a sewing business.

Although now it can be said to be profitable during the pandemic, Ayas still hopes the pandemic will end soon. He is not worried at all that the sales of his masks will decline. He also believes that in the future, new business ideas will emerge without any limitations.

"But if the demand decreases, I will return to the handmade gift business, and my friend will return to the tailoring business. Hehe, we pray for the pandemic to end soon. But the new fresh businesses that emerged because of the pandemic can still survive," Ayas concluded.

(kpl/psp)