Fiber & Fashion Alum Jessica Shields Makes Masks for Team Wireless

2019 Fiber & Fashion Alumni, Jessica Shields, has begun making masks to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shields and her husband own a clothing store, Upcycled Hippie, in downtown Escanaba where she makes one of a kind items made from recycled materials.

“Everything I create is one of a kind and made from recycled materials that I have either found or have been given,” said Shields. “I’ve been able to collect quite a large fabric collection over the past few years, especially in cotton! Therefore, when Team Wireless approached me about making 250 masks, I knew for sure I’d have enough material to do them without having to go out and buy more.”

Shields created 250 masks in three days, which were then shipped to the employees of the 52 Team Wireless stores located across the U.P.

Before this order for Team Wireless, Shields had not made a single mask and wasn’t considering making more after the Team Wireless project. With the help of her husband and mother-in-law, the process moved quickly. “After getting in a rhythm I began to enjoy the repetition of the assembling process I had created. As my husband was documenting the process along the way, people eventually began to ask if they were for sale.”

With a wide range of cotton fabric left, Shields has continued to make more masks that she has been selling on her business Instagram as well as her Facebook page, Upcycled Hippie. Those looking to purchase a mask can do so for $5 with curbside pick-up available. To have a mask made, message Shields on her Instagram or Facebook page.