Over the past four weeks I have seen the industry I love being a part of, lift itself from a place of shock and fear, and navigate with creativity and confidence through to a place of opportunity and generosity.
It’s an unbelievably humbling thing to witness so many business owners using their skills, expertise and resources to support our country in its hour of need, and this evening, I wanted to shout out about one of those designers in particular.
Our dear friend Sanyukta Shrestha – ethical and sustainable bridal fashion designer – has teamed up with other seamstresses all over the UK in creating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and masks for our exceptionally brave and courageous NHS frontline staff, currently fighting against COVID-19.
Putting her skill and expertise to great use from her home-based studio, Sanyukta has responded to the national shortage of PPE and is working with her team of patternmakers and pattern seamstresses to create these much needed, critical supplies.
“We are all doing our part as civilians to save lives by staying at home, but I really believe that those of us who can do me should be. We can be utilising valuable skills from home to help support our much cherished frontline health and social care professionals as they fight this disease. We can be helping to support our doctors, nurses, medical staff and key workers who are risking their lives to protect our lives and the lives of millions all over the country.”
“For the past two weeks, we’ve been creating PPE gowns and making hundreds of masks for our NHS staff. It has not been easy sourcing material during lockdown, but a just as our precious keyworkers are dedicating their lives to protecting our nation, I am now dedicating as much of my time in lockdown as I can to creating the vital protecting clothing and equipment they need to do their jobs.’
Putting her fashion knowledge and access to sewing machinery and other valuable equipment, Sanyukta has been creating reusable masks with 3 layers of 100% breathable and ethical cotton fabrics – inline with her sustainable business values. Some of these masks have the option to add an extra layer of filter protection, a detachable visor and nose grips.
“We’ve been using CDC (Centres for Disease Control & Prevention) issued tutorials and guidelines, who state that healthcare workers can use homemade masks and even bandanas as ‘a last resort’. We wanted to create a mask that felt more protective though, so worked on a pattern that meant face-shielding visors could also be added.”
“NHS, emergency services and all key workers throughout the country are even more stretched than usual because of this dreadful pandemic. They are selflessly and tirelessly working to keep us safe, healthy, and supported. We feel it’s time we must value our army of dedicated health professionals even more than we did before this pandemic. It’s a small way to give back to these brave workers and it’s our way of saying ‘thank you so very much’ for all of their dedication and care.”
“As a sustainable company with an optimistic outlook, we have always seen light in dark tunnels. We are all in this unprecedented and incredibly difficult and challenging time together now, and we strongly believe in the power of kindness positive spirit. Caring for the planet has been the DNA of our brand from the start almost nine years ago, and we feel that once we are over Covid-19 we will all, as global citizens, be closer to each other and to our beloved planet than ever before.”
Wedding Dress Treats
In a further act of kindness, Sanyukta has joined forces with some 13,000 other retailers to give back to NHS and keyworker staff (via the Blue Light card and Defence Discount card schemes) with a lovely opportunity for brides to save some money and treat themselves to a lovely accessory too.
Sanyukta has created a ‘special Key-Worker’ treat for brides, which includes an appointment at her beautiful boutique, a 25% saving on wedding dress orders and a £200 gift voucher towards a hand-crafted wedding veil.
“As the owner of an ethical business, I am humbled by and salute the sacrifices and dedication being made by our NHS and keyworker staff. Where would be be without them now? It is the least I can do to treat them and make them feel special and looked after too. This treat applies to those working for the Emergency Services, NHS and all Armed Forces, Veterans and Armed Forces community from the Defence department and all key workers from delivery drivers to pharmacists.”
If you are a bride interested in learning more, or you know a bride who might be, please contact Sanyukta’s team directly on brides@sanyuktashrestha.com
I genuinely cannot rave about Sanyukta enough – she is one of life’s good, honest people – a sweet, kind hearted human. I urge you to pass on these details to someone you feel may benefit from them.
With love,
Annabel
Annabel
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Annabel is the founder of Love My Dress. She lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, two daughters Eska and Leanora and three dogs. She is passionate about photography, supporting women in business and in life, and is in her element being surrounded by nature and the countryside.