Paul Drake is the owner of Twisted Rabbit Creations, a small bath and body company in Pueblo, Colorado.
Before covid-19, the company survived on craft fairs and farmer markets.
By this time last year, they had participated in 22 events. This year, they’ve only been to one, leading to a loss of $15,000.
“After our one show in January, our cash flow went to zero,” Drake said.
The situation demanded a pivot.
Candle maker in Pueblo has to pivot his business model during COVID-19.
“Thinking of a football player, how agile they are, they can move and adjust to the situation,” Drake said. “I think in business you have to be able to do the same thing.”
So, Drake learned to sew.
Drake and his wife quickly shifted their business model from making bath and body products, like soaps and bath bombs, to focus on the sudden demand for masks and hand sanitizer. They figured they could make 10-15 masks per hour and spent 76 straight days sewing without a break.
“There were days we did 17-18 hours just to keep up with the demand,” Drake said.
Before retirement, Drake worked as a respiratory therapist and director – a career with a clear connection to how Twisted Rabbit would pivot during covid-19.
“It’s very important to me, as a respiratory therapist, to be able to provide something that will hopefully prevent a family, an elderly, a young person, from contracting this disease,” Drake said.
They sell 3 masks for $10. The washable masks are based on a surgical mask design, include two layers of cotton, a pocket for an extra filter, and come in a variety of designs.
Among those seeking masks as the pandemic continues, they now count the Colorado Rockies baseball organization as a client.
View their full line of products at twistedrabbitcreations.com.
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