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CCSD students start mask-making company, donate percentage to COVID-19 relief
What can you do during a summer while a global pandemic spreads? If you’re CCSD students and brothers Aaron and Steven Vadakkan, you use that time to start a business that gives back to the community.
Troubled by the environmental pollution of non-reusable masks and looking for a way to contribute, the Vadakkan brothers started Mask Up 4 Change, a mask-making business that also donates 30% of its proceeds to the Colorado COVID Relief Fund.
“We knew the pandemic was impacting the environment in many ways,” Aaron said. “That’s something that impacts us all, no matter who you are or how much money you have.”
Steven, an eighth-grader who attends remotely through Cherry Creek Elevation, makes the masks while Aaron, a senior at Grandview High School, manages the website and marketing. The boys already had an interest in volunteering and service through school clubs and planned from the start to donate to the relief fund. The project helped them learn a lot about entrepreneurship as they learned how to get the best materials and share their project with the world.
“I’m taking a business class at Grandview with Mr. Will Baird and am in Future Business Leaders of America,” Aaron said. “I have also taken some online courses. There’s been a lot of trial and error, but you learn so much more by doing than from a textbook.”
Though the company started with only a few friends and family members supporting it, the numbers quickly grew. The brothers started an Instagram account (@maskup4change) and found themselves getting responses from Aurora TV, Colorado Public Radio and even Governor Jared Polis, who sent the brothers a thank-you letter. They were humbled by the experience, noting how positive it was to have their efforts recognized. Since the business’s launch, the brothers have sold almost 400 masks and donated about $600 to the relief fund. The brothers now get many of the mask materials online, but continue to go to JOANN Fabrics and Crafts to pick fabric for new designs.
“I wasn’t planning on spending my summer at a craft store,” Steven said. “But I have always liked to make things. I’ve always enjoyed art class and making posters and am in a digital art class now, so this was a good fit for me.”
Appropriate for this outdoor-loving state, the most popular mask designs have mountains and trees. The brothers also offered season designs with patriotic masks in July and spooky masks for Halloween. They are currently working on designs themed around the upcoming holidays, which will be available soon.
The brothers noted that their community of Aurora has a lot of positive support, but not everyone takes the initiative to try something new. Taking even a small step can make a much bigger difference than people realize, they said.
“There is so much knowledge and support available when it comes to giving back,” Aaron said. “We’re lucky to have that, which is why it’s so important to take advantage of these opportunities so we can use our time to advance society and our community.”
Posted 11/13/20.