For a good Cause
The lock-down in Belgium officially started on the 13th of March. A few weeks after, weeks that were a kind of lost, mostly in movie-streaming, cooking and funny videos on Tiktok, Mr. Simeon Obligado, fashion designer and event organiser, thought of start making and offering for free, handmade masks to his close friends and relatives. Quickly, many different people started showing interest in his nicely done products.
It was only on the 5th of May that Simeon announced to all his friends and followers that in exchange for a small amount of money and by paying the shipping cost, he could send his masks to whoever contacted him through his phone. Also, timid and humble by nature and deeply connected with his hometown back in the Philippines, he informed everyone that for every mask they would ask, he would give a small percentage, as an aid, to the inhabitants of the small town which had been unjustly beaten by the deadly virus.
What started in the middle of April, as a gesture of goodwill that actually kept him busy during the endless days of the pandemic isolation, step by step became a small business.
The response of the people was warm and majestic. More than 100 masks were sold only in the first week. People from Holland, Germany, Canada, France, England, and other countries wanted to have the cute products and of course, at the same time, support the good cause. Out of nowhere, a reseller appeared too, buying a good amount of them for his clients, and soon a small label saying "Simeon" added on the side of the fabrics. Finally, a short video of the product shooting with volunteer models run in the Internet to thank, again and again, the unexpected support.
“I just wanted to keep me busy during those boring days. I had no idea that people would love my masks in the way they did. Suddenly, I found myself working for hours and hours to cover the big demand. But believe me, I do it with so much enthusiasm! Sending rice and other stuff to the families back in my hometown just keeps me motivated to continue as much as it goes".
Covid-19 days, Brussels 24th of May 2020
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