Designer opens mask-making hub
sizes for men and women that can be adjusted by how tightly the mask’s strings are tied around the head.
“This gives the mask a really good seal so there are no gaps,” she explains, “and when you put your sunglasses or glasses on it’s not going to fog.”
Comfort and style are important, too. Ms. Misetic sourced a polyester-cotton mix fabric from New York City and incorporated pleats into the masks to allow for more breathing room. There’s also a pocket to insert a filter and a wire piece around the bridge of the nose that can be removed for washing.
The masks come in everyday neutrals to complement people’s clothes.
“Maybe later on I’ll make some other fashionable masks, but at this moment ... I’m trying as much as I can to make the safest mask possible.”
Another goal for East Eight Co. is to create job opportunities for the community. So far, it employs two part-time sewers, with the plan to hire more. Her son, Dino, also is involved with marketing the new business.
“Diana’s very good at what she does,” says Sofiya Mozley, one of Ms. Misetic’s former fashion design students at the now-defunct Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She took the part-time position so she can work at East Eight Co. by day and design her own fashion line the rest of the time. Currently, she’s preparing to present two collections at a fashion week in Atlanta in the fall.
“It’s a good benefit for me because I can continue to learn” from her, Ms. Mozley says.
Ms. Misetic also plans to take advantage of the warehouse’s spaciousness by carving out room for photo shoots, a lounge and hopefully events someday.
“I want to work with the local community,” she says.