Since 2002, Paradise Valley-based Pomchies owner Heather Clark has been combining function and fashion through her whimsical accessories made out of upcycled materials. She started by making scrunchies, headbands, lanyards and luggage tags out of fabric scraps from her former swimwear line.
“Two years ago, we started using a fabric that was made out of recycled water bottles for some of our products because sustainability is ingrained [in the company],” Clark says.
In March, she launched POM MASK, a line of cute and comfortable face masks to help people comply with CDC guidelines – and to keep her company afloat. She lost nearly 80 percent of her business amid the pandemic because the majority of her clients are college bookstores, which had to close due to coronavirus.
“If I hadn’t pivoted… I would have no business,” she says of the masks, which come in an assortment of designs and colors. “Being able to change everything so quickly, it’s been phenomenal for us.”
The masks are produced from high-quality swimwear fabric that is durable, breathable, waterproof, washable, inexpensive and eco-friendly. They come in two-packs, with one solid color and one pattern, which include tacos, cacti, llamas, tie-dye and more.
“People want fashionable, fun masks because if you gotta where a mask, you might as well wear something that’s fun – and comfortable,” Clark says. “We keep adding new colors so that they can match their outfits.”
According to Clark, Pomchies is producing 500 masks a day. Since April 3, the company has created nearly 100,000 masks and has launched more than 20 different mask bundles in custom colors and designs. Clark has also experienced an influx in sales since Governor Ducey’s mask mandate in June.
“This year already, I’ve done more business than I’ve ever done in my 18 years,” she says.
With the high demand also comes a steady stream of positive emails from people who love Clark’s products, often reordering masks multiple times.
“That’s been really rewarding for me – trying to keep people healthy and safe, but at the same time it’s something that is fashionable and that they like wearing,” she says.
For more information, visit pomchies.com.
