​In April 2020 — in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. — there were PPE shortages nationwide as hospitals and other care facilities were overwhelmed by the influx of patients. We immediately pivoted our business to respond to the crisis. We retooled our New Orleans production facility and began manufacturing face shields to donate to those in need. The response was so positive and the shields were so well reviewed and received by industries around the country that we began offering our face shields for sale to the public.

But we have stayed close to our original mission: for every box purchased, we donate a shield to someone in need. We have donated more than 25,000 face shields to date. Fast forward: face coverings are now recommended or required nationally and many medical experts recommend face shields instead of masks. Masks are often used incorrectly (below the nose); they are hot and the wearer consequently takes them on and off; they cause skin irritation; and it is difficult to understand speech. Face shields protect the mouth, nose and eyes (a key area of virus transmission) and are comfortable, easy to clean and reusable. Face shields also allow for easier communication for those who are hard of hearing. A bonus: you can see your smile!