Mr. Bow Tie Boutique’s Wendy Stark Converts her Dog Fashion Boutique Into a Mask-Making Studio for Humans

Wendy Stark, owner of Mr. Bow Tie Boutique poses Seely, Nipper T. Monkey, and Sid, three of the nine pups that make up her pack. Credit: Courtesy Wendy Stark.

Wendy Stark, the owner of Mr. Bow Tie Boutique, usually makes trendy dog collars, bandannas, and custom dog lover shirts for pet parents, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit she hung up her collars and started making masks for essential workers. Staff Writer Tiffany Ditto sat down with Stark and talked with her about what drove her to trade in doggy fashion to help out during a global pandemic. 

1. What prompted you to hang up the collars and start making masks for humans (temporarily)? 

“Originally it was born out of necessity, both my husband and I are considered essential workers but did not have what was necessary to feel safe.  While talking to a friend in Michigan, who is a respiratory therapist, I realized we were not the only ones in need of masks.  I knew I had the supplies (fabric and elastic), I soon got the word out to my friends and family.  The first week I made over 100 masks.  I realized quickly, after I ran out of elastic, how hard it was to find supplies!” 

Masks Wendy Stark created and distributed to those who need a cloth covering during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Credit: Courtesy Wendy Stark. 

2. Are you selling the masks or donating them? 

“I have not and do not plan on charging for the masks.  I believe in times like these we truly have to just be kind.  We are all stressed with the unknown and if by me making and giving away masks help then that is worth my time.”

3. Did you come up with the design yourself? 

“My friend sent me a YouTube link to a step by step instructional video for an approved mask.  I just modified it a little and off I went!”

4. Do the masks you create have space for a filter? 

“Yes, they are a 2 ply cotton mask, with a nose piece, and an opening for a filter.” 

5. How much time per week have you dedicated to seeing masks? (And that’s on top of working for how many hours?) 

“My “real job” I work 32-40 hours a week, so I try to just make masks on the weekends.  I have been making them since late March and have spent 4-6 hours a week on them.  I believe I have made over 250.”

6. What would you say to someone who wants to find a way to help during the pandemic with their special skills? 

“You will be rewarded 10 fold for anything you can do to help out.  I don’t believe you even need a special skill.  Once my friends and family found out I was making the masks they jumped into action and starting finding supplies for me.  I had a friend from Grand Prairie find me the coated wire for the nose piece at my local hardware store, she paid for it and had it waiting for me.  A friend in Austin sent me fabric through the mail.  That type of kindness is contagious and when things get really frustrating and hard to handle I think about how we all came together to help a lot of people.”      

7.  What else do you think our readers should know about your mask making efforts?

“The circle of people that are making masks is amazing.  Once I started telling my mother about it, you can bet she jumped right in.  I think she has supplied almost half of Pilot Point with masks. The amazing staff at the McKinney JoAnn fabrics has been so overwhelmed with online orders but they continue to support me and do their best in helping me find supplies.  They even had masks already cut out for people to pick up for free.  Overall, I have been blessed with good health for me and my family, and absolutely wonderful friends that have been supporting me every step of the way.”