Sacramento Broista Offers Smiles to Customers Through Dutch Quote-Embroidered COVID-19 Masks
Life as we know it has changed. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt around the world. Emotions across the spectrum are felt on a daily basis, bringing out reactions that some say show our true colors. For Julianna Steinburg, that meant an act of kindness with a little hope and humor sewn in.
Julianna is a broista out of the Auburn Boulevard shop of Sacramento and she’s been sewing masks since early April.
“A lot of people in my family are medically-fragile and are at high-risk so I started to make masks for them,” she said. From there, it naturally blossomed.
What began as a hobby and a way to keep her loved ones safe, with a more protective 3-layer mask, quickly turned into an effort that supports a large community of people. After posting word got out, orders began pouring in. In just the first two weeks, she received nearly 30 orders. And while many have stepped up to the plate and provided similar protective gear, Julianna’s masks have their own unique appeal.
Julianna’s masks are embroidered with sayings that range from the Dutch Creed to everyday encouragements, including ‘love all, serve all,’ and ‘radiate kindness.”
“Probably one of my favorite quotes ever is ‘too strong for fear,” Julianna mentioned.
Julianna’s masks have turned into somewhat of a hot commodity, promoting positivity during arguably one of the most trying situations of our lifetime. And other broistas have noticed.
“Everyone has just been really supportive,” she said. “People have been sending in quotes or personalized things they want to put on there.”
While protecting us during this trying time, they also help in another way, something that most wouldn’t think about.
“I’m a sign language interpreter, and I know that deaf people completely rely on reading lips and seeing people’s facial expressions,” Julianna said. “You normally can tell someone’s mood through their tone of voice, but when you don’t hear, then you don’t know how they are. I just thought it would be quirky and fun to write, ‘I’m smiling under this,’ you know, just to give people a laugh.”
Julianna has been with Dutch Bros for nearly a year and half, serving up drinks first at Sacramento’s Manzanita shop, before transferring to her current location.
Describing her experience thus far as positive, you could say the Dutch culture mirrors Julianna’s own values and outlook.
“It kind of shows that positivity really is its own thing, and it spreads by itself without any effort.”
Julianna is even planning to take it a step further by donating half of her proceeds to a local food bank. With her contributions, she’s hoping to inspire others to join in as well.
You can order a mask by emailing Julianna at jsteinburg@sbcglobal.net.