A simple revolution, inspired by Vermont

Hi! I'm Amy, the inventor of the FACE BASE System. As an avid skier in Northern Vermont, I was inspired to create FACE BASE after the many balaclavas, buffs and neck warmers I tried were leaving my face frozen and wet, and my goggles fogged when I needed them most. I searched high and low for something that would work better, and while a couple of products were on the right track, they failed when put to the test, or were made of materials that didn't feel great during a long day on the slopes.

So in November 2023 decided to take things into my own hands. I locked myself in a room and started ripping apart those products and taping them back together in new ways. In the end, the solution was simple but revolutionary - modular nose and chin coverings that could be attached and removed as needed for different conditions, and easy drying. I borrowed a sewing machine from a friend, took a sewing class, and started working with all kinds of materials, from fleece to bamboo, blended knits and merino. The first truly successful prototypes (pictured below) benefited from the natural properties of merino wool and a more open weave - naturally water-repellent, warm, quick-drying and breathable.

My partner Steve and I started wearing them every weekend when we skied at our local mountains, and put them to the test in every condition this winter threw at us. From totally frigid days below zero, slightly less frigid days with spitting ice, to snow globe perfection and dumping powder, FACE BASE can be adapted and adjusted easily. I'm not saying it never gets damp but when it does, it's easy to remove and dry it (30 seconds under a hand dryer works great), or simply swap it out. Best of all, your nose and cheekbones are NEVER COLD. We realized we would never go back to those old products and that it was time to figure out how to bring FACE BASE to more people.

I didn't know the first thing about bringing a new product to market, but if I was going to do it, it was going to be a Vermont story. Supporting our local economy is super important to me, and I've been so inspired by the local makers and producers that call Vermont home. I wanted my product to not only be designed in Vermont, but manufactured here. I even named the components of FACE BASE "The Nose" and "The Chin" after their namesake features on Vermont's iconic Mt. Mansfield!

With encouragement from my son (an aspiring entrepreneur himself), I started looking for a manufacturer who could help me finetune my prototype. In true Vermont style, I read about one in Seven Days, made a connection through a friend, and we're now working together to bring the first generation FACE BASE to market in time for the 2024/5 season! I'm not taking orders yet but I'm hoping to find 100 "early adopters" who want to help me launch when the time comes. If you've been unhappy with the face coverings you've tried - sick of your mask getting sopping wet and your goggles fogging up when you try to keep your nose warm - then you're going to love FACE BASE, I promise! Please get in touch if you want to be a part of the journey!

-Amy

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