Our Cutters and Our Seamsters - Leave a message for the team!
Ninth Isle is honored to present our hard working VIPs, who each had a significant hand in hand-making your cloth face mask. It's a little early for a celebration or ceremony, but considering that many of you have invested your time to thank us and our team, this thank-you page has been made.
Please meet our 2 fabric cutters, Samson and Way.
These two men are responsible for cutting fabric into the exact shapes and proportions of the face mask. Their cut fabric acts as an intuitive instruction manual and guide for our seamsters to help them quickly and accurately sew each mask. If you're wondering, we actually call and pronounce his name as "Way". Like "Way-to-go". Our longest running pun is "If there's Way, there's a way."
Next we have our seamstresses and seamsters. Let's use a list for this one. If not for each person, we would be incapacitated by the sheer volume of orders.
Winnie, Julie & Ryan, Thina, Nga, Annie, Chen (Way's wife), Ann, and yours truly!
Sewing was a massive challenge. During normal times, production works as an assembly line, each step has a dedicated time and person. During stay-at-home orders, we are only able to do what we can at home with our household members. Luckily, this means that those with kids are able to get free help. Those whose children have moved out, well, they just worked extra extra hard. We started with just Winnie and Julie/Ryan. The learning curve was steep, but they stepped up, shared info, and kept pushing out masks one by one. They were able to share this info with our later collaborators to significantly boost production. Each seamstress shared our values of providing necessary face masks for our community and country at an accessible price for all. This means that each person had donated their time and labor. It was this combined efforts on all sides that we are able to provide these quality hand-made multi-layered face masks at such affordable prices. On April 9th, we really saw the power of 8 professional seamsters and 1 nervous amatuer (me). We knocked out 75% - 80% of our backlog, which meant that not a single person waited more than 2 days for their order to get shipped.
If you'd like to thank our 2 cutters and 8 seamsters, please leave your comments below. Things are still tough on everyone, so your kind words of encouragement keep us going!
We all would like to thank you as our customer, if not for your support and personal recommendations to friends, we wouldn't have the opportunity to use our skills for a good cause!
Note: We might be able to get photos of each person. I know many of them are shy, but let's see who can't be coaxed into OK-ing a little photo for the blog.
Comments
David U said:
Mahalo for your Quick service and Great products (face mask 3-4 layers & hat). Nicely made. In the future if you do make face masks with refillable filters I would be interested (I use Merv 13 filters). Of course customers need to provide their own filters. Great job!
Lillian said:
Just received my third order from you. I have purchased masks from numerous vendors; some were more expensive, some were cheaper. The quality, workmanship and comfort of your masks surpasses all others. Thank you!
Doti Alapai said:
These masks arrived super fast. Just two days from order date. I ordered the 4 layers. They are fantastic! Breathable and very comfortable to have on face! Mahalo Nui for the wonderful, fantastic work you all are providing to us. I ordered two more!😊🙏
Bootsy said:
Do your masks have the nose wire? Mahalo.
Carla Conover said:
Thank you so much for making masks in this time of need! I don’t have a sewing machine or skills but don’t want to take away masks from those who need them, so I was so glad to find your non-medical but beautiful masks. Not only will they help protect me and my teenager, but they bring a smaller to my face and memories of beautiful Hawai’i (ok, and Lilo and Stitch!) . Lovely to have their beauty and joy amid all the stress of having to wear a mask! I hope you and all your families are doing well in all of this.
Crystal said:
To Sampson, Way, Winnie, Julie & Ryan, Thina, Nga, Annie, Chen (Way’s wife), Ann, and Ronald:
Thank you so much for making these face masks and doing so in a timely manner. My family and I received masks from you today. I got the Lilo and Stitch Mask, along with a blue Tsum Tsum mask before they ran out. I was incredibly impressed with how quick the order came, and how comfortable they are. I’m looking forward to using these masks when I go out. Due to the quick turnaround and the quality of the masks, I immediately ordered one for my friend in the UK, who’s currently working during the pandemic. I am looking forward to their reaction when they receive their masks. Thank you so much for making these quality facemasks!
Michele Chun said:
I Thank All of you for your talents. I am an office manager for an ophthalmology office that specializes in retina. We stayed open for our older patients that required injection treatments in their eyes or go blind.
I got these masks for my doc’s who have worked so hard these last few months. Your special hands in making these beautiful masks will bring a smile to the faces of our patients during this difficult time.
Again…Thank you so much. Do know I appreciate you all.
Michele
Ginger said:
Thank you thank you thank you to the face mask production team, cutters and seamsters I was surprised to get our so well made quality mask made with love like the day after I ordered it now my family and I are never without a mask. Stay healthy, helpful, and calm….. God bless Ginger
Annabelle zabal said:
Communication with ni th isle was awesome. From ordering to receiving the masks was a smooth transaction. Ninth isle sends shipping info and you are able to track your package through out its journey from Hawaii to the mainland.
The masks are sturdy and made very well. The fit is just right for me. I dont feel suffocated like other masks.
I will definitely be ordering more! Thank you to Ronald and his team!
Elisabeth Moreno said:
My face mask was given to me by my daughter and I love it! Beautiful design and very sturdy! We appreciate the workmanship and the quick delivery. We love Hawaii and wish you much success!!!
Robin said:
Mahalo dear ninth isle crew!
I received seat covers and masks in record time. The items are not only great patterns but they are very well made!I appreciate your attention to detail in regards to the side airbag opening for safety and will definitely be ordering more.
Nancy said:
I ordered the three pack of make it yourself face masks. Followed the online link for sewing directions. Thank you ! It was great having the precut materials, made all three yesterday. Will order again, but would like some more design choices geared for men. And was amazed at how fast the order arrived, ahead of schedule too!
KJ said:
I’ve bought so many masks—some costing over $22. Ninth Isle masks are my favorite. They are beautifully crafted with quality fabrics that don’t irritate my face (I’m super sensitive). The price is terrific, and they arrive almost immediately! It looks like they are made right near where I live which is very special to me :)
Pam said:
Received our masks today, in record time I might add. Thanks so much! So glad they are made in Hawaii (our favorite place in the world). Love the prints we chose and the stitching is fantastic. They are also very comfortable to wear.
Mahalo!!!
Pam said:
Received our masks today, in record time I might add. Thanks so much! So glad they are made in Hawaii (our favorite place in the world). Love the prints we chose and the stitching is fantastic. They are also very comfortable to wear.
Mahalo!!!
Twyla said:
Thank you thank you to all involved in making my family’s masks!!! We appreciate it so much theyre gorgeous and comfortable! We’ll always miss HI! Mahalo once again from palm desert 🤙🤙🤙 stay SAFE
L Davis said:
Mahalo for the masks! I would say I’m the envy of my friends who saw pictures of the masks, but I think a few of them have already placed orders.
One suggestion – a mask that is primarily royal purple. I know at least one person (besides me) who would love that.
Nicole said:
Great job and superb quality on the facemasks I just purchased, mahalo for all of your time and dedication.
Julie said:
Just placed my order – so thankful to be able to support your community while receiving some FUN face masks (and a dress :) Stay safe until we can visit your beautiful home again! Mahalo from Campbell CA!
Sandy said:
We miss the islands…Aloha until we meet again…
Doreen said:
Pansy said:
Thank you to everyone who put in time, energy, and hard work into creating these face masks. They bring the Aloha spirit and beauty into our home and our minds, which is much needed during these stressful and unpredictable times. We hope all of you are proud of your hard work as much as we are appreciative of it. Continue to stay safe and healthy. Mahalo!
Kate said:
Laren said:
Hallo from Australia! Just wanted to express my gratitude for all your hard work, please take care of yourselves and each other. From my heart to yours, thank you!
Honey Grace Amano said:
Ordered 3 masks and it arrived super quick. I loved the designs and it was super comfortable. But an hour into wearing it, the strap broke. I guess that why I got it so fast. Cuz it was cheaply made. Super dissapointing.
Ninth Isle said:
Aloha Honey Grace!
We are so sorry that you got one broke, this is very uncharacteristic of our products. We put a lot of time and effort into making high-quality face masks for everyone. We also make an effort to quality check each and every mask before shipping. The mask you received had snuck passed our quality check. We are committed to ensuring that all of our customers get only the top quality masks and we will certainly get this situation fixed for you. I will send you an email to get more details before we mail you a replacement.
Thank you for bringing this up, our team reads this page often and it helps us identify where we need to pay twice as much attention. We are always looking for ways to improve and your feedback is critical to us.
Mahalo!
Kari said:
Thank you for making these wonderful masks with filters. There are more and more cloth masks in the market, but I did the mask test, and yours is the most protective. I am so appreciative that you are using your expertise to help everyone. I will definitely order more! Please stay safe and take good care of each other, we all need you!
Aki Q said:
Aloha Dear Ninthisle!
Received my order today and I have to say that the masks are so beautiful…..The flag one is lightweight and the hibiscus one is just gorgeous …I want to thank you for making the face masks, they are so comfortable, breathable and also fun to use. Great job everybody! Hope to meet you next time when we come back home!
Charlie Ball said:
Daniel Voronin said:
Aloha Ninth Isle!
I would like to take the time and this comment to thank every one of you at Ninth Isle for the commitment and hard work you put into making these fantastic products for people all over the world to enjoy paradise from anywhere across the world. I cannot say how thankful I am that this website exists and to finally order top quality Hawaiian shirts that are made in Hawaii!
The fabric, quality, and design all blend in to make such great shirts and Hawaiian facial masks! Having ordered Hawaiian shirts (both button down and pullovers) alongside masks as well with a boy cabana set for my nephew, you cannot say how thankful I am that you guys are here to work to ship out these incredible, high quality shirts/masks and other products you devote you time into.
Again, I am so glad you guys are serving people from all over the world during these unprecedented circumstances by shipping paradise from the wonderful state of Hawaii. Thank you all again!
Mahalo,
Daniel Voronin
Yvonne Lamb said:
Jim said:
Who thought we’d be commenting on masks? It’s a strange new world, isn’t it? But I have to say, the mask I bought was better than I had hoped for. Very comfortable, well made and well designed. And it looks great. So much better than my home made things. In fact, I’m back on your website to order a few more. Thanks for all your hard work.
Tabatha Teufler said:
Oñe Antonio Lamarr Hegwood said:
Aloha Hawaîîan Family,
First and Foremost, Thank you for you, Thank you for always being yourself and also Thank yous to your families of our families.
I also want to Thank all members of Ninth Isle for you sharing Hawaîîan dedication in your quality of products. I know it’s Hawaîîan Tradition that all members of Hawaïï share in our support of all family of families.
Respectfully from me to you,
Mahalo
Oñe Antonio Lamarr Hegwood
Kate said:
My husband and I ordered 2 masks each a couple of weeks ago, the adjustable ones. They were just perfect; I shortened mine, and husband liked his just as they came. Comfortable and well made and gorgeous. They remind of us of our many cherished vacations to your beautiful islands. We were so satisfied with these masks that we just went back to your website to order several more. There are so many fun and beautiful designs it was hard to narrow it down to just a few! Mahalo for making all of this mask-wearing a little more bearable.
Thea Beaudet said:
BIll Gardner said:
Just got the shirts and masks we ordered, quicker than expected and better looking than the website! Had planned to go to Hawaii this year, but we got some island cheer through you guys. Thanks for great stuff and good service, keep safe….
Jeremiah said:
Garry said:
Looking for a mask with a positive vibe during this pandemic, I found Ninth Isle’s products via Etsy. Not only are the shirts and masks I received packed exceptionally well and of fabulous quality, their communication and service and was top-shelf as well – thanks Ronald!! I’ve already had compliments and pointed them your way. From the opposite corner of the country in the Pine Tree state thank you Ninth Isle team and be well.
Dee R said:
Thank you for working so hard to provide us with the face mask during pandemic!!!
Stay safe to all of you.
Cherie Keller said:
Dana L Burns said:
Sue in Denver said:
Worth H Norton said:
Ronald, ALL at Ninth Isle said:
Every recommendation Ronald offered was great choice.
Thank you for top notch Hawaiian shirts for my husband, my blouses, cap to hold the mask “what a brilliant and clever invention” and our face masks. Thank you for all you do to keep us safe.
N. LENZ said:
LOVE my new face masks. Super CUTE and great QUALITY. THANK YOU for keeping us safe ;)*
Damien said:
FRancesca said:
Dee R. said:
Beautiful fabric. I’m 5’ 1/2" tall, 135#, 38DD bra size, size large fits me the way I like, loose.
If you want to be little more fitting go with size Medium. Also the perfect matching face mask.
Just beautiful and comfortable.
My husband civid19 hat, came today and he is beyond thrilled. He was ecstatic with his first
covid19hat and he wanted another.
Thank you, Ronald for your wonderful customer service and without a doubt, I will be ordering more.
Be safe and Mahalo.
James said:
Rhonda Van Tiflin said:
Mahalo from Michigan! Thank you for your beautifully made masks. I have purchased approximately 10 masks from various crafters locally, and from Etsy, but my husband asked that I reach out and tell your craftsmen that the two we ordered from Ninth Isle are “the most comfortable masks he’s ever worn in his 5 months of his mask wearing experience”!👍
Lorry Shoniber said:
Mike And Amy Thompson said:
Our masks fit so well we’re about to order more! Thank you so much for making them beautiful and comfortable!
Jenny Schwab said:
Brenda Bartenetti said:
Shirley Lovre said:
Just received our third order of your masks. They are beautifully crafted with a lot of thought behind designing the best masks available on the market. They are reversible, the ear bands are adjustable, and the Hawaiian motifs are so much fun to show off. We even received a gift youth mask. Thank you for this surprise treat! Your prompt service and follow up messages are appreciated. Mahalo to everyone at Ninth Isle! 🤙
Anne S. Grant said:
Mahalo Nui Loa to everyone at Ninth Isle! My mother and I love your masks!
Margaret McD-S. said:
Feel so lucky and grateful to have found you. You’re the first masks (after purchasing from other sources)that fit and are comfortable to talk with them on. I am so appreciative of your loving care in making them(and all the other goodies offered!).
My husband loves his new shirt. Take care:)
Marianne said:
I ordered 1 mask and loved it so much I ordered 3 more! Comfortable, easy to talk and love all the colors and patterns. Thank you!!!🌴🌺
Raymond Hale said:
Ninth Isle said:
@RAYMOND HALE
Mahalo for your kind words!! It’s good to hear that you received everything safe and sound. Wise words that we will be sure to keep following. Please stay safe and healthy!
@MARIANNE
Thanks for the praise and orders! We will keep working hard.
@MARGARET MCD-S.
Good to hear that everything works well, we are always trying to improve, so if you have suggestions, feel free to email us. In fact, a lot of our improvements to masks are usually the unseen, but surely felt. Mahalo!
@ANNE S. GRANT
Glad to hear that you both like it! Thanks for your support!
@SHIRLEY LOVRE
Mahalo for your kind words! We are happy to hear that you got it. It’s a lot of fun to bring around some aloha, it gives us a lot of joy to mail these to all of our customers, so thanks for keeping us busy!
Karen Meredith Lindholm said:
Karen Meredith Lindholm said:
Kate Ackelson said:
Jim O said:
Chris H said:
I placed my order for 4 adult small masks on Friday, October 30 and received them in Florida on Thursday, November 5 – thanks!! They fit perfectly and are even prettier in person than the pictures. Got tons of compliments at work, so I told everyone where they could get their own. I’m so glad I found you – you guys rock!!
Joan Ray said:
Do you have any with an adjustable nose piece? If so, I will order a few more, for me and for family members!
Thank you for creating such a beautiful, well crafted mask at an affordable price. I will be proud to wear it and know that I will get a lot of compliments!
Ninth Isle said:
Aloha!
@Joan – Please check your email! We are happy to make one with a nose wire for you, please reply to our email so we can get this going for you :)
@Chris, @Jim, @Kate
Thanks so much!! We are glad to hear that the masks are up to par! Our production partners are always looking at your comments and it encourages us to keep going!
@Karen
Aloha! Come visit the islands again soon! It’s getting more fun by the year!
Angelina said:
I can’t thank you enough for your outstanding service and products.
I get so many compliments on my masks and my car seat covers. Thanks for taking care of my last order and getting the address corrected. Mahalo.
Angelina Harmond
Jean C Stockwell said:
It had been very difficult to find masks to properly fit my husband and my son. I wasted so much money and time trying to find some that would work. I am so very grateful I found your site. You offer larger sizes for those who need them, and they are actually big enough! My husband is Polynesian, so he and my son were overjoyed at your selection. Not only are your masks beautiful, but they are very well made, and they fit my guys perfectly! I have recommended you to everyone I know. I can’t thank you enough!!
Sibylle Saunders said:
My car looks new with the turtle, high quality car seat covers. I admire the skill that it takes to sew such a difficult and complicated pattern. The cotton feels so much better than the plastic.
Thank you for what you do!
Vermont cheers,
Sibylle
Claire said:
Michael Hope said:
Prompt service! Got the Tribal Stingray towel and it looks and feels wonderful. I bought it to replace my old jumbo sized one that I bought in Haleiwa five or six years ago. 🤙🏼 Mahalo Nui Loa!
Jerri Hillam, A sweet healer from So CA! said:
Laurel Scott said:
Laurel Scott said:
I’m so impressed with Ninth Isle. The seat covers for my 2010 Honda CRV are perfect, and installing them was a snap! I wanted matching seatbelt covers, which are not part of their product line. Ron was super helpful, and had them custom- made for me! The covers are great, and they even added a hair scrunchie. Fantastic customer service with true aloha spirit! Mahalo nui loa!
BERNADETTE Marie VIRIPAEFF said:
Steve Mackay said:
Larry K. said:
Love my new XL face masks. Great fit and so well made. Already checking the site to look at other designs to order some more. Mahalo!
Mark S said:
I just received the Brown sea turtle seat covers. Fabric was much better quality than expected. The order was processed and shipped very quickly. Will definitely be ordering more products!
Gretchen said:
My reversible aprons arrived today and they’re awesome! I’m so excited to use them and thank you all for such a lovely product :)
Mark S said:
We just received our second order, the wife is hooked! Great quality and prices. Everything is packed neatly and shipping is fast. The Kona coffe was amazing. We (the wife) will be ordering again as she found more shirts I need! Thank you!
Mahinala said:
Mahalo for the beautiful black turtle seat covers! Very good quality and is a daily reminder of my beloved Hawaii.
Gertrude C Hodge said:
Gertrude C Hodge said:
Ninth Isle said:
Aloha GERTRUDE,
Thanks for asking! Just making a note that we already sent you a message by email.
Mahalo,
Ronald
Shelley Savage said:
Fay said:
DiVitto Kelly said:
Stacy Seiki said:
We bought about 2 dozen masks for family and friends on.the mainland. Your workmanship and attention to detail is impeccable. I will be ordering another batch soon since it looks like masks will be mandatory for a little longer
Colleen Hutchison said:
Brenda Kuritzky said:
Kristi Doden said:
Matt said:
Joseph Pignataro said:
Sharon K Sheffield said:
Wicked Good said:
Cherie said:
I send much gratitude to you all for your labor (intellectual, creative, physical, emotional) in the creation of my hat and mask. Your craftwork is beautiful, your customer service is spectacular, and your energy is felt in my items. Mahalo to you all from the Pacific Northwest.
Rupesh said:
Josh said:
Your masks were THE BEST. Most comfortable, fast shipping, best fit. Thank you for providing an excellent product.