Briar Baby had no need to take baby steps when it came to their COVID-19 response. The Vancouver-based company is one of Tonkon Torp’s entrepreneurial clients, and is best known for its modern approach to handmade baby bonnets. The team took advantage of their nimble size to make a swift pivot from bonnets to mask production as the pandemic began its rapid spread in early April. The move allowed the company to contribute in a tangible way to hard-hit communities while also keeping their 10-person production team employed and working in a safe environment.
Briar used its expertise to design high-quality cotton tie-on masks for adults and children with the smallest detail in mind, such as making sure to offer bright and fun 
prints that are less scary for kids who are navigating as many uncertainties as adults.
The “Briar Mask” launched alongside a charitable matching program. Through May 26, the company matched every purchased mask with a donated mask for healthcare and essential workers. The effort placed over 3,000 masks with nurses, doctors, EMT's and essential workers at hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities located across the U.S., and especially in hard-hit areas like Chicago, NYC, and Los Angeles. The Briar Mask and donation program received a coveted national nod by marthastewart.com and related social channels.
“Briar’s mask program is such a great example of company size having little to do with the ability to make a meaningful impact during the pandemic,” said attorney Tyler Harkness, who serves as the firm’s lead counsel for Briar Baby. “They are organized and lean, and I’m so impressed with how fast they joined the ranks of entrepreneurs who have deployed solutions and support in the past several months.”
Briar has redirected their charitable matching to Baby2Baby, an organization that provides underserved families across the country with necessities such as diapers, formula, clothing, food and other supplies. For every mask purchased, a $5 donation is made to Baby2Baby.
Speaking about their mask making and donation program, Founder Rachel Goode said, “We’re always up for a challenge and I’m so proud of our team for jumping in with us! We’re proud to have sent thousands of masks to our vital frontline workers, and we’re equally proud to help alleviate the suffering of children and families who are experiencing the devastating effects of COVID-19.”
Learn more about Briar Baby’s mask and donation program here.