Repurposed materials we had to help address the PPE shortage and donated that PPE to local organizations like the Black Doctor's Consortium. We're also focusing more on getting our entire inventory onto the website because we're limiting visits to the shop. We've also implemented curbside pickup so that you can buy online and pickup at Cherry Street Pier.
Two major things happened this year:
1. The storefront expanded to include work from other artists and designers from around the world with a focus on work from BIPOC and black and brown designers and artists. Our curated offerings represent just a total of 8 different designers, but we still have a huge variety of goods.
And 2. I took over the beloved Phillylovenotes brand of laser cut custom maps and expanded it to include any location on the planet. That meant once again expanding on the business model. So, we now have 3 legs: Storefront, Custom Fabrication & Phillylovenotes.
I accepted an offer to be one of the artists in residence at Cherry Street Pier. An opportunity that would allow me to have greater visibility and interact with the public on a regular basis. With that in mind, I shifted the business again, this time to include a storefront where people could shop my products in person. Now I could offer custom laser fabrication services and my in-house brand of products all from one location.
After a lot of consideration and a refocus on objectives, I decided to relaunch Masters of None as Philadelphia Laser & Industrial Design - a self-sustained, independent studio with an in-house laser where I'd continue to sell online and integrate custom laser fabrication as part of the business model. While I remain a member of the NextFab community, I decided it was best to invest in my own equipment and space. I bought a large laser, setup shop at the new Jasper Street Studios in Kensington, built a website and got to work.
I began designing custom products and one-off pieces for customers. Things were going well, but the expanded line of goods began to feel overwhelming to manage. Hustling as a small businss is really hard - obviously. I looked to bring on some additional hands, but I really wanted to narrow my focus in order to continue making the best quality products while making room for custom work.
Masters of None really hit its stride. I experimented with new materials, concentrating on using upcycled and environmentally friendly materials as much as possible. I grew more into housewares and expanded my line of goods to include men's accessories, wall hanging mirrors and a variety of new coasters among other things. I started selling through outlets in the tr-state area, and selling to wholesale buyers from around the world. I found broader audiences through partnerships with Fab.com and Etsy. And, we were featured in several magazines and websites including Thrillist, Philadelphia Magazine, Philly Gay News, Grid & Better Homes and Garden.
I was growing desperate to shorten production time for my growing line of goods. And, I really wanted to be able to support the local economy. Luckily, a makerspace called NextFab was looking to open in Philly. I went for a tour on opening day and became their first member. I started manufacturing all my own products - and I used NextFab's other equipment to design and create my own packaging. In addition to the website, I started selling at craft shows.
Like so many people, I (Sharif Pendleton - the founder of PLAID), was laid off from a pretty awesome corporate job due to the economic downturn. As a proper nerd with a degree in fine arts, I was up to date on m Wired magazine subscription, and I'd recently read about how heavy duty equipment like lasers were being made available to everyday consumers. I did a ton more research, started designing coasters and jewelry and found a California-based company to produce them for me. I took the money from my severence package and established my first company, Masters of None.
