EASTHAMPTON – Although masks are an essential item, some people do have difficulties when it comes to wearing one. Lauren Grover, the owner of Peacock’s Nest Studio, has made a face mask that allows you to see a person’s mouth. These masks can be beneficial for teachers, the deaf community, and the hearing impaired.

Grover spoke to people who are hard of hearing, and she has many friends in the deaf community who said they find it crucial to read lips. She also said that you lose social cues when you can not see a person’s mouth when they are talking to you.

Her first draft of the mask had a flexible front, which got too close to the mouth, so she went back and played with the idea some more. She said the thought process was the hardest part.

"It required a lot of thinking about, but once I actually got to making it, I thought about it, and the actual creation went a lot smoother than I expected,” said Grover.

The clear front of the new version she developed will be made of recycled soda bottles. The masks are machine washable; all the wearer has to do is remove the clear piece, and put it back in when it’s dry.

Grover mentioned that the clear piece will wear out and must be replaced. She will sell replacement pieces separately so people do not have to buy an entirely new mask when theirs becomes worn.

She said she plans on selling the masks for under $20 and the clear pieces between $2 and $3 each. Grover said she is happy to offer a group discount to a school or speech pathologist who wishes to place an order.

Over the years, a source of income for Grover has been henna tattoos, which she has been practicing for 28 years. At the beginning of March, she opened her studio to offer henna, face painting, community arts and craft space, and a place to socialize. The pandemic put a pause on her business, and since her son Max Borelli had moved in with her, she said she needed to make some money to be able to provide for him.

Though she claimed she has never enjoyed sewing, Grover said she knew she had the necessary skills to make masks. Her mother taught her how to sew and she has had a sewing machine since she was a little girl.

Grover and her son get to work together, now that mask making has become her moneymaker. Borelli assists with shipping as well as mixing the hand sanitizer that she makes while Grover makes the masks.

All the masks have nose grips and do not go over the ears, so those who wear glasses or hearing aids have a more comfortable time wearing a mask. These are both aspects to the masks that will prevent glasses from fogging up and a hearing aid from being agitated.

Masks are made to order. Grover said there are over 300 fabric patterns to choose from. If a buyer would like to purchase a mask with a clear piece, she recommends that they do not select a distracting design.

Those who wish to purchase one can order on her website, www.peacocksneststudio.com/ and have the option of free pick up in Easthampton or Northampton, free pick up at the Easthampton Farmers’ Market on Sundays, or get it shipped for $8. People can also purchase a mask at the Westfield’s Farmers Market most Thursdays.