Local Hero Changes From Scarf Designer To Maker Of Masks

MIDTOWN, NY — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission highlights Kate Broug, the founder Midtown's Anna in Bhutan which usually makes scarves but is now creating masks.

Name of the nominee:

Kate Broug

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Samantha Wenig

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
No

What does the nominee do for work?:
Fashion designer

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
Kate Broug, the founder of Anna in Bhutan, a line of eco-friendly and sustainable silk and cotton scarves, is now making face masks for COVID-19 safety.

Bhutan, officially known as the Kingdom of Bhutan, is ranked the happiest country in all of Asia (8th in the world) and is the only carbon negative country with net zero greenhouse gas emissions. Anna in Bhutan scarves are meticulously handwoven by talented and well paid female Bhutanese weavers of a matriarchal and are then taken to a temple in Thimphu, where their fabric for each scarf or mask undergoes a unique blessing by high-ranked lamas and monks.

More than a brand, Anna in Bhutan is a movement supporting Bhutan’s ideologies, spirituality, female artisans, matriarchy, and a path against climate change. The Anna in Bhutan team felt that it was their social responsibility to take care of our own health and of others so quickly rushed to produce these special masks with $1 proceeds of each sale going to FoodBankNYC.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Kate Broug and her Anna in Bhutan team felt that it was their social responsibility to take care of our own health and of others so quickly rushed to produce these special masks!

Know a local hero? Tell Patch about them.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.