Editor’s note: During this unprecedented time, we’re highlighting the individual acts of kindness from our global seller community. Now through June, we’ll share a story about one of our sellers on how they’re paying it forward in our Mini Stories column.
At this time of year, twins Charlotte and Lydia from U.K. store Head Over Heels are typically assembling bridesmaid and flower girl headbands along with hair accessories for kids’ school uniforms. But as weddings were postponed and schools were closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the sisters decided to change their business strategy in response.
With family celebrations held virtually and children learning from home, Head Over Heels launched a range of rainbow hair accessories early this year to bring a bit of color and happiness to those stuck indoors.
Head Over Heels rainbow headbands
“As rainbow pictures are appearing in windows all over the country to symbolize hope and connect children with each other, we thought we could do the same with our rainbow headbands,” Charlotte said.
A window rainbow spreading hope amid coronavirus
As mothers to young children, Charlotte and Lydia had dreamed of setting up a business that they could run while also caring for their respective families. So when they found a gap in the market for bridesmaid accessories back in 2014, the sisters decided to become business partners and launch their very own store.
Since then, the two have created a wide range of headbands, hair clips and accessories. In response to current needs, they also introduced a selection of stretch headbands with buttons that can be worn with face masks to prevent ears from becoming sore, along with their rainbow offerings.
Head Over Heels stretch button headbands
Charlotte and Lydia have been overwhelmed by the positive response to all their new products. Customers are now snapping photos of themselves wearing the rainbow headbands and sharing with family and friends at a time when they can’t see each other in person.
“Sharing is so important when there is so much worry and sadness in the outside world,” Lydia said. “Staying connected with people at this time has never been more crucial.”
With over 8,300 customers on eBay, Charlotte and Lydia are also giving back to the community by donating a portion of their proceeds to support the National Health Service (NHS).
“We want to do our bit to help, so 20% of each sale will automatically go to NHS Charities Together to help support the amazing work that our essential workers are doing,” Charlotte said.
Since 1995, our purpose has been clear: to empower people and create economic opportunity. We’re committed to helping our sellers during this difficult time.
For more eBay news and updates related to the coronavirus outbreak, please visit our seller community center. For information on government support for small businesses in the U.S. and abroad, visit eBay’s Government Relations site at eBayMainStreet.com/covid19.