Meet Mask Maker Frankie Valenti
Name: Frankie Valenti
Birth Place: Cleveland Ohio
Occupation: Self Employed Artist, Hospitality and Tour Guide
Tell me about your mask creation? Step by step.
How do you create one?
Well, it starts with 4 pieces of fabric cut into a pattern. Two for the back and two for the front. Those two pieces are stitched together down the center creating the seam that goes over the nose to the chin. They are then stitched together on the top and bottom leaving the sides open creating the basic shape of the mask. I turn the piece inside out, fold the ends in, insert the adjustable elastic pieces on either side and sew shut. BAM!!. However, if I’m making my “Signature” Forged face mask that involves a bit more. I add two nose bands instead of one. That requires sewing a pocket on the top, inserting the nose bands from the side and sewing them in place. A few extra, more precise steps but I enjoy that kind of work. The more intricate, the better.
What are the most popular ones you sell?
I sell my signature Forged face mask the most because of two features. One, the addition of the second nose band pretty much eliminates the fog factor for those of us that wear glasses. The extension of the bands allows for molding the mask over the cheekbone which is essential in keeping a secure seal. Secondly, I use a moisture wicking material on the inside to prevent the mask from getting wet and gross. It’s perfect for summer wearing and it feels really good against the skin. So between the nose bands keeping the mask secure and the interior layer staying dry and comfy the mask is well made and can be worn for long periods of time.
Can you create custom orders?
Sure. I haven’t any requests for it but why not? I have a lot choices so there seems to be something for everyone.
What influenced you in the first place to create them?
I have a friend who owns a skin care company. When everything began he asked if I would make face masks for his online shop. It was a fun and artisanal addition to his online shop. After a while I decided to sell them on my own. I already had an online shop since January selling handmade repurposed items I found so the market was already there and I had a sewing machine and I knew how to use it. All in all, it was the right time at the right place as odd as that sounds. I was blessed with it because like many others, my financial outlets dried up quite fast. Mask making has carried me
Now let us get personal…..
Words that best describe you?
Free. Thoughtful. Diplomatic. Relaxed. Creative. Scrappy. Street smart. Loyal. Reserved. Introverted extrovert. Observer. Calm.
When did you become out to friends and family?
I was 17. It was a mess initially.
Who has been your biggest influence in your life?
My mother and my best friend Sarah. She’s a therapist so….yeah, good score!!!
I would give anything to meet…
My deceased father. I think he and I would’ve been really good buddies.
Your idea of a perfect evening is?
Someone else cooking who doesn’t suck at it. Good cheese and a really good sleep.
The last book I read was ….
1492. That was a doozie.
My favorite movies/plays are?
Dramas. Real dramas, like people doing really shitty things, fucking things up and learning from it. Those are the things that I can relate to. We make mistakes all the time and it’s good to see that portrayed; real life stuff!
What kinds of singers and bands do you listen to?
Hmmmm…I guess it’s properly called Country Indie Folk Rock. I also love chill sounding instrumental. “Emancipator” is beyond words, look them up. Their sounds are really emotional. I’m also a big fan of heavy metal and hard rock. It really depends on my mood. I also can sing along to almost every song on any 70’s AM Gold channel too.
Nobody knows that I ……
can sew
What’s your favorite place in the entire world?
That depends. What month is it?
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
I got on plane to London with no where to stay and ended up living there working in play that Boy George got me into. Crazy!!!!
What odd talent do you have?
I can do macrame and tie dye like a pro!
What had been your biggest setback or failure in life and how did you overcome it?
I bought a condo in 2005 with everything I earned from doing porn. I lost it all in 2008. Bankruptcy soon followed and then I lost my job at the studio because of the Internet and free porn. I never really did overcome it. I accepted it and let it be a part of me. It was bad timing, nothing more. It happened and it could’ve been so much worse. I’m grateful for it.
If I could meet my younger self, I would tell him…
Save. Save. Save and buy stock in Apple.
What are the biggest challenges you have as a gay man after 40? ……
Accepting my physical limitations. Realizing that my body has changed was really hard and slightly depressing. There’s also the feeling of guilt and personal disappointment for not doing XYZ when I was younger. Time and therapy have taught me that my path was my path and I’m still on it and the reasons for what did or did not happen may not be revealed now or ever. Trust and faith. It also helps me to remember what I have done and that the grass is always greener. I cannot stress enough how much that resonates with me now.
What would you like to say to the Gay Life after 40 tribe?
Our 40s is the time to collect the experiences and lessons from our 20’s and 30’s. Having wisdom and experience gives us the ability to examine our mistakes and successes and to either repeat the patterns that worked or not. I like to think that we’re able to now step outside of ourselves and objectively look at what we do and did. Accept the past to understand the present to plan for the future.
Where can our readers find you or know more about you ?
Instagram: FrankieValenti77
Facebook: Frankie Valenti
Videos: Do a Google search. You’ll have plenty to see. Trust me.
Where can they purchase your product?
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