Pandemic turned profit

Second City Distillery in downtown Augusta make their own FDA approved hand sanitizer to help their guests during the pandemic. (photo by Sam Turner)

By Sam Turner |
Staff writer

During the first shutdown of the coronavirus in March 2020, many people across the country who were not considered “essential” were left without jobs. Instead of sitting around, many people turned to crafting and creating.

The most googled question during April, according to Alyssa Fowers, was “how to make a mask with fabric” and “how to make hand sanitizer.” During what could possibly be one of the worst events in the United States was quickly opening the door for the American public to make some kind of profit while rediscovering or creating new hobbies.

Sewing machines collecting dust in a closet were in use again, fabric and crafting stores sold out of many different fabrics within days and the number of Etsy shops exploded. According to The Verge, Etsy helped sell $346 million worth of handmade masks during the beginning stages of city shutdowns across the country.

Augusta locals created, donated and sold masks to local churches, nursing homes and healthcare workers on the frontline as well as selling masks on Etsy and other sites. Many local fabric and sewing shops, like Jeff’s Sew and Vacuum, have seen an increase of traffic flow as people run to gather more fabric for masks, quilts and clothing patterns.

While several locals created masks and started other projects, a local Augusta business tried their hand at making a product that is high in demand.

Second City Distillery, known for their unique spirits in downtown Augusta, tried their hand at making hand sanitizer when it became scarce to find.

“It was kind of a crash course in learning all of it…making sure we got everything right. But we had guidance from the American Distilling Institute,” said David Long, co-owner of Second City Distillery.

Second City Distillery, according to WJBF, makes their hand sanitizer following a recipe that is approved by the FDA. The recipe requires 70% ethyl alcohol which they already produce in the distillery.

The distillery and their sister location in Edgefield, SC, Carolina Moon Distillery, is continuing to sell the hand sanitizer which can be found at http://www.carolinacityshipping.com or by calling Second City Distilling Co. at 706-214-2288.