Rockland County resident Joel Guerrier survived COVID-19 and launched a clothing company during quarantine.
The line is called Guerrier Apparel and it debuted last fall. The owner tells News 12 the business was born out of his time in quarantine as he recovered from the coronavirus.
"I felt like I was going through depression at one point, but it was like I was looking for motivation in every way possible,” says Guerrier. “I wasn't even watching TV. Social media was driving me crazy; the news was driving me crazy.”
The teacher-turned-apparel company owner tells News 12 he decided to use the four weeks of isolation to scratch business owner off his bucket list.
"I always wanted to shine a light on what my name meant and what it meant to me,” says Guerrier. "It’s around the clock, but it keeps me busy.”
His surname, Guerrier, means warrior. The products vary from masks and hats to sweaters and bags, and are purchased and printed locally inside the Palisades Mall.
Within six months of launching, the clothing line has profited over $15,000.
"It's a situation I didn't really plan,” says Guerrier. “It was in the moment, I always thought about it and I picked up the ball and ran with it.”