Mary K. Leonard, founder of KH Giving and KatherineHelena
Early this spring, Alexandria resident and business owner Mary Leonard started a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting local residents and businesses, creating jobs and giving back. The first project of KH Giving, Mission Masks, launched in April.
Leonard hails from Pittsburgh, but has lived in the D.C. area since 2001. She now lives in Old Town.
Leonard is founder of KatherineHelena, a private jewelry company, which suspended operations as COVID-19 spread. KatherineHelena started 8 years ago and was named after her grandmother, Helen, and her great aunt, Kay. Both of Leonard’s parents were first responders with unpredictable hours, and Grandma and Kay’s home was her second home growing up.
What was your motivation for launching KH Giving?
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed us into an earlier than expected launch of KH Giving. There was an immediate need in our community for personal protective equipment and supplies for those in our highest-risk population. Sitting on the sidelines for this fight was not an option. We’ve been partnered with United Community supporting their food pantry with over $7,000 of donations since the start of April.
What has been most surprising to you since starting Mission Masks?
How quickly we were able to grow such a talented team of people dedicated to giving their best each day. It’s been absolute proof of concept for me that my belief in paying people a living wage while giving generously to charity can work as a business model. We’ll soon be offering additional products other than masks and cleaning supplies. Things are moving fast!
What's your favorite thing about the Alexandria area right now?
I love almost everything about our city. The kindness being shown in our community through the generosity of support you see to local businesses has been amazing. I’m also a big fan of the Appomattox statue being removed yesterday. I would love to see it replaced with a statue of Richard & Mildred Loving.
Tell us about KatherineHelena and how the company gives back!
Kindness is everything to us. Through our sales, we have been able to fundraise for charities like the Air Force Aid Society and volunteer hours with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Our private fundraising events keep growing in popularity, and we’ll hopefully be able to resume regular operation soon.
Where do you think Alexandria will be 6 months from now?
We will be on the path to recovery, healing and equality. My faith in humanity doesn’t allow me to believe in any other possibility.
Now through June 10, when you purchase a Mission Mask and use the code ALMgiving, you’ll be entered into a sweepstakes worth up to $15,000. When you buy this mask (The Matrix is Everywhere), a portion of proceeds will support Volunteer Alexandria, a local organization dedicated to encouraging and organizing community service in our area.
