September 14, 2023
Interview with the Owner of Lake Girl Apparel
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Episode 30:</strong> Molley and Chad interview Missy Johnson, owner of Lake Girl Apparel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> We’re going to talk about her brand and how it was a perfect fit, given Missy’s love for the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Hey, if you’re going to enjoy the Lake Life, you should look good while you’re doing it, right?<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Be sure to listen to the end of the episode for a special offer!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How Did Lake Girl Get Started?</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Missy lives in Minnesota (“the land of 10,000 lakes).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <a href= "https://www.lakegirl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lake Girl</a> started in 2002, in Detroit Lakes, MN.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The original founder, Peggy, founded the store and focused more on a wholesale business model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> About 5 years ago, another company, LakeShirts purchased the company and took the Lake Girl brand nationwide.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Molley comments that Lake Girl clothes are available in the ship store at the <a href="https://statedock.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Dock Marina</a> on Lake Cumberland, where she and Chad boat.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> She loves the quality and softness of the shirts and sweatshirts.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Missy mentions how these products last forever, but people keep buying them because of the quality.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How Did Missy Get Involved in the Lake Life?</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Missy begins my letting listeners know that there’s a lake everywhere you turn in Minnesota.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The state’s nickname is, “The Land of 10,000 Lakes.”<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The Lake Life lifestyle is embraced throughout both the summer and the winter.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> During the warm months, people go boating and swimming.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> During the cold months, people are right back out there, ice fishing and ice skating.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Missy admits she actually lives on a river, but that’s perfect because Lake Girl also has a <a href= "https://www.lakegirl.com/collections/rivergirl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">River Girl collection</a>.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> She tells a quick story about recently taking a friend kayaking on the river.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The experience helped her friend to get over her fear of the water and now, she’s a River Girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> It’s part of the power a great experience on the water and the surrounding nature has to change a person’s life.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Molley agrees.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> As soon as she and Chad get back on the lake, those deep breaths of fresh air melt away the stress and helps them to rebalance their busy lives.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Chad talks about how this podcast got its start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> They noticed there weren’t a lot of podcasts focusing on lake boating, which is their passion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> It’s something for people who enjoy being out on the water having fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> There’s a huge community out there and Lake Life with Molley and Chad is providing a way for people to connect, learn and just enjoy life in general.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> It’s a big family.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Molley adds that Chad tries to work in a boat ramp story on as many episodes as possible.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> That prompts Missy to admit that they spend time sitting back watching people try to put in or take out their boats, all the time.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> If you’d like to hear some funny stories, check out the following episodes:<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> <a href= "https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/20193782" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Don’t Be That Guy</a>!, <a href= "https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/20346899" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ramp Etiquette and Trailer Safety</a> and <a href= "https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/lakelifewithmolleyandchad/id/19260554" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn from Our Mistakes</a>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Has Missy Always Been a River Girl?</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Molley asks Missy about this, noting that it gets really cold, really fast in Minnesota.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Missy agrees, but then describes the surreal experience of having an actual bonfire on the lake.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> It’s a wonderful advantage to having such cold weather.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Another great reason Missy enjoys the colder weather is because it brings the opportunity to simply stand there and breath in that cold, fresh air while on or around the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> There’s nothing like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Missy’s also looking forward to bundling up and paddling down the river to look at all of the autumn foliage and the wonderful colors.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> It’s actually going to be here first time and she’s taking the friend she mentioned earlier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> They can’t wait!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Missy grew up near the Mississippi river and it was always a place she loved because it allowed her to cleanse her mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Water has always been part of her life.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Ironically, it’s how she returns to feeling “grounded.”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">There’s a funny story about how Missy and her boyfriend got to enjoy a waterpark with a lazy river.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> After that, she told him she wanted him to build one for her.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> A week or so later, they found a house for sale on a slow-moving river.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Now, her boyfriend often asks, “How’s this for a lazy river?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How Does Lake Girl Apparel Standout from the Competition?</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Missy starts by saying the Lake Girl is their brand and if you see clothing with that name, it came from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> They work with a specialty designer so the looks and products are able to change frequently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Currently, they launch roughly 4 different designs per month.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">They also have a <a href= "https://www.lakegirl.com/collections/impulse-kids" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lake Baby brand</a>.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> It’s part of their Impulse Kids collection, which includes <a href= "https://www.lakegirl.com/collections/dockboy" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">Dockboy collection</a>, in addition to the River Girl collection, mentioned earlier.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Missy returns to the important aspect of quality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> She’s received tons of stories from customers who constantly wear the clothing, without wearing it out.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> It’s part of why, in her opinion, the Lake Girl brand enjoys so many repeat purchases from its loyal customer-base.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Many of these customers love to visit their wholesale locations to see what’s new.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Here’s a <a href= "https://www.lakegirl.com/pages/lakegirl-store-locator" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">link to the store locator</a>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lake Girl Is About More than just Clothing</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Missy mentions that the brand’s best-seller is their <a href= "https://www.lakegirl.com/collections/accessories/Hats" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">All-American brand caps</a>.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> These are a customer favorite, year after year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Every lake girl has to have a hat on the lake.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">They’ve recently added <a href= "https://www.lakegirl.com/collections/accessories/Drinkware" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drinkware and mugs</a>.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> And, if you’re looking for more Lake Girl swag, check out the <a href= "https://www.lakegirl.com/collections/tried-true/magnet" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">magnets</a> and <a href= "https://www.lakegirl.com/collections/tried-true/keychain" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">keychains</a>.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> After all, ever girl knows it’s always about accessorizing, right?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Missy also mentions their <a href= "https://www.lakegirl.com/collections/tried-true/stickers" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">waterproof, tear-proof stickers</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> They’ll make it through the dishwasher.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> They’ll last on your car or take-along other surfaces.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you’re decorating your she-shed with a Lake Girl theme, don’t forget to pick up on of their <a href= "https://www.lakegirl.com/collections/tried-true/signs">signs</a> and a <a href= "https://www.lakegirl.com/collections/tried-true/bottle-opener" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bottle opener</a>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Inspired Missy to Add the Lake Girl Brand to Her Company?</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Missy’s main company is <a href= "https://lakeshirts.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">LakeShirts</a>.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Truthfully, it kind of fell into place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The original Lake Girl warehouse was located across the street, so integrating the two made sense for the business, as well as the customers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Missy joined the LakeShirts company five years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> She brought a lot of retail experience.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Once the Lake Girl brand was added, it was a perfect fit for Missy (see what we did there?).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Lake Girl has really benefitted from the infrastructure and reach that LakeShirts had already established in the market.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do the Employees Enjoy the Lake Life?</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Every chance they get.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> In fact, they just created a design, “Off the Clock, On the Dock!”<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Missy things the initial inventory was sold out just from staff purchases, even before it made it to the website.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> The company is full of lake enthusiasts who work and play together in their tight-knit community.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">There Really is a Detroit Lake</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The company is in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Missy estimates they have 5-7 lakes within a 15-mile radius.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What’s the Biggest Recreational Activity in their Area?</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fishing is incredibly popular, because it can be done year-round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> People fish from the bank, wading near the shores, off boats and yes, through the ice.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The boating season in the Detroit Lake area last about 3 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Missy admits you can stretch it to 4.5 months, if you’re brave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Speaking of brave, they also have a polar plunge tradition.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> This is when people jump into the frigid water, during the winter.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> There’s a health benefit, but more importantly, they’ve turned it into a charity event.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A Special Offer from Lake Girl Apparel</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before we go, Missy wants to offer a special code for the listeners of this episode.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Enter <strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mike and Molley</strong> into the Discount Code box during checkout, for free shipping off any order on the website. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Connect and Learn More About <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Lake Lady Apparel:</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Website:<span style= "mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> <a href="https://www.lakegirl.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.lakegirl.com/</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Facebook:<span style= "mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lakegirlclothing/" target= "_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.facebook.com/lakegirlclothing/</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pinterest:<span style= "mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/lakegirlinc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.pinterest.com/lakegirlinc/</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Instagram:<span style= "mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lakegirl_inc/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://www.instagram.com/lakegirl_inc/</a><span style= "mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">That’s a wrap for this episode.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> We’d like to thank <span style= "color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">our friend Missy Johnson</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style= "color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">for</span> guest hosting with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;"><strong style= "mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Thanks for Listening!</strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.<span style= "mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> We hope to see you out there soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="mso-outline-level: 1;">Don’t forget to subscribe!</p>