Sarah Schroeder blended her professional design background with Minnesota pride to create a brand that elevates local identity through high-quality, sustainable apparel. What began as a side project in 2013 has evolved into a destination shop that celebrates women-owned brands from Minnesota and beyond.
THE SPARK: “The idea started when I was unemployed and attended a Trampled by Turtles and Atmosphere concert in Duluth. We saw so many Minnesota shirts! Some of the designs were great, but the quality of shirts needed some help. Then I thought, ‘I could do this.’”
DAILY DRIVE: “Being a designer is something that will always be with me. I looooove to design and create just about anything! Especially tangible items. Creativity is always going for me. Whether it is making a new design or even cooking or baking.”
BEHIND THE SCENES: Her workspace in three words? “Clean, tidy, organized.” Her favorite part of creation? “Getting inspiration. The creation wouldn’t be there without the inspiration.”
MILESTONE MEMORY: “We started doing some events and were selling out of our apparel. We also were contacted by other shops to sell in their stores. And we were one of the first Minnesota apparel companies to be out there and we were the only women-owned.”
LAKE AND COMPANY CONNECTION: What’s been flying off the shelves? “Any of our Eco Sweatshirts.” Their partnership goes back about eight years, with fond memories of braving the cold together: “When we were down at the Super Bowl at an outside event during the Winter Carnival. We were cold, but we had fun!”
LOOKING FORWARD: “We just rebranded our shop in Stillwater! Minnesota Made | Women Brands from MN + Beyond. We are more than just a brand. We are a destination. A lifestyle.”
MAKER’S ESSENTIALS:
Favorite Minnesota lake: Superior
Essential tool: Pinterest
Morning ritual: Taking a walk or just being outside
Advice for aspiring creators: Work hard. Be yourself. And most importantly: have fun!
Instagram: @minnesotamadeapparel
Website: minnesotamadeapparel.com