Meet Michelle Boyer | Founder, Arctic Lynx

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Boyer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Arctic Lynx came from my own personal experience. When I was pregnant with my youngest daughter, I had recently moved to Maine, and wanted to be outside enjoying all that Maine has to offer, but it was cold. I searched for maternity wear and couldn’t find any baselayers or anything made with a technical fabric. My husband offered me his old, stretched out baselayers and right then the idea for Arctic Lynx was born. I wanted to make something that was high quality, durable and versatile that women could wear and feel good about how it fit and also break a sweat in it. And that’s what we make at Arctic Lynx, high quality, durable and versatile pieces that can be worn as a baselayer in cooler temps or a stand alone piece in warmer temps. The garments are made to fit well and be used hard!

What should our readers know about your business?
Arctic Lynx is unique because it’s offering a maternity baselayer. I’m most proud and excited about the community of women that our business connects with, whether that’s through a sale or a post that resonates on social media. So much of our mission here at Arctic Lynx, aside from making a great product, is to support women to continue doing what they love through pregnancy and beyond. Today, we operate an e-commerce business with customers throughout the US and in Canada. Starting a business is NOT easy, In my experience there is so much that goes into starting and running a business that has very little to do with the actual product created. Things like, social media, accounting, building brand awareness etc… These are all things that need to be done and done well but aren’t part of the product we created to sell.
I’ve been fortunate to work with some great people and they have helped me overcome challenges, the support of my family and the entrepreneur climate in Maine has also been supportive.
Along the way I have learned that starting a business requires a lot of grit. You simply have to keep trying every day to do what it is you want to do. There will be a million reasons to quit. When you can, it’s important to pay for skills that you don’t have. I have had to hire help with social media and advertising because it’s just not something I know how to do well.
I want the world to know that we’re on a mission to change the way humanity views pregnancy. Pregnant women are strong and capable and deserve as much love and support as we shower on babies.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Maine, I’d take her to: The beach, Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove Beach in Cape Elizabeth. A picnic lunch at Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth.
Ft. Williams in Cape Elizabeth for a walk and a lobster roll from Bite Into Maine.
Hiking in Harpswell Maine- any trail, anytime, they have some of the most beautiful hiking spots.
The Toad and Co store in Portland, Maine for a little shopping, as well as many of the great small stores in the Old Port.
For food, Empire Chinese and High Roller in Portland. Tostones in Cape Elizabeth. There are so many great restaurants in Portland and surrounding areas, it’s hard to list them all.
Patagonia and LL Bean in Freeport for more shopping.
Acadia State Park for hiking and camping and a ride on the carriage roads.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Probably too many people to mention, definitely my family who has been incredibly supportive.

Website: https://www.arcticlynxmaternity.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcticlynxmaternity/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/35440360/admin/feed/posts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arcticlynxmaternity

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNMXVbigDEPcpXTFd72ROQw