Success Stories

New Petoskey Clothing Boutique Opens with Help From Northern Shores Loan Fund, Inc.

Starting her own clothing boutique was a dream that Laura Esford never gave up on! Esford, a member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, had successfully managed a local clothing business for several years, and the experience motivated her to want to someday open a store for herself, to include her two daughters Adrienne and Haley. That dream came to fruition in September 2011 with the opening of Lah Lah’s Preloved Clothing Boutique (incorporating the first initials of Laura and her daughter’s names; Adrienne and Haley) in Petoskey, MI.

Lah Lah’s purchases only high end mall brand clothing and accessories, such as Abercrombie, Hollister, American Eagle, Gap, and Coach . . . just to name a few, for cash or in-store credit and then offers them to the public at well below mall pricing. “I really feel that we are helping meet the needs of so many people struggling in this economy trying to continue to clothe their families with strained incomes. We can offer great high end clothing at a fraction of the price,” stated Esford.

Northern Shores Loan Fund, Inc. (NSLF) provided funding for equipment, inventory and working capital that helped Lah Lah’s open their doors quickly when a prime retail location became available next to the new Kilwin’s location. “We are very excited to be a part of this start-up business,” stated Lisa McComb, NSLF Executive Director, “and be able to help another entrepreneur remain in Northern Michigan.” “Northern Shores took a chance and helped me when no others would. I couldn’t have done this without their support,” stated Esford.

Lah Lah’s is located at 1070 Bay View Road(US 31 North) next to the new Kilwin’s, Petoskey, MI and can be reached at 231-347-4930 – Appointments Recommended.

To learn more about Northern Shores Loan Fund, Inc.’s business services visit their website at www.northernshoresloanfund.org or call their offices at 231-347-6753.