Our Story
Hi, there! I’m Krista Swetman, founder of Here On Lake Huron. Thank you for stopping by. We’re grateful to have you here and welcome you to our love-of-Lake-Huron community. We strive to create cozy, casual and sometimes quirky products that are inspired by Lake Huron. We’re here to have a little fun and drink up all the Lake Huron goodness. For more information on how we got started, please read our story below.
On February 12, 2020, I lost my Dad. He was 73. He passed away three weeks before my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. My Dad was a fighter, a storyteller and a goal crusher. He was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in 2015. His spirit and determination kept him alive a lot longer than doctors anticipated. I still can’t believe that he is gone.
When my Dad was going through chemo, he would sleep most of the day. At that time, I started taking my Mom on mini road trips once a week. My dad’s illness was wearing her down. As his primary caregiver she was exhausted, overwhelmed, and depleted.
Before we left the driveway, I would tell my Mom that we were only going to think happy thoughts, plan our hopes and dreams and enjoy what the day had to bring. Our road trips became an outlet that was free of stress and heartache. It allowed us to escape reality.
Week after week, we found ourselves on the shores of Lake Huron - visiting Bayfield, Grand Bend, Goderich, Kincardine, etc. The lake pulled us in, and we felt its energy and love. It was like a warm blanket. We’d sit in the car listening to the waves. We’d marvel at its greatness and felt free, if only for a short while.
Here On Lake Huron was born and developed during our mini road trips to the lake. It’s an ode to Lake Huron’s majesticness and beauty. It’s a nod to the communities that surround it and helped (and continue to help) us heal. It’s a bow to the people who live on its shores and the establishments we frequent. It’s a great big THANK YOU for helping us feel at ‘home.’ But most importantly, Here On Lake Huron is a salute to my Dad. I miss you Dad with all my heart. I promise to make you proud.
With three years under our belt, since the launch of Here On Lake Huron, we are blown away by the love and support we’ve received since day 1. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We've found our people. We'll continue to make products for all of you, who just like us are happiest at the Lake.
See you at the Lake,
P.S. It’s crazy to think that this business started because of my (failed) pursuit to find the perfect Lake Huron hoodie. You can read more about our very first launch here.
P.P.S We love to chat with fellow Lake Huron lovin’ friends! Feel free to drop us a line by using the contact form below. Alternatively, let’s get cozy on social. We love hanging out on Instagram.
