Leap Fearlessly.
by Lise Lozelle
“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
My trailblazing ways started young, I was a tomboy, with an anti-dress policy, a heart for bringing home stray animals and a knack for doing things the hard way. In elementary school I picked cello as my instrument of choice, because it was super easy (not!) to carry to and from school every day. I loved to ski both water and snow. Growing up in Michigan, the water ski season kicked off on Memorial Day weekend in water so cold you had to wear a wetsuit. I think that’s where I learned to jump and hit it without overthinking. Snow skiing was also a cold pursuit. With no mountains in Michigan our skiing meant short runs, with lots of ice. Not ideal conditions, but a perfect place to hone your skills and prepare for mountains in the future. When it came time for college the west was calling and my parents made it clear that going to California was not an option. So, naturally I looked at a map and settled on the University of Arizona.
I grew up around water, boats and fishing, although not fly fishing. It’s part of my family DNA and is also the family business. Tempress is a marine supply company that manufactures boat seats, rod holders and fishing gear. If you fished from a drift boat, you most likely were sitting on one of our seats! For several years I worked with my brother Mark as the Director of Marketing. I continue to be involved on the Board and provide support where I can.
I discovered fly fishing when my daughter was two years old. I was in Utah for a friend’s wedding and with help from family escaped to the river with a guide for a day of fishing – it was magic! Standing in the water casting I felt so graceful. I loved the anticipation of a fish hitting my fly and the rush of excitement when it actually happened and the overwhelming sense of gratitude when you release the fish back into the river. It was peaceful, serene and SO fun! At the time I had no idea that fly fishing would become such a huge part of my life. In addition to my fly fishing discovery, that day was also a big day for my daughter Elizabeth. It was the first time she pulled herself up to a stand, something doctors said may not happen. Elizabeth was born with a rare syndrome called Sturge Weber. In the early years it was scary. Doctors said she may never walk or talk. She had lots of surgeries, hospitalizations and uncontrolled seizures. Definitely not a typical path and certainly a challenge as a parent. Looking back, it seems appropriate that the day she found the power to stand, was also the day I found fly fishing. Elizabeth is now seventeen! She runs, jumps, laughs and loves adventure. Without words she has taught me that anything is possible, and together we are forging a new path, hoping to leave a trail for other families with special kids.
My passion for fly fishing along with social media and lots of unflattering pictures after great days of fishing, led me to take a big leap of faith and start Maven Fly, A women’s outdoor apparel company focused on fly fishing. The concept was to develop a line of clothing that fit a woman’s body in motion which would stand up to the outdoor environment, with fun, feminine detailing. With the help of a true fashion designer I painstakingly took apart all my outdoor gear to determine what worked and what didn’t, and I talked with friends and fellow anglers to develop a line of clothing that could take you from the water to dinner afterwards. Growing up in Michigan it was important to me that the clothing be manufactured in the USA. This was a calculated risk that added to my retail pricing. When we launched in 2012 people thought I was crazy and women would not buy a fishing shirt made in the US for $125. Less than a year after our launch lots of fly fishing brands had women’s shirts for $100+! I’d like to think my little company helped to blaze a trail that pushed the fly fishing industry to up their offering for female anglers. Women like to have a lots of choice in the clothing they wear and outdoor gear is no different. I love seeing new brands in the mix and also big brands working hard to improve their offering.
