After five years of dreams and dedication, Meg Fisher is wasting no time in going from Drake University student to the owner of Lincoln&Lexi, a proprietary line of children’s clothing and accessories, due to launch in 2010.
Fisher, 21, who will graduate this month with a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurial management and marketing, originally envisioned a retail storefront location in Des Moines. However, through Drake’s entrepreneurial management program, the storefront idea evolved into a multi-level management venture, which will employ a team of sales representatives.
“During Meg’s time here at Drake, I have observed her passion, drive and time management abilities,” said Deb Bishop, director for Drake’s Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and assistant professor of practice in management.
“Graduating early with two majors and the foundation for an entrepreneurial endeavor is no small task, but Meg has certainly risen to the occasion. I am proud of her and truly believe that she has the ability to be successful with Lincoln&Lexi or any other venture she pursues,” she added.
Lincoln&Lexi will operate through at-home parties and baby showers, offering parents an alternative way to shop for children’s items.
“Multi-level management is a much better investment because I will not have any of the storefront costs,” Fisher said. “I also will be able to keep a much lower inventory, because I can order on an as-needed basis and will only be charged when I sell the item.”
The company’s Web site also will enable parents, grandparents and other clientele to order items online, including clothing, blankets, diaper bags and, eventually, maternity wear. Products, which are all custom and sewn by hand, are designed exclusively for the line and will offer the latest fashions.
“One of the biggest advantages is that the business goes where I go. If I want to travel for a weekend, I pack up all the products and take them with me and have the ability to sell 24/7,” said Fisher, a resident of Des Moines.
 Fisher visits with Drake President David Maxwell and alumnus Bill Buchanan, who recently donated $3 million to establish the William M. and Jean M. Buchanan Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. |
Having cared for children since age 10 and working in retail through
high school, Fisher began planning the business as a way to combine her
interests in children, shopping and fashion. She has continued to work
as a nanny to finance the venture. Her company name is inspired by the
names she has planned for her own future children.
“In a sense, it was hard to go to college because I already knew
what I wanted to do,” said Fisher, who graduated from Van Meter High
School in 2006. “But I knew I needed an education and my business would
not be what it is without Drake.
“Last semester, every course I took let me build on the business
through projects, so I was able to grow my business while in school,”
she added.
Fisher, who contracts her product through designers in Wyoming and
Arizona, has most recently finalized the company logo and will have
items available in January. All remaining components of the business
are due to launch within the next six months. The Web site will be
www.LincolnAndLexi.com.
“It was difficult to manage both the business and school, but I’m
so passionate,” Fisher said. “Every time I get to the next step, I’m
reminded of why I want to do this.”
For more information about Lincoln&Lexi, contact Fisher at 515-778-3393 or LincolnAndLexi@gmail.com