Boat House Apparel Anchors on Georgetown Towpath
By • October 5, 2023 One Comment 1334
The Georgetown House, a quaint white-brick bungalow along the C&O Canal Towpath is home to Georgetown’s newest retailer, Boat House Apparel.
Founders Laura Bjornstad and Samantha Ring are college best friends turned fashion entrepreneurs inspired by their summers in Iowa at Lake Okoboji. Bjornstad and Ring both worked in the fashion industry for many years before teaming up to bring quality resort wear infused with local style to the Lake Okoboji region and beyond. Boat House Apparel has recently landed in the District at 1601 31st St. NW — right next to where the new Canal Boat docks — and is here to bring the community together with family-friendly events, unique shopping experiences, and of course, stylish Georgetown attire.
Samantha Ring displays one of her graphic designs for fall. Photo by Chris Jones.
Bjornstad and Ring both come from a background in fashion originating at Iowa State University where the pair met. Upon graduation, Bjornstad went on to work for numerous retail companies, learning the ins-and-outs of merchandising and sourcing while always carrying an entrepreneurial spirit; something that brought the women together. Ring studied art and design, bringing unique talent and creativity into the mix. When Bjornstad brought the idea to start an apparel company to Ring, she jumped at the opportunity to design. The two were a perfect match.
Boat House Apparel started as a “glorified lemonade stand.” Bjornstad curated the collection and Ring designed their first line of graphic tees which sold out immediately. Tourists and locals alike fell in love with the classic style and easy going lifestyle the clothing represents. Leveraging social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and even authoring a blog alongside the brand put Boat House Apparel on the map and soon they moved into their first brick and mortar location in Arnolds Park, Iowa. The collection grew from graphic tees to sweatshirts, cozy knits, dresses, and accessories. Soon, lake communities across the Midwest and beyond were in demand for Boat House Apparel. Today, they have over 150 retailers in resort communities across the United States including Martha’s Vineyard.
Samantha Ring sports her own Georgetown apparel. Photo by Maddie Rennyson.
The strategic expansion into Georgetown was a strong fit for the brand with its connection to locals and attraction from tourists. Ring is a longtime resident of Georgetown and understands the market and landscape. While Bjornstad is running operations and managing the flagship in Iowa, Ring is designing all the collections and managing the Georgetown location. “DC is a popular tourist destination, but Georgetown is a community,” Ring tells The Georgetowner. Establishing roots on the Canal Towpath, a notable location in Georgetown, draws in foot traffic from shoppers and restaurant goers as well as local residents. As a local herself, Ring brings a special touch to her designs inspired by classic D.C. landmarks and colors, as well as aspects that feel like home.
There are many opportunities to welcome Boat House Apparel to the neighborhood at one of the events they have planned in the coming weeks. Every Saturday, Ring hosts “Boat House Brunch” on the patio – stop by to sip on a mimosa, snack on District Donuts, and shop the latest fall collection. On October 22, Boat House Apparel is hosting a private shopping event in partnership with the C&O Sunset Cruise. Hop aboard the “Georgetown Heritage” Canal Boat, learn about the history of the C&O while enjoying a selection of refreshments from local food and beverage vendors. Upon docking, guests will receive a Boat House Apparel gift card and can shop and mingle into the sunset. On Halloween weekend, Boat House Apparel is teaming up with Georgetown’s Anna Banana Arts and Crafts, to host a family friendly art event. All ages are welcome to participate in fall-themed crafts and enjoy fun snacks and signature beverages.
The strong sense of community is a foundational component of the Boat House Apparel brand. All garments are inspired by local sayings and landmarks that evoke fond memories of places they represent and make the clothing meaningful. When Bjornstad and Ring started the company, they took a huge risk by going out on their own but both expressed the importance of recognizing the support of those around you when embarking on an entrepreneurial venture. “My advice to young entrepreneurs would definitely be to lean into your community, your friends, and those you trust. You will be surprised by how many people will support you and give you feedback,” Bjornstad told The Georgetowner. Boat House Apparel is women-owned and operated and is adding to the wide presence of female-founded businesses in Georgetown.
Boat House Apparel is at 1601 31st St. NW.
This weekend, stop by to say hello to Sam, grab a Saturday Mimosa, and walk out with a D.C. or Georgetown Fall-inspired garment!
The next Vineyard Vines like success story!