Meet Anika Mckelvey | Founder of LAS Travel Loungewear

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anika Mckelvey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anika, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I think of 2 things. One is instilling in them an understanding of religion, faith and a love for God. It has provided them with a strong moral foundation, a sense of purpose and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and compassion. The second is providing them with the resources to learn multiple languages so they can communicate with people around the world and learn so much because I don’t believe that education is only in the classroom. I don’t speak a second language fluently and I knew I wanted that for my children before I had them so they can have a boarder worldview. My son is trilingual and both my daughters are bilingual. As a family, we travel often around the world and them being able to communicate and understand Language opens the doors to connect with the world. It connects us with diverse communities and cultures.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have developed a travel loungewear clothing brand that blends. comfort, style and functionality with innovative compression elements. When I first decided to create this line, I had no idea what I was doing. All I new was I love fashion and so I took an online 6-month course to learn about the industry and how to start a clothing brand. I didn’t have in mind at that time to use compression. That came later has I started to create the first piece. When I decided on my goal for this brand it all just came together. My goal is to create versatile pieces that are comfortable and stylish. I want women to feel to look good and feel good when they travel. That can mean a long flight and running around getting errands done. Whatever they are doing on the move. As a soccer mom, I was constantly driving long distances or on a flight to tournaments and I wanted to look put together, but also comfortable. So I guess I am most porud of being able to design clothing that does that. I wouldn’t say this was easy. I worked on my brand for 2 1/2 years before launching. I went through many prototypes before going into production. There was research, testing, failed attempts, tears and telling myself “I can do this” even when I didn’t feel like I could. The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is that not everyone is going to support your dreams and visions, even the ones you really think would, but that’s ok. I am super proud of what I have done so far, but I know there is so much more for me to learn and do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh my goodness, that is a great question because my best friend, Hillary lives in Maryland and she was just here visiting me. She was here to help me with my launch so we really didn’t go anywhere. But I owe her a girls weekend for sure. I think when she comes I will definitely take her to some of my favorite restaurants. I really like Queen and Mother Wolf. I don’t dotoo much nightlife anymore. I really enjoy hanging out at home with a glass of wine and talking to my friends is what I like to do these days. I think as I got older going out to clubs or bars got less interesting. I prefer to be in more intimate settings talking, laughing , sharing stories and connecting with people.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I give a shoutout to my Great Grandmother, Anita for showing me the true meaning of strength and resilience. Although , she is not with me now, I still want to honor her for ability to navigate life’s hardships with perseverance and grace. Through her example I’ve learned how to work hard and how to care for my family. I am forever grateful for her lessons and strive to carry her strength forward in everything that I do.

Website: https://www.lasloungewear.com

Instagram: @lasloungewear

Linkedin: LAS Loungewear

Facebook: LAS Loungewear

Image Credits
Luccia Lowenthal
Frantz Photography
Erik Kellar