We were lucky to catch up with Carrie Lynch recently and have shared our conversation below.

Carrie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In 2023 I truly took a very big risk. I left my marriage of 10 years, moved three times and started my first brick and mortar location for my brand Wild Roamer. I have always been a risk taker but the past two years have been something much more than before. The thing about risk is, you just have to take them. I always say to myself “what is the worst that could happen?” and if I can stomach the worst thing then the risk is worth it in my eyes.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Carrie, Owner of Wild Roamer ( formally Rusterior). The company began over 10 years ago and has evolved into much more than I could have ever imagined. I started as a small crafting business but have grown the brand into a screen printing studio and now brick and mortar retailer in Ellicottville, NY. We specialize in screen printed goods and wearables as well as vintage goods, products that support our national parks and more. Some things that set us apart from others is our quality. We always put quality at the top of our list. All of the apparel items are hand printed in our studio using high quality garments and water-based inks. We also support other women owned businesses and businesses that speak to our true core values of the company, adventure!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

When I started this company I originally made children’s apparel and our iconic “Wild Roamer” was one of the first designs ever made. I made the design and the company for my kids. I adopted three children and that in itself was a wild adventure but I wanted the brand to be free and wild and inspire people to adventure. Now we continue to grow the brand and foster our love of adventure in our customers.

Our brick and mortar brings in a piece of nostalgia. Our storefront features many vintage pieces that instantly sparks a sense of adventure and ignites a core memory for many people. When they walk in it brings them back to the memories at their camp or cabin with family and friends. They say things like ” I had that cooler growing up or I remember playing with those”. It really is a magical place that people feel welcome in.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The honest answer is support them by visiting their studio, website, storefront or markets and buying something if you are able. I know that I appreciate every single time someone steps foot in our store because they are making a much bigger choice shopping small and supporting local. Every time we receive an order online, someone shops our stotrefront or even sends encouraging words it helps everything( and I’m sure other artists too!) If you can’t purchase from a local business there are other ways to support them too, help them share what they have going on or simply liking and commenting or leaving a review helps spread the word.

Contact Info:

• Website: wildroamer.shop
• Instagram: @wildroamer.shop
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildRoamershop/