I was born and raised in Sparta and grew up as a Beach 6’er, with Lake Mohawk woven into just about every part of life. The lake, the beaches, the boardwalk, the people- it’s the kind of small-town community that can feel completely normal when it’s all you’ve ever known.
It wasn’t until I started spending more time away from home that I really understood how special that is.
Growing up, Lake Mohawk apparel was part of that community identity. I had a Lake Mohawk sweatshirt that I wore to school for what felt like three years straight. Somewhere along the way, though, the options started disappearing. Today, there’s surprisingly little available for people who simply want a great sweatshirt, T-shirt, hat, or piece for their home that represents the place they’re proud to call theirs.
That’s why I started Shop Lake Mohawk.
The goal is simple: create well-made, thoughtfully designed pieces that people here would actually want to wear and use- whether you’ve lived on the lake your whole life, just moved to town, are raising your kids here, or simply consider Lake Mohawk home.
And while I’m the one putting the collection together, I don’t want it designed in a bubble. From the beginning, I’ve shared ideas with local friends, family, and community members, listened to what they like and don’t like, and continued refining the designs from there. The details won’t always be perfect, but the intention is always the same: make something that feels like us.
More than anything, I hope Shop Lake Mohawk can become a small way of rebuilding some of that visible community pride- something you can wear around town, send your kids off to school with, give as a gift, or take with you when life brings you somewhere else.
This is just the beginning. Apparel comes first, with more clothing and home goods to follow; All centered around celebrating the place we get to call home.
— Chad Wood
Founder, Shop Lake Mohawk