Broad Spotlight: Rachael Koenig from Shore Society

If you’re out and about in Cleveland, chances are you’ll see at least one person wearing a “Salty,” or “Lake Erie” shirt and you probably know exactly where they got it from, Shore Society.  We’re big fans of Shore Society and even bigger fans of the lady behind the brand, Rachael Koenig. We just knew we had to get her on the blog to ask her about all her favorite things. Let’s just say our conversation had us daydreaming about summer!

Rachael started Shore Society back in 2012 with her signature “Lake Erie Love” print. Since then, the brand has grown into a whole product line of apparel, prints and gifts. Shore Society was inspired by the “rustbelt-nautical aesthetic of the north coast.” Rachael has really nailed the lakefront lifestyle by combining classic iconography + adding her own modern touches and colors with her homemade touch.  You can find her products at the Cleveland Flea, local boutiques and various pop-ups. We recommend following her on social media to see where you can find her next. Rachael also writes a blog where she posts about her home improvements, travels, boat adventures and more.

We’re lucky to have gotten to know Rachael these past few years. In addition to seeing her at the Flea and other local events, Broad and her both share a love of getting their nails done at Stella & Shay. Rachael and her husband Jim also love pizza as much as us and joined as on a Pizza Diaries journey at Humble. She’s just a very lovely, funny and down to earth human and we are so thankful to call her a friend. We can’t wait for our next pizza and wine date with her and Jim 🙂

What’s your favorite at-home drink?
Wine! I drink for the seasons – I tend to favor red when it’s cooler, and white + rosé in the summer. I love beer at home too, especially while hanging on the porch, or while doing yardwork. Definitely makes it more fun 😉

What’s your favorite drink to order when you’re out?
My go-to is a dirty martini (extra dirty!), but otherwise I like to order based on the spot I’m at. If they have a killer cocktail menu, I’ll always order something they’ve mixed up!

What’s your favorite CLE restaurant when you’re on a budget? When you’re feeling fancy?
I have to go with Barrio on a budget – you can’t beat those cheap tacos with a Tecate on the side. Or Swensons – you guys know how I feel about Swensons! If I’m feeling fancy – I’d have to say Marble Room, Pier W, or Luca.

You and Jim became boat owners last year, how exciting! Where is your favorite place to take the boat?
Yes! We are still pretty new at it, so last summer we didn’t travel too far. We loved taking the boat to the Flats for dinner – we have always dreamed of doing that and it felt so good to do it the first time!

What’s your favorite spot on Lake Erie?
We love Edgewater Beach, and the Flats as well! I would love to see more development along the waterfront – there’s so much untapped potential there.

Favorite CLE food item?
Stadium mustard! And all of our local beer, of course!

What’s your favorite CLE bar?
I love Porco, Bier Markt, and lately very into Ohio City Galley.

What’s the best advice you have for someone who wants to start their own business?
Start before you’re ready, and be okay with the fact that initially your business isn’t going to look perfect. It takes time and lots of trial and error and you have to go through it, you can’t just fast forward to the good stuff. Focus on developing your “special sauce” and what sets you apart, keep sharing it, doing it, and people will come to you.

What’s your favorite travel destination?
Our trip to Italy was my favorite — every city we visited was captivating and magical in its own way. The Amalfi coast was almost too beautiful for me to handle. The food, the wine, the people, the art…you can’t go wrong, and you don’t come back the same!

Your friend is in Cleveland for one day, what should they do?
Start with a bagel sandwich from Cleveland Bagel Co. – take it to go and eat at Edgewater Beach. A shopping trip to the West Side Market is a must, then hit up Bar Cento for lunch, for pomme frites and the Sunnyside Pizza. If they haven’t been to the Rock Hall, I’d have to recommend that, too! Then do happy hour drinks at Collision Bend, and wrap up at Alley Cat for dinner and oysters, and soaking up the riverfront sunset views. That’s my perfect CLE day right there!

Thanks so much for taking the time to talk to us Rachael! Be sure to check out Shore Society!