With summer here at last, lake lovers are coming out in droves to enjoy all of the beauty and recreational activities that Candlewood Lake has to offer.

Especially now more than ever, relaxing in or near the water can create a much-needed inner peace and feeling of calmness.

Barbara Hollister, local business owner of a brand-new, specialty lake apparel company – Lake Patriot – is passionate about our Lake and fully embraces the lake lifestyle.

After just launching Lake Patriot, where one of her original designs includes Candlewood Lake Patriot, she is already on the go to expand her company’s product offerings. Barb knows firsthand how to blend both comfort and style in her latest trademarked designs that will surely make a splash this season.

“I’m excited about our new styles that are available, just in time for summer, and I hope all of our Lake Patriots out there are just as excited as we are! It’s all about our awesome subculture and state of mind,” said Barb.

Unsalted & Nauti is the first, new design that has women of all ages in mind. “It’s all about enjoying the freshwater lifestyle and I love the play on the words ‘unsalted’ and ‘nautical,’” said Barb. Pure and flirtatious, too, are words that come to mind.

Ron Hollister, who helps his wife with new business development, elaborated, “anybody that lives or goes out on the lake, any recreational lake enthusiast, lives for lake season – they’re literally unsalted and nauti.”

Lake, Bake & Chill is another fun, carefree design the couple is excited about. “With everything happening in the world in 2020, everyone needs to go out on the lake, relax, and just chill – that’s what it’s all about,” said Ron.

“The water is therapy, and everyone is long overdue to experience this,” added Barb.

New accessories were also just added to the Lake Patriot product line.

Stainless-steel tumblers are practical and sophisticated, and fit in any standard cupholder on watercrafts. The BPA-free plastic lining helps to keep beverages cool or hot for a long time.

Two options are available. Candlewood Lake Patriot 16-ounce black tumblers with a white logo and Unsalted & Nauti 12-ounce charcoal colored tumblers, also with a white logo. Prices range between $30 and $35.

Also new this season are “Candlewood Unsalted & Nauti” and “Candlewood Lake Patriot” clear transfer window decals. These are high-quality, clean, and easy to view on the road.

Barb envisions these trademarks will have a grassroots appeal in our area. Each decal is $9, and national versions will soon be available.

Lake Patriot is also adding new colors and styles to several of the original designs.

For instance, the American Lake Patriot tee now comes in olive green and God, Country, Lake comes in a classic navy blue or black, and gray in racerbacks, too.

Most styles are available in racerbacks and tees for enjoying warm, sunny days. The hoodies are perfect for breezy nights out on the lake. Prices range from $18 to $44.

Most of the sales are online, company direct at LakePatriot.com.

Echo Bay Marina in Brookfield also carries Lake Patriot merchandise in their retail shop.

Lake Patriot prides itself in trying to source materials locally first, then in the United States – as much as possible. Many of the tees come from Fat City Printing in New Milford and much of the sewing is done by Bella Canvas in California. Accessories are made in upstate New York.

Since Its Founding, Lake Patriot Gives Back

For the duration of the pandemic, 15% of net profit from the sale of any Candlewood Lake Patriot product, will go directly to local boaters who may be having a hard time filling up their boats with gas or paying everyday bills.

Visit: Lake Patriot on Facebook and like / follow on Instagram, too.

For local retailers who would like to carry the Lake Patriot line, contact Barb directly at: bjhollister@lakepatriot.com

Related Content:

Local Entreprewoman Launches ‘Lake Patriot’ Clothing Line & Gives Back

Article & Photos: Alicia Sakal

If you’d like to read more articles like this one, then please also like / follow Candlewood Lake Magazine on Facebook  and Instagram.