Photo: LINCOLN AND LEXI, a children’s clothing line, was launched in February. The company hopes to extend its line to include maternity items and diaper bags. (MEG FISCHER | Courtesy)
Former Drake student Meg Fischer graduated a semester early this past December with a triple major in entrepreneurial management, marketing and management. While her situation may seem unique, the experiences she has had separates her even further from the typical graduate.
Fischer grew up in Omaha, Neb., and moved to Des Moines when she was 10. Although she had babysat and nannied since the age of 12 and then worked at a health club and a candy shop, Fischer discovered her true passion at 16.
“I always knew I wanted to work with kids,” Fischer said. “I worked at the clothing boutique and it was there I realized I wanted to own a clothing boutique. Following graduation I wanted to be able to start my business so I worked on my business plan all through college.”
On Feb. 20, Fischer’s dream came true; she launched her children’s clothing line, Lincoln and Lexi.
“Lincoln and Lexi are what I’ve always wanted to name my first boy and girl,” Fischer said. “The name allows the business to be fun.”
At work on summer and fall clothing lines, Fischer says she wants to launch maternity items and a diaper bag soon. The company is geared toward newborn to 18-month-old babies. Ultimately, she would like to build the line for children up to age seven or eight along with maternity clothes.
Fischer didn’t spend her childhood set on coming to Drake. Iowa became her new home without realization.
“I wanted to go to California, and I got accepted at Iowa State. Then I had to call them and decline, and I called Drake and said I wanted to go there,” Fischer said. “I only applied because they sent me an application in the mail. It was closer to home, though, and I knew it was a good school.”
When she got to Des Moines, a major in entrepreneurial management felt right. After speaking to Associate Dean of Student Affairs Randall Blum of the College of Business and Public Administration, Fischer added her marketing major. In her final year, she finally completed her triple major by adding management to the mix.
“I took 18 credits for five semesters in a row,” Fischer said. “It was difficult, but that is kind of my personality to have a lot on my plate at once. I’m glad I did it because it kept me more organized.”
Lincoln and Lexi employs designers all over the United States and has seamstresses that work here in Des Moines. Before, the clothing was shipped to California first and then came to Des Moines. The recently hired help in Des Moines makes turn-around time faster. For the summer, Fischer has hired five full-time and two part-time interns.
Now out in the real world, Fischer admits that she misses some things from being in school.
“I miss being able to see my friends every day, now that I run the business by myself I’m alone a lot,” Fischer said. “Don’t take for granted the time you have with your friends. Once school is over, you don’t get to see them nearly as often, and that has been the hardest thing for me since graduation.”
Fischer acknowledges what both current and former Drake students already know about the school’s faculty.
“The professors still check in on me and if I ever need anything I can call them,” she said. “Your relationships with professors don’t just end when you graduate—they want to see you succeed.”
A boutique is in her plans for the future, but for now Fischer is focusing on operating through Internet direct sales and home parties.
“Things get very tough, but I have found that even when times are tough, I still love what I am doing,” Fischer said. “It’s not something I want to quit or give up on, because it holds onto a deep part of who I am.”
To see more of Fischer’s designs visit: www.lincolnandlexi.com/us/
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