Lauren Padawer is the owner of Alaska Glacial Mud, a company that manufactures skin care products. She runs the company alone, and most of her relatives nickname her “Aunt Lolo.”
The company’s headquarters are located in Cardova, a coastal town in Alaska. Lauren Padawer moved from a suburban home found in St.Louis to Missouri. Her great love for wilderness has made her achieve great success. But, most of the time, she is always on the move for adventure.
I studied Biology at the University of Wahington in St.Louis. Immediately after graduation, I got an offer to join Anchorage as a non-partisan. Unfortunately, the organization dealt with politics. After the elections, I quit the job. Within a few months, I secured another opportunity at the old spa and raftered a Copper River. These two environments transformed my life.
By this time, I was only 23 years. I commenced my journey back home to Alaska to enjoy the rich waters and beautiful landscape. My mind was ready to develop a solid relationship with my land. My interest in the environment drove me towards a nonprofit organization where we took care of salmon. I saved a lot of money to set up my business, Alaska Glacial Mud Co.
Before I quit the environment job, I set up Alaska as part-time. I was juggling between work and my company. In 2006, I launched Alaska Glacia Mud Co, where we majored in producing skin care items for all types of skins. This was after I went on several river trips and enjoyed the sites. For several years I have been doing my research. I was eager to bring soaps and mud masks to help people heal their skins. Although my business was doing great, I still went to fix fishnets in the moonlight.
Being young while working around docks and troops of commercial fisheries gives you a learning advantage. Within a few months, I purchase my new boat. In 2009, I was among the 1% of women in Copper River salmon to own my boat. I learned diesel mechanics, marine navigation, and fabric economics in the job.
Cardova is one of the biggest fishing towns in southern Alaska. I realized how important it was to diversify my skills. Something could come up about a new process whenever I felt like quitting a job. The only place I could gather confidence and courage was at work. So, I invested all my money in my business for almost eight years.
In 2008 – 2010, life was hard due to the great recession. I decided to shift everything to Alaska Glacial. Sometimes I feel at home while working on my projects. I have received many opportunities while being the founder of my own company. At any moment, I can decide to go hunting, gardening, bike riding on mountains, or ski mountaineering. My dreams are almost coming true. I have collaborated with various children’s foundations to support human lives. I believe everyone needs a chance to be great.
After growing up in a difficult environment, something drives me towards giving back to my community. I have enough resources to share with the less fortunate in society. So, in 2014, I transformed Alaska Glacial into a business corporate. I signed a deal to be giving away 2% to different nonprofit organizations. In addition, we give 10% of the total profit to an organization that fights and resorts to the lives of salmons.
To a younger Lauren Padawer, when you get a chance to work with experienced people, absorb as much knowledge as possible. That is the reason why they came in before you. Make solid friendships with them. Then take the skills to the next level. You can set up your own company.
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