About this idea
Every spring, thousands of foragers flock to Michigan’s forests and fields for the elusive, tasty morel mushroom. But despite hosting the annual National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City and the boasting the title of “Mushroom Capital of the United States” in small-town Mesick, there’s almost no local apparel that captures that spirit.
Welcome The Morel Code apparel line – designing and selling clever, high-quality T-shirts that celebrate Michigan’s vibrant morel mushroom hunting culture. Featuring two flagship designs — “I Lost My Morels in Michigan” and “I Found My Morels in Michigan”— the brand will appeal to foragers, outdoor lovers, tourists, and festival-goers.
Bold, witty, and a little cheeky, this line is more than just apparel — it’s a badge of honor.
The Morel Code Mission Statement
To honor Michigan’s morel mushroom season by crafting playful, locally-inspired apparel that celebrates the thrill of the hunt, connects foragers and nature lovers to the outdoors, and fosters stewardship of our forests.
Target Market
• Primary: Michigan residents and regular morel hunters
• Secondary: Tourists visiting Michigan in spring, festival-goers, outdoor enthusiasts, foraging communities
• Niche: Mushroom fans, foodies, nature lovers, and gift buyers looking for unique, regional merch
Products & Services
Core Products:
• “I Lost My Morels in Michigan” T-shirt
• “I Found My Morels in Michigan” T-shirt
Future Products:
• Hoodies, hats, tote bags, decals
• Kids’ versions, festival-specific editions
• Limited-run designs tied to morel season or Michigan events
Sales & Marketing Strategy
Sales Channels:
• E-commerce site (Printify) to start, then partnering with a local company for printing and fulfillment
• Pop-ups at morel festivals (National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City, Morel Mushroom Festival in Mesick, etc.)
• Collaborations with local stores, outdoor shops, and tourism centers
Marketing Tactics:
• Instagram and Facebook ads targeting Michigan outdoor/foodie communities
• Partnerships with local influencers, foragers, and mushroom educators
• QR codes at events linking to online Etsy store
• Email list + SMS reminders before and during morel season
Owner created amateur logo design on Canva, created Etsy shop at etsy.com/shop/themorelcode, and sampled a protoype with a few family and friends. Next steps include:
• Branding and Design: Engage a firm to create sleek and professional graphic
• Printing and Fulfillment: Initial orders packed and shipped by Printify; transition to local company after early testing and as business grows
• Customer Support: Managed via email and social media DMs
Our Belief System: From Public Service to Purpose-Driven Style
At The Morel Code Apparel, we believe that good business is rooted in the same values that define good public service: integrity, equity, community, and purpose.
Founded by a lifelong public servant at the local, state, and federal levels, our brand is more than T-shirts — it’s a reflection of how we show up for our communities, our environment, and each other.
Our Moral Code
1. Community Over Competition
We honor the places, people, and traditions that make Michigan special. Whether it’s a forager in the forest or a fellow local brand, we believe in collaboration over ego and celebrating every part of the ecosystem.
2. Integrity in Every Thread
We operate with the same ethical compass that guided decades of public service: transparency, accountability, and pride in doing things the right way — even when no one’s watching.
3. Local First, Always
We design, print, and partner locally whenever possible, investing back into the Mitten State economy and supporting fellow makers, small businesses, and creatives.
4. Humor with Heart
Our products may be cheeky, but our intentions are sincere. We use humor to bring people together, spark joy, and build connection — not to divide or diminish.
5. Leave the Forest Better Than You Found It
Inspired by both environmental stewardship and service leadership, we aim to run a business that’s sustainable, responsible, and guided by the long view.
From the halls of government to the woods of northern Michigan, I’ve always believed in doing meaningful work that uplifts people and places. That’s what The Morel Code is all about.
Impact
Most T-shirts are generic — ours tap into a very specific Michigan tradition with humor, pride, and local relevance. It’s not just merch, it’s a conversation starter and a memory maker. Here’s a breakdown of the potential:
1. Celebrate and Elevate Local Culture
We’re helping shine a spotlight on a beloved Michigan tradition. Morel hunting is a deep-rooted part of spring in the state, and our apparel line can help keep that culture alive — especially among younger or newer residents and tourists.
2. Boost Local Pride and Identity
Wearing the apparel becomes a fun way for Michiganders to say, “I’m from here, I love this place, and I’m part of something special.” That kind of pride fuels connection and community.
3. Support Eco-Tourism and Local Events
Morel festivals, farmers’ markets, and nature tourism all get a lift from the visibility of a product like this. In fact, did you know that just 100 miles north of Grand Rapids, the little town of Mesick, Michigan, is known as the "Mushroom Capital of the United States”?? The town boasts the annual Mesick Mushroom Festival that includes a flea market, craft show, “Biggest Morel Contest” and variety of other activities and events – a perfect pairing for the The Morel Code apparel line.
4. Spark Conversations and Education
It’s a great conversation starter that can get people curious about sustainable foraging, Michigan’s natural ecosystems, and healthy outdoor activities — especially for families or newcomers to the tradition.
5. Small Business Ripple Effect
After initial testing, our hope is to print locally, source from Michigan-based vendors, and sell at local events, meaning we’re supporting other small businesses in the process. We are also considering a give-back model — like donating a portion to conservation or environmental education.
6. Promote Humor, Joy, and Playfulness
Let’s face it — “I Lost My Morels in Michigan” and “I Found My Morels in Michigan” are funny. And the world needs more of that.
What I'll do with $5,000
• $2,000 – Brand and Visual Identity: Professional logo refresh, packaging design
• $1,000 – Inventory and Samples: Inventory to take to festivals, samples to show to stores and other potential vendors
• $1,000 – Marketing and Launch: Photography and social media ads targeting Michigan and foraging communities
• $1,000 – Legal / Business Set-Up: Business licensing, trademark
Owner recognizes Brand and Visual Identity may exceed budgeted costs.
Quick Bio
I am a former senior advisor with the federal government, but lost my job in early 2025 due to DOGE federal workforce cuts. I turned to creativity and outdoors for renewal and The Morel Code was born.
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