Ashley Morken
Photos Provided By Lost In Fargo
As you’ve seen people around you displaying their love of Fargo and all things Midwestern in their apparel, you can thank Nels Hunstad of Lost in Fargo for propelling that movement.
Hang with us this month to get to know the creative force behind the ‘Aw Geez,’ ‘Uff Da’ and now ‘Ope’ shirts you’re catching everywhere (and, nope, there isn’t anything more comfortable while you stay at home than wearing one of his tees!).
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I grew up in Moorhead and spent a lot of my youth exploring the woods near my house, doing theater and playing sports. I like to camp, hike and travel in my free time with my lab, Boone and my seven-year-old daughter, Ren.
What do you make under Lost in Fargo?
Lost in Fargo is a lifestyle brand, we screen print the most comfortable clothing we can find and encourage people to get Lost in Fargo. I use photography as a way to show a different way of looking at things and tie together the message that goes along with our gift items.
How did you get into printmaking?
My dad actually – he was active as an event coordinator and created a humorous line of Lutheran gift items when I was a kid. Eventually, that business did so well that he expanded into screen printing while I was in high school.
Favorite product you currently make?
There are so many, but the OPE t-shirt we released this year has been a lot of fun. It’s hilarious to see everyone’s reactions and hear their OPE stories.
Most popular shirt you’ve ever sold?
Our Lost in Fargo Logo tee is still the best seller overall. We’re always doing small runs of different colors and styles for that one. People love our Aw Geez, Uff Da, and You Betcha shirts as well.
You’ve done Lost in Fargo for a while now – how has your business changed over time?
It seems like it has been in a constant state of change since the beginning. It’s a lot of fun to have a business where I’ve been able to expand my craft while my business grows. We started out with pop-ups and wholesale, then we created our own studio/store and now we’re back to mostly events. It’s interesting to see how rapidly the retail business changes over five years.
What is your favorite thing about having your own creative business?
It’s a great excuse to just create and create. Being able to have a business that incorporates photography, design, printing, community and adventure? Really a dream come true. I think the overall versatility of the project means every day there is a different project to do.
What is the most challenging thing?
Being flexible when things don’t work out how you pictured them. Also being self-motivated to complete projects when social life and other opportunities come up.
What is a word that best describes you?
Lost. Haha
What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?
Work harder, listen to advice and don’t be afraid to take charge. It took me a while to open up to others and really unleash my full potential as a creative. Once I started to take on more responsibility and put in the work things clicked into place.
Where can people find your work?
We’re all over the place, currently, you can find us online at lostinfargo.com – We’re also at the Red River Market every Saturday, in stores at Unglued, THIS Skate & Snow, Plains Art Museum and the Fargo Visitors center.
How can our community support you – especially in this time?
I feel like we’re all in a bit of a holding pattern. I’m hopeful that our community will come out of this even stronger and, in the meantime, if you haven’t been impacted financially, keep buying from small businesses!
How can we stay in touch?
lostinfargo.com
instagram.com/lostinfargo
facebook.com/lostinfargo
twitter.com/lostin_fargo
