Hi, I’m the Mackenzie & welcome to the barefoot life

Barefoot on Erie was founded in 2020, inspired by a feeling I never wanted to lose. At the end of another unforgettable summer on Lake Erie, I was getting ready to head back to the classroom. Like so many who spend their summers here, I wasn’t ready to leave behind the sunsets, sandy beaches, and peaceful shoreline. I wanted to create something that would keep a little piece of Erie close to my heart all year long—and that’s how Barefoot on Erie began.

In those early years, my twenties were filled with late nights creating, weekends spent at local markets, and growing the business online. Every order, market, and customer helped turn what started as a simple idea into something I was incredibly proud of.

Since then, life has grown in the best ways. I became a mom to my daughter in 2022, and this past year we welcomed our son. Motherhood has given me an even deeper appreciation for the place that inspired this business. Watching my children splash in the lake, explore the beaches, and experience the magic of Erie reminds me why this place has always meant so much to me.

One of my greatest hopes is to pass along my love for Lake Erie to my kids, creating the same memories and traditions that have shaped my own life. That love continues to inspire every design and every product I create.

Barefoot on Erie is more than a business—it’s a celebration of lake life, summer memories, and the feeling of home that Erie brings. Whether you’ve spent your whole life here or simply carry a special connection to the lake, I hope my creations help you keep a little piece of Erie with you wherever life takes you