Today we’d like to introduce you to Lerin Lockwood
LERIN, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before I became an entrepreneur, I was a high school teacher and coach in Marble Falls for 11 years. In 2012, I was newly engaged and never wanted to take my new engagement ring off. Despite my student-athletes not being allowed to wear their jewelry during competition or practice, I thought I was an exception to the rule and wore my ring anyways. I last minute had to catch in for one of our center fielders, and after catching the ball, I felt a terrible sting in my ring finger. I removed my hand from the glove and noticed, not only did the ball flatten my engagement ring, but it also knocked out a diamond I couldn’t find. After learning this lesson the hard way, I began looking for places to keep my ring while I was coaching, teaching, working out or cooking. I couldn’t find anything that I could attach to something larger like my keys, that didn’t come unscrewed, so I made it myself. I named it the Lion Latch Travel Jewelry Holder and launched it on Kickstarter in 2015. I have since presented the Lion Latch on GMA (’20) , Shark Tank (’21) and was the first TikTok Shop (’23). Since appearing on Shark Tank, I was able to move Lion Latch out of my living room and into our own fulfillment center/headquarters. I have an awesome team of moms who help with fulfillment and customer service. I have also added more products to the Lion Latch brand.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having the Lion Latch made in the USA was extremely important to me, but my major struggle was finding a US manufacturer who could do what they said the could. After trying many US manufacturers, I went to Shark Tank for help. Though I did not get a deal (the sharks said I didn’t need them), I did find an amazing manufacturer in Alabama thanks to my other friends who had appeared on the show.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am probably most known for my posts on TikTok. Because I was one of their first TikTok Shops and having amazing success selling on the app, TikTok invited me to Cannes, France to speak on their panel at the Cannes Lion Festival. They also ordered hundreds of branded Lion Latches for me to gift to attendees.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I read a book called “Planned Tomorrow Today,” and it really helped me with focusing on my goals and writing them down a day in advance so I don’t lose sleep thinking about it overnight. When I taught, I had a schedule and bell system telling me when to clean up art supplies, when I had a lunch bathroom break and when to go home. Becoming a full-time entrepreneur was hard at first when it came to staying on track, but once I read this book I was able to implement self-discipline and remain consist so I could achieve my goals.
Pricing:
- Solid Lion Latch 12.95
- Sports Lion Latch 16.95
- Travel Jewelry Case 34.95
- Lion Pack Sports/Travel Bag 89.95
- Promotional branding upon request.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LionLatch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionlatch_jewelrytotes and www.instagram.com/lionlatch_jewelrytotes
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/LionLatchJewelryTote/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRa4C7E0JpzBCVrINRlHWLQ
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lionlatch?lang=en
