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Some people come into your life like a gentle island breeze — warm, easy, and full of sunshine. That’s exactly how I’d describe Lauren Minkler, my dear friend and the very first Island Girl of West Indies Wear.
I first met Lauren in 2009, when I was living on my boat in the Caribbean and on the hunt for a U.S. sales rep. She called me down in St. Maarten, and the moment we started talking, I knew we’d be instant friends. What started as a business connection turned into a lifelong bond that has shaped both my life and the heart of our brand.
Lauren wasn’t just my first sales rep. She became the heart and soul of our U.S. operations, and I visited her at least twice a year. Staying with her and her family. I watched her children grow up!
For 8 years, she ran our warehouse — the one many of you received your orders from — packing boxes with love, sending handwritten notes, and making sure everything ran smoothly.
She worked tirelessly through trade shows, helped set up booth after booth, and always brought the laughter and fun, no matter how long the day had been. So many funny memories !
We always had so much fun together: late-night cocktail parties after trade shows, sailing trips, sleepovers at her house in Florida, and even riding out a few hurricanes.... with more cocktails of course. Lauren was more than a colleague; she was my sounding board, my cheerleader, my Island Sister.
When it came time to move our warehouse to a larger facility in Nashville, it was a bittersweet transition. Lauren was ready to retire and enjoy the next chapter of her life — one filled with beach walks, boat rides, and family time. But life, as we all know, can change in an instant.
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A Call for Help — Lauren’s Journey to Recovery❤️🩹
Last September, Lauren suffered a tragic accident while attending a dinner party in New Hampshire. Mistaking a door for the bathroom, she accidentally fell down a flight of basement stairs and suffered a "traumatic brain injury".
After four weeks in the hospital and nearly six months of intensive rehab, Lauren is finally back home in Florida. But her recovery is far from over. The injury left her with paralysis on her left side, making her completely dependent on others for basic daily tasks like moving, dressing, and bathing.
Her family has been incredibly strong — her husband is now her full-time caregiver, and they’ve brought in additional physical and speech therapy to help her reclaim independence. However, the cost of these essential therapies and caregiving support adds up to over $5,000 a month, and unfortunately, much of it isn’t covered by insurance.
Lauren has always been full of life — dancing, sailing, entertaining, hiking, and living with joy. And we all want to see her back to doing the things she loves!
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How You Can Help 🩵
If Lauren touched your life — as a customer, a friend, or a fellow Island Girl — we invite you to support her recovery through a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by her family. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps her receive the therapy and care she needs to heal, rebuild strength, and reclaim her independence.
👉 Click here to donate to Lauren’s Recovery Fund
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, sharing, and caring.
With love,
Kim
Designer, West Indies Wear