How Alaska SBDC helped Arctic Luxe transform financial challenges into a thriving future for Indigenous fashion
For Bobby Brower, sewing began as a way to provide something meaningful for her family. When her daughter was born, Bobby wanted to dress her in traditional clothing but found it was financially out of reach. Encouraged by her aunt, Florence Brower, Bobby learned to sew, while her mother taught her how to work with fur and create patterns. A college sewing class further refined her skills, and what started as a personal passion quickly grew into an indigenous fashion business as people began requesting custom pieces through Facebook.
In 2010, Bobby officially launched Arctic Luxe, creating custom parkas and a host of other fashion items, such as t-shirts, fur hats, and earrings, giving a unique, modern spin to traditional indigenous garments and accessories. Six years later, she expanded her entrepreneurial journey by purchasing Alaska Fur Cache, allowing her to provide fur and sewing supplies to fellow artisans. Today, she continues to operate both businesses from her home in Anchorage while sharing Indigenous culture through fashion.
Like many entrepreneurs, Bobby’s creative talents did not always translate into financial confidence. As her business grew, she found herself struggling with her finances. On paper, her companies were profitable, but her debt was mounting, and cash flow was tight. She knew she needed to fix her financials but wasn’t sure where to begin. Remembering the assistance she had received when purchasing her fur business, Bobby reached out to the Alaska Small Business Development Center for help.
Working with an Alaska SBDC Business Advisor, Bobby gained practical business skills that helped reshape the financial side of her companies. Together, they established achievable goals and action steps that gave her a clear roadmap for success. She learned how to price her handcrafted products appropriately, identify which products generated the strongest returns, and strategically reinvest those earnings into her business. These changes gave Bobby the confidence and knowledge to make informed financial decisions while continuing to focus on creating authentic Indigenous fashion and supporting other artists through Alaska Fur Cache.
The impact of Alaska SBDC’s guidance has been transformative. Bobby reports that she is now almost debt-free, a milestone she credits to the business strategies and financial coaching she received. With a healthier business foundation, she has expanded Arctic Luxe into an internationally recognized Indigenous fashion brand, traveling to share her culture and traditional artistry with audiences around the world.
Looking ahead, Bobby is preparing a collection for an upcoming international fashion show and hopes to achieve another major milestone by opening a brick-and-mortar storefront in Anchorage, where customers can experience her work in person. Her journey demonstrates how combining cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and sound business practices can create lasting success.
“I’m beyond thankful to have these services, and I wish I would have got an advisor when I first started my business. Now I’m almost debt-free because of these services! Thank you so much for your guidance and help!”
Bobby exemplifies resilience, creativity, and continuous growth. From learning to sew traditional clothing for her daughter to building two successful businesses that celebrate and preserve Indigenous culture, she has transformed her passion into an inspiring entrepreneurial journey.
With support from the Alaska SBDC, Bobby transformed the financial health of her business and positioned Arctic Luxe for continued growth on both local and international stages. Bobby continues to demonstrate how tradition, innovation, and the right business support can create a legacy that inspires future generations. You can follow her on Instagram or Facebook and place an order with her via her Website.
