Meet the Team
Founder/CEO
Meet Lisa
Hi, I’m Lisa Dykema, aka Lisa Anne Cool, the Founder and CEO of l.a.cool. I’m so excited that l.a.cool is now open and poised to meet the fashion needs of Traverse City and the surrounding community. My journey here has been a circuitous one. My husband and I started a manufacturing business in Wisconsin in 1998, where I worked in a financial role until I retired a few years ago. At the time I was also busy raising four wonderful boys. While these years were fulfilling, I had always loved working at my mother’s clothing store growing up, and had a passion for fashion, but never really thought I could make this passion a career. But, during the pandemic I began spending more time in the local community, appreciating both the natural beauty of the region, as well as the thriving urban, artistic scene downtown. I became inspired to create a boutique that would appeal to women like me, who would like to have access to brands available in cities like Detroit and Chicago while being able to remain in our own community. My boutique is designed to meet the fashion needs of this growing community, whether someone is searching for the right outfit to wear to a formal occasion, a day at the beach, a romantic date, a boat ride, a night out with the girls, or just an evening at home curled up on the couch. I don’t just want l.a.cool to carry my name, but to create a feeling, a mood. When you come into l.a.cool, you will find a relaxing, welcoming environment, showcasing fashion inspired by a California lifestyle with a cool attitude, but with a midwestern flair. Fashion should be fun, effortless and empowering. So, stop by, try some clothes on, have a beverage, chat for a while, and let us know how we’re doing.
Traverse City Retail Manager
Meet Aubrey
Hello, I’m Aubrey. Born and raised in Traverse City, MI, I ventured to New York City after graduating from Grand Valley State University to pursue a career in wholesale fashion. While in NYC, I had the privilege of working with several celebrated designers, an experience that fueled my passion for the industry. After three incredible years in the city, I returned home to join l.a.cool as part of its founding team. Since day one, it has been a joy to help manage the store, work alongside our small but mighty team, and grow with the incredible support of our community.
I have a deep love for all things fashion—learning about clothing, discovering new and exciting brands, and styling pieces that resonate with our customers. Connecting with others and helping customers find pieces that truly suit them are what make this work so fulfilling.
Green Bay Retail Manager
Meet Ally
Hi, I’m Ally. I was born and raised in Green Bay, WI and attended college at UW-Stout for Retail Merchandising and Management. I returned home after graduation and began working for AZURE as a full time stylist to then buyer to retail manager. After 7 years of working for AZURE I was very fortunate to transition my position to l.a.cool.
I truly love buying for the store and styling our customers, I have found it so fulfilling to bring the best pieces in each season and share them with everyone.
Director of Marketing & Ecommerce
Meet Julia
Hello, I’m Julia! Born and raised in De Pere, WI, but now call Nashville home. I’ve been obsessed with fashion for as long as I can remember, some of my favorite childhood memories are taking road trips to Chicago just to shop. I studied Communication with an emphasis on Social Media at UWGB, which led me to my first role as a digital media intern at AZURE. After graduation, I worked in email marketing at Klaviyo but quickly realized I missed the fashion space too much. I made my way back to AZURE to focus on e-commerce and marketing, and now, I'm thrilled I get to do the same for l.a.cool. From curating our newest arrivals online to creating emails and social content, I love bringing the l.a.cool brand to life in every way.
When it comes to style, I like to lean towards classic, chic pieces, but I always love a playful print or color in the summer, something feminine and fun. My favorite brands? Zimmermann, Staud, Anine Bing, and AGOLDE.