Each and every single small business that I feature on my Monday Introductions post is special to me, but today’s business is a little more so. Today I’m sharing a more personal story – an interview with my hubby about the company we just started, Fore Lane Golf.
This has been a big, terrifying, exciting project for our family, and one that has been in the works for a while. Sewing has been a big part of my life since I was born and my mom and grandmother dressed me in handmade and hand-smocked flowy dresses. I come from a family who is full of talented crafters, so I had no choice other than to get swept up in the craze and start sewing myself. The machine I actually use now was once my paternal grandmother’s machine that she used and then passed down to my mother to use, and now it’s mine! The vintage Husqvarna machine just helps put a little extra love in each and every single head cover that we sew and ship to you.
Make sure you read until the end, where we’re giving away a $40 shop credit to one lucky follower!
Who are you?
My name is Zachary Gonzales and I am 25 years old, married to the most beautiful woman in the world and the father of an amazing 19 month baby boy. We live in Boise Idaho but I was born and raised in Portland. I play the guitar, enjoy listening to vinyl records, and love playing golf.
What made you start Fore Lane Golf?
Fore Lane Golf was an idea, and I have a lot of ideas (just ask my wife) but golf really has a need for stylist accessories…. that are affordable. I’m a father and husband and we have a mortgage, bills, and everything else so buying expensive golf accessories are really at the bottom of my list. That’s were Fore Lane Golf comes in, we can handcraft these accessories and pick every aspect (fabric, etc…) and make them affordable to the everyday guy or gal like us.
How did you come up with the name?
Fore is a golf term you yell when you golf ball is either coming close to hitting someone or is about to (I’ve yelled it once or twice). Lane is my wife’s last name (and theres nothing more in this world I love). Golf, it’s not only what were selling but its been my life since I was 8 years old.
What (or who) has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration is golf; the deep and rich history, and the styles that are becoming the “new norm”. With players of my generation (the Rickie Fowlers, and Jordan Speiths) crazy colors and style are actually making it the course and we want to be part of the style revolution for golf. I also wanted an additional way to help support my family. We all work really hard every day to be able to provide a happy and healthy home, and I would love to eventually be able to make this a sole full time endeavor.
As a parent who works out of the home, how do you balance everything?!
Well we work out of a spare bedroom in our home but I also have a everyday job Monday through Friday, so the goal is just to figure out how to balance everything, which is really hard. We are parents of a 19 month old toddler, so we do the best we can to work together to get it all done. I handout all the fabric and my wife sews everything. Our time with our son is priceless, so we try to cut and sew when our son is napping during the day, or when he goes down for the night, but everyone once in awhile he helps his old man (Pretend) to cut fabric.
What has been your favorite piece so far?
“Locals Only” this Banana print fabric was like straight out of a dream, literally. I handle a “fresh health” program at work and I had been working on a banana program for the past year and a half, so I was literally dreaming of bananas. We came upon the fabric one day while shopping around for options, and as soon as I saw it – I knew. Really every single piece we do is my favorite for different reasons though, and I seem to have a new favorite every day.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
Every headcover we produce is handcrafted from the cutting to the sewing. We take such pride in our work and we wouldn’t sell anything we wouldn’t put in our golf bags. Many of our fabrics are vintage finds from estate sales or auctions that have a pretty cool history, so you won’t find them anywhere else! We so appreciate everyone’s support in our new adventure and we are so excited to see where this journey takes us!
And just for fun, If you were to try out for The Voice, what song would you pick to sing?
I would deff have to do Bruno Mars, “Up town funk” because you literally can’t hear that song and not want to dance, plus its one of my son’s favorites right now…… so even with my terrible voice the beat would still make everyone dance
This giveaway is open to anywhere ForeLaneGolf ships, but you must be 18+ to win. This giveaway is not sponsored by Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.
Patrice Foster says
Great story about your family business and design of head cover for golfers handcraft and sew by hand how awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Shannon says
Thank you so much Patrice!
shelah moss says
What a great gift for anyone who golfs. I like the American Flag cover.
Shannon says
That one is my favorite as well 🙂
CourtneyLynne says
Such a great giveaway! Everyone in my family just loves golf!
Shannon says
Good luck on winning! We're a golfing family too 🙂
Tina says
Thanks for sharing this great story! Good luck with your new endeavor!
Shannon says
Thank you Tina!
Liz Mays says
It's so fun to express your personality through the design. What a great gift idea!
Shannon says
Thank you so much Liz!
Leilani says
Congrats on your business venture! I couldn't imagine driving a vintage seeing machine. Is it super complex? Love all the classy fabrics.
Carolyn says
These are great love the American Classic fabric covers. Thank you for sharing.
Masshole Mommy says
Those are SO cute. It makes me wish I knew anyone that played golf so I could get them some.
Alexandra B. says
Woah! Good luck to your hubby and you with the company. Wishing you all the best for your little endeavour!
Alex – FJ
I am Harriet says
I know some people who would love that one
Esme Sy says
These are very cute. I will keep this as a reference because my brother in law might want to check this out.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I like the golf covers. Even though I have never played golf. Ha!!
Ourfamilyworld says
These are nice! My husband and my brother in law would love these covers.
Shann Soiney says
These are awesome! Congratulations on your business. I think you guys are going to be a huge success! Entered the giveaway too.
Christina Zella says
This is the perfect gift for my golf crazed husband. PS teach me how to sew a straight line when you have a minute, ok?
Victoria Heckstall says
Its fun to express your self into this design . i absolutely love this, thank you for sharing your story
The Stay-at-Home Life Blog says
These look really neat for golf players.
The Quiet Grove says
What a fun giveaway for golf lovers!
Aubrey S. says
Thank you for featuring this shop and offering this giveaway. As a lady who took up golf lessons last year, I've been less than impressed with the local retail offerings of accessories for women. If I won, I'd get new head covers for my woods; I really like the Aloha Uno print.
Aubrey S. says
Also, I'm here by way of My So-Called Chaos.
Rebecca Swenor says
This is a great inspiring post indeed and kudos to both of you for starting a business you love. It is actually an awesome idea and I have never played golf but know it is quite a big business/game. Thanks for sharing.
debdenny says
Know a couple of people that would like these. really nice
Maya L. says
These are really neat! Best of luck!