April Lawyer: The Stories of Vanilla

Bend Magazine's The Circling Podcast with Adam Short

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When April Lawyer opened Vanilla in Bend's Old Mill District back in 2005, she was still racing professionally as a downhill mountain biker. Today, as her boutique celebrates nearly 20 years in business, her remarkable journey from action sports athlete to successful entrepreneur reveals how our past experiences shape unexpected futures.
Growing up in Big Bear Lake, California, April's early entrepreneurial spirit emerged through a childhood lemonade stand that evolved into selling treats from her bedroom window. Her introduction to snowboarding came through free ski days at the local mountain, sparking a passion that would lead to professional career. Meeting legendary snowboarder Janna Meyen became a pivotal moment, offering April both friendship and mentorship.
The 1997 Winter X Games in her hometown of Big Bear was a defining moment for April, as she became the only female athlete to compete in both snowboarding and mountain biking. April's talent, work ethic and the media spotlight opened doors that took her across the globe, riding on both snow and dirt. However, a serious crash at the 1999 X Games in Crested Butte led to a head injury, gradually shifting her focus toward mountain biking.
During her eleven years racing professionally, April developed valuable relationships with brands and gained experience in product development. After witnessing a friend's serious accident, she began contemplating her future beyond racing. Working at a friend's boutique had given her a taste of retail, and the seed of an idea began to form.
With remarkable determination, April secured a space in Bend's Old Mill District before she even had a business name. Opening Vanilla while still racing professionally, she initially kept her athletic background separate, wanting the store to stand on its own merits. Today, the boutique has become a beloved Bend institution known for both its carefully curated merchandise and the genuine community April has fostered.
Through April's story, we see how the skills developed in one arena—determination, authenticity, community-building, and resilience—can translate into success in entirely different ventures. Her journey reminds us that sometimes our most meaningful chapters come after following unexpected paths.

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Chapters

1. April Lawyer: The Stories of Vanilla (00:00:00)

2. Episode Introduction (00:01:03)

3. The Story Behind Tiny Dancer (00:04:45)

4. Childhood and Early Snowboarding Days (00:15:20)

5. Breaking Into Professional Snowboarding (00:31:20)

6. X Games and Olympic Experiences (00:48:48)

7. Recovery and Shifting to Mountain Biking (01:07:01)

8. Racing Career and Product Development (01:26:57)

9. The Birth of Vanilla Boutique (01:42:12)

10. Building a Business and Community (01:58:43)

11. Reflections on 20 Years of Vanilla (02:11:18)