Barb Owen-Boerger

Barb Owen-Boerger is the founder of Getaway Apparel, a women-owned brand dedicated to making mosquito repellent beautiful, wearable, and eco-friendly. Inspired by a family day at the lake years ago, Barb noticed how cumbersome traditional insect repellents were and envisioned a product that combined protection, comfort, and style. This idea evolved into Getaway Kimonos—kimono-inspired wraps treated with EPA-registered Insect Shield® technology that is odorless, long-lasting, and safe for all ages, including children and pregnant women. Designed for travel, outdoor living, and everyday use, these wraps allow women to stay protected without compromising their wardrobe or lifestyle.

Barb’s entrepreneurial journey reflects her creativity, perseverance, and commitment to practical innovation. After experimenting with jewelry design through her SandBay Jewelry business, teaching classes, and running small ventures, she tested the mosquito-repellent concept by treating sarongs and cover-ups for friends and family. In 2020, following personal and professional challenges, she launched Getaway Kimonos officially, leveraging her experience, ingenuity, and a supportive community in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to bring the product to market. The brand quickly gained traction, earning attention through media features and glowing customer testimonials.

Beyond her product development, Barb champions wellness, functionality, and community-focused entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of observing unmet needs and turning them into solutions that enhance everyday life, all while maintaining a sense of fun, creativity, and accessibility. Whether developing wearable mosquito protection, designing resin jewelry, or teaching and mentoring, Barb blends innovation with practicality, offering products and experiences that are meaningful, stylish, and useful.

• Bemidji State University - B.S. Sport Mgmt