DULUTH - He started out making custom greeting cards for his friends and family at Christmas. Now it has evolved into a business unlike any other in the Northland. Shane Bauer of Duluth has one mission and that is to make a difference in the world in his own unique way.

Shane Bauer believes in focusing on the important things in life which include spending time with his family; wife Jenny and his daughter Hartley and son Brock.  He wants to make sure his children grow up in a world that is positive and uplifting, and is trying to make that happen through his business.

Shane is a graphic design artist with a unique mission. He first became interested in graphic design in high school and thought it would be fun to create custom greeting cards for his family and friends at Christmas.   As it turns out, his custom cards were successful, which then evolved into a business "Laughingstock Design," which he currently owns and operates out of his home in Duluth.

 At the time of opening his business, Shane had a moment that changed his life. Shane says he was tired of the content they put on t–shirts. "I was at a major department store one day and the tipping point was an all black t–shirt that said in white letters "Bite Me".

 Shane questioned why anyone would buy and wear a shirt with negative content on it. This propelled him to turning it around by creating t–shirts with positive messages. He started a t-shirt clothing line called "Happy Space Positive Wear", which contain positive messages. Some of the messages include; "Peaceful Inside and Out," "Live in Harmony," "Grow Hope," and "Find your Rhythym, and "Human, Just Like You."

 Shane started this line of t-shirts one year ago and within that time, he sold 1,000 t–shirts. That means there are 1,000 positive messages roaming around the Northland. He says "Artists are in a unique position to start with, and are able to have an impact through communication on our society."

 Shane shared that one of the most effective things he has come up with is spreading a positive message. He takes a percentage of the proceeds from his business sales and gives it to charity. He also holds a fundraiser once a month. He says when he started his own business 9 years ago, he never expected it would grow into this. 

"This is the greatest thing I have ever done in my life. It's unbelievable to have your own business. It's challenging and stressful but an adventure and it's super exciting."

Shane has big plans for the future in which next spring he hopes to open a retail shop in downtown Duluth. For now, he will continue to enjoy his family, embrace life and make a difference, one positive message at a time.

Shane will have his work on display Saturday September 12th from 9am to 4pm at the Lake Superior Harvest Festival and Energy Fair in Duluth.

Visit Shane's business Web sites at:

www.laughingstockdesign.com

www.laughingstockdesign.biz

DECEMBER 31 UPDATE:

Bauer says he has signed a lease and will open his retail store in the Fitger's complex in April.

He's also planning a new line of shirts made from eco-friendly, sustainable fabrics such as bamboo and hemp.