Meet Matthew Atkinson

We recently connected with Matthew Atkinson and have shared our conversation below.

Matthew, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding my purpose has been a transformative journey, one that has led me to create Lost Boy Creations, an adventure apparel company inspired by the youthful and adventurous spirit of the Lost Boys from Peter Pan. Our motto, “Live Like a Lost Boy,” encapsulates a mission I strive to embody in every aspect of life—discovering what drives us, whether in recreation or work. While I was fortunate to land a job in my respective industry right after college, I quickly realized that success didn’t equate to happiness. This realization propelled me to seek fulfillment beyond the conventional path laid out by the age-old concept of the American Dream—graduating, finding a stable job, marrying, having children, and working towards retirement.

Embracing the idea of individuality, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery through travel and adventure. Disciplines like surfing, fishing, and music opened my eyes to a world that celebrated diversity and nonconformity. I understood that there was a place in the professional realm for every lifestyle and personality. By rejecting the confines of a monotonous 9-to-5 job in a cubicle, I transformed my workspace into experiences that had me embodying the very essence of “living like a lost boy.” My lifelong passion for woodworking and creativity became the foundation upon which I built my business, allowing me to share a message of joy and adventure.

Having grown up traveling rather than accumulating material possessions, I carried forward the values of exploration and cultural appreciation. Living in tropical islands like the U.S. Virgin Islands and Key West presented an escape from the rigors of everyday life, and I realized that my apparel provided others with a tangible piece of that paradise to hold onto amidst the drudgery of their business lives. I’ve come to believe that our purpose often runs deeper than our careers; it resides in the values we uphold as individuals. For some of us, turning our passions into careers is a privilege, and I’ve tried to harness that opportunity to inspire others.

As cliché as it may sound, the saying, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life,” resonates with me profoundly. By embodying the spirit of a lost boy, I continue to uncover my purpose amidst the noise of daily responsibilities. Every success in my journey has stemmed from listening to my heart and utilizing the life experiences that shaped me, reminding me that the joy derived from these adventures is the true path to my purpose. It has required relentless drive and dedication to reach where I am today, but the fulfillment I derive from “Lost Boy Creations” is a testament to the power of following one’s passion.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a 37-year-old entrepreneur, my journey to launching Lost Boy Creations has been anything but linear. From an early age, I was fortunate enough to travel extensively with my family, cultivating a deep appreciation for life experiences over material possessions. After graduating, I began my career in the hospitality industry, quickly realizing that it wasn’t where my true passions lay. At 21, I took a leap of faith, packing a bag and buying a one-way ticket to St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This pivotal experience removed me from familiar surroundings, pushing me to discover who I was and what truly excited me about life. I apprenticed with a wooden boatbuilder for five years, learning the art and craft of woodworking while building not only boats but also treehouses and surfboards—all elements of the adventurous lifestyle I aspired to promote.

The heart and soul of Lost Boy Creations lie in weaving the values of adventure, creativity, and authenticity into every piece we offer. What excites me most about this brand is our ability to capture the laid-back island lifestyle and share it with those yearning for an escape from the daily grind. We thrive on creating a community that embraces acceptance, joy, and adventure, which is reflected in our unique apparel and the experiences we provide. Our new 3,100 square foot shop in Key West serves as a hub for this vision, blending woodworking, live music, and a welcoming environment with a beer and wine bar. It’s not merely a retail space; it’s an experience that embodies the spirit of “Living like a Lost Boy.” Our collaborations with musicians and participation in festivals help us spread our message far and wide.

The evolution of my brand over the years has created a family-style workplace where we play hard while working diligently toward our vision of scaling our business nationally and globally through online platforms. Our approachable logo and resonant message position us for exciting growth in the coming years. Additionally, I aspire to channel all of these passions into a Key West music festival by 2026, further enriching the community and the connection we foster with our customers. Ultimately, Lost Boy Creations is an extension of myself—a curated reflection of my values and experiences, and I hope to continue shaping it as I gather more stories and adventures in the journey ahead.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Embrace Life Experiences Life experiences, whether good or bad, provide valuable lessons that shape who we are. In a fast-paced world driven by technology, it’s easy to fall into routine and normalize each day. Stepping out of your comfort zone opens doors to new perspectives and opportunities, allowing for personal growth and enriching your understanding of the diverse world around you.

Challenge Conventional Thinking
Engaging with different cultures and professions encourages a fresh approach to problem-solving. Recognizing that various beliefs and methodologies exist can lead to innovative solutions and broader knowledge. By exploring alternative perspectives, we enhance our ability to adapt and thrive in various environments.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Acknowledging the vast array of lifestyles and practices beyond our immediate experiences is essential for personal development. This awareness fosters curiosity and a willingness to learn from others. In doing so, we not only expand our horizons but also cultivate a mindset that values continuous growth and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.

For those just starting their journey, my key advice is to embrace every opportunity that comes your way. You don’t have to say yes enthusiastically, but challenging your thinking by exploring the possibilities can lead to unexpected growth. Mistakes may arise, but they often impart invaluable lessons essential for development. Even small interactions, like sharing lunch with people outside your usual circle, can alter your perspective and inspire change. Some of my most profound realizations about my business stemmed from accepting opportunities I initially felt too busy for; they allowed me to solve problems from a different angle and introduced me to remarkable individuals with fresh insights. Don’t shy away from wild opportunities; for instance, despite my fear of heights, going skydiving recently reinvigorated my spirit in ways I never anticipated. Embrace every chance as a potential catalyst for transformation, and you may discover a new path that excites and motivates you.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Embracing every opportunity is a foundational principle of not only personal growth but also professional development, and at Lost Boy Creations, we actively seek like-minded individuals and businesses to partner with. Whether you are an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone who shares our vision, collaboration is key in reaching our successful end goal. As we diligently work to scale our online market and increase our overall sales, we recognize that Key West, while a vibrant melting pot that has helped spread our message, presents its own limitations due to the finite number of tourists. Our ultimate aim is to connect with the right partners who can help shine a light on Lost Boy Creations, making our adventure-inspired apparel accessible to a broader audience.

With the recognition and positive reception our products have garnered, we know they stand for something meaningful that resonates with people from all walks of life. We believe that the right partnerships will unlock new avenues for reaching potential customers and expand our impact. As we navigate this exciting phase of growth, we’re optimistic that the opportunities we seek will present themselves, allowing us to take Lost Boy Creations to new heights. Ultimately, we look forward to working collaboratively to amplify our mission and inspire others to embrace the adventurous spirit that our brand embodies.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Nick Doll Photography, Krystal Sanchez – Picture the Keys

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