What began as a small table of personalized gifts and custom T-shirts has grown into something far bigger — a business rooted in heart, hustle, and a deep commitment to community.
Before The Local Gal & Co had a name, a storefront, or a following, its founder, Jessica Clark, was simply a mom with a big heart and a natural instinct to serve. “I’ve always loved filling in the gaps,” Jessica says. And it was one of those gaps that sparked what would become a thriving local business.
When her daughter entered high school, long days quickly became the norm. Between classes and sports, she was often gone from early morning until well into the evening. Wanting to make sure her daughter had the energy to get through practice and games, Jessica began dropping off healthy snacks after school.
It didn’t take long for her to notice something else: many student-athletes didn’t have that same support.
What started as one bag of snacks soon became many. Each afternoon, Jessica found herself bringing enough for anyone who needed them. The idea was simple — but powerful. “Our community really needed a way for these kids to get food after school and before games and practices,” she recalls. The response from friends and neighbors was immediate and encouraging.
That was the moment she decided to take a leap — from hobbyist to entrepreneur.
Jessica found a small space, opened her doors, and began offering daily food delivery to students at South Spencer Middle School and South Spencer High School. The mission was clear: make sure no student went without. Whether it was one order or sixty, delivery happened — every single day.
And the growth didn’t stop there.
The Local Gal & Co serves the entire community with coffee, breakfast, and lunch.
Hundreds of shirts are produced each week, many for South Spencer Middle School and High School.
These personalized bag tags are among the many unique items produced by The Local Gal & Co.
Today, The Local Gal & Co serves the entire community with coffee, breakfast, and lunch, all delivered straight to the schools. What once started as custom T-shirts and gifts has expanded into a full-scale creative shop producing hundreds of shirts each week. It’s become a true family affair, with embroidery, yard signs, banners, and paper products now part of the lineup.
At home, Jessica’s greatest support system is her family. She and her husband, Randall, have been married for 17 years and are raising their four children together. “I truly couldn’t do any of this without him,” Jessica says. “Our family is at the heart of everything we build.”
“We’re a one-stop shop now,” she adds with a smile. “I just can’t help but fill the gaps.”
More than a business, The Local Gal & Co stands as a reflection of Jessica Clark’s belief that small acts of kindness can grow into something extraordinary — and that when one person shows up for their community, the community shows up right back.
