Lori Brinkerhoff

Lori Brinkerhoff was working three jobs, living in a women’s shelter, and recovering from domestic violence when she launched her business.

Ten years later, Brinkerhoff is helping other women find their strength through inspirational apparel that affirms their worth. 

Brinkerhoff remembers that February morning in 2015, when she thought she would die as a victim of domestic abuse. She said the day “started out crazy” when her former spouse threatened to shoot her in front of their children. Brinkerhoff called 911, and once police arrived, she and her four children left with only a change of clothes and toothbrushes in a Walmart sack.

“We just had to get out of there and I would figure everything else out later,” Brinkerhoff said. “It was the beginning of not knowing what was going to happen next.”

All she knew was that this was a new start for her family, and a chance for her to start the business she had long been dreaming about. 

Three years later, she launched Graphik Xpressions, an idea that came to her when the song “Scars to Your Beautiful” poured over her car radio. 

Brinkerhoff went home and designed a shirt with a dual message. “Stronger than I ever thought possible” appeared on the front for all to see, while a mirrored image unveiled a hidden phrase, “Never give up.” 

In 2021, Brinkerhoff faced another crossroad when a close family member passed away. “It was devastating, but it made me evaluate where I was, where I wanted to be, and where I was going,” she said. 

Brinkerhoff craved learning and loved the color purple, so she enrolled at Weber State University. While walking on campus, a sign promoting entrepreneurship caught her eye. 

“I thought selling things would be easy, but I was so wrong,” Brinkerhoff said. “I needed to have the foundation, knowledge, and skills to become successful and to make my business more than just a hobby.”

Brinkerhoff graduated in spring 2025 with her associate degree in general studies. 

Now she’s working toward a bachelor’s degree in communication, selecting civic advocacy as her emphasis, with a minor in entrepreneurship.

“Knowledge is power,” Brinkerhoff said. “Because of Weber State, I felt in control of my education.” 

Brinkerhoff says that WSU opened doors to opportunities. While attending school, she was awarded $3,000 through the Wildcat MicroFUND to grow her business. 

She’s now selling at vendor shows, which she loves because it gives her the chance to share her story and develop new relationships.

“We don’t know how strong and resilient we are until we are thrown into a situation that requires it,” she said. “There’s not always a plan, you just power through.”

But for Brinkerhoff, giving back is the biggest opportunity of all, helping to uplift other victims of domestic violence and their families. 

“I wouldn’t be here today without the help of others,” she said. “Now it’s my turn to give back.”