Scaling Big Ideas into Sustainable Growth with Dept. Two in Two Harbors, MN

Chrissy Scandin grew up in Two Harbors watching her mother run a downtown department store—a role model who made entrepreneurship look easy. Inspired by that example, Chrissy opened her own salon, Dept. Two, on the same street years later in 2019.  

“She made it look easy,” said Chrissy of her mother. “And I think when people make it look easy, you're more likely to do it. I love what I'm doing, so I don't think it's hard, but it's also not easy.” 

Chrissy opened her doors with big ideas but limited space. From the start, she connected with the Entrepreneur Fund—and that connection became a trusted partnership that would help shape every stage of her growth.

In her first year, Chrissy enrolled in Be Strategic, a program designed to help business owners plan for sustainable growth. With guidance from her EFund advisor, Sandi Larson, she began building a roadmap for her business—learning how to scale intentionally through small steps: renovating her salon space, exploring boutique retail, and hosting community events that brought people together.

As Dept. Two continued to succeed, Chrissy took a bold step forward in 2023: purchasing land for a second location to open her new venture—LAGOM. 

Named after the Swedish word that translates to “not too much, not too little, just the right amount,” LAGOM is more than a boutique. It’s a community gathering place and a shared space where women entrepreneurs can lease space, grow their wellness businesses, and build confidence—just as EFund helped Chrissy do. 

“I think women are full of amazing ideas, and maybe we don't always get the support that we need,” said Chrissy. “I feel very lucky that I found Sandi and the Entrepreneur Fund, because it definitely gave me more confidence.” 

That confidence came from more than just encouragement. Over six years, Chrissy partnered with EFund for strategic planning, working capital for salon renovations, new inventory and financing to launch LAGOM. Her journey wasn’t powered by one big moment, but by continued support—loan by loan (3 total), conversation by conversation (nearly 50 hours with Sandi alone), decision by decision.

“It was hard to step back at first and reevaluate what was important,” she said. “And it worked out because I would have never survived. I’m thankful for the tough love Sandi gave me.” 

Chrissy’s story is more than one of business growth—it’s about building community through entrepreneurship. With the support she received from EFund, she not only achieved her goals, but also created space for women to pursue theirs— helping build a stronger, more connected Two Harbors.

Have big dreams for your business?

If you’re ready to scale intentionally and want a partner to guide you with flexible financing and expert advising, contact us today. Or you can get started by completing this form to connect with an Entrepreneur Fund advisor in your community.