Judy Gordon has always tried to live her life with a positive attitude.

But when she saw her dear friend hurt by a loved one she decided to start a business with the goal of bringing happiness to others.

"It makes me feel really good when I see someone just look at a shirt and kind of laugh or smile or feel happy doing it and so that's kind of what it's all about," says Judy.

Minnesota Nice began in 2007 and sells a variety of products from shirts to aprons to stickers... all with funny or inspiring messages.

"I'm wearing this one and it's my favorite with Babe because it makes me feel like Babe, plus the image of the blue ox is strong and true blue and I think it's a good image for women," says Judy.

Since Judy started Minnesota Nice she has made it a priority to work with local businesses.

"I think it's really important to work with local businesses whenever possible and use them to produce my products. I have my screening and embroidery done at Jersey City right here in Duluth," says Judy.

Judy wants to keep her business small for now...

But eventually she would like to turn it over to someone with a capability to grow the company.

"Hopefully it will go statewide because I think it would definitely appeal to people of this state and ideally I would like to see it become a big brand name like 'Life is Good' who knows," says Judy.

Judy Gordon runs Minnesota Nice out of her home.

She sells her products at various Duluth stores, craft fairs, and on her website.

For more information on how to purchase items for yourself or sell Minnesota Nice products in your store you can log onto minnesotanicestore.com or e-mail Judy at nicefolks@minnesotanicestore.com.