Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Goodwin.
Hi Mary, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ladybugs Boutique, originally launched as Ladybugs Children’s Boutique, was established in October 2018. It all began with my love for dressing my son in his cute little clothes. I aimed to dress him in smocks and jon-jons the way my mother dressed us. As a matter of fact, I believe it’s safe to say my love for fashion started with my mom. I vividly remember my mother shopping at stores such as Gayfer’s and McRae’s and local boutiques like Tiny Town that was then located on Sage Avenue. She loved for her children to be dressed finely and like kids. She loved sale racks and bargain deals!
After Kendall was a few months old, I discovered what I call “mom groups” on Facebook. So, there are literally tons and tons of BST (Buy, Sell, Trade) groups where moms purchase baby and toddler clothing at unbelievable deals! So, I found myself spending more money than I should have been spending but I also began selling Kendall’s clothes as he grew out of them. I also consigned his clothes with local resell/consignment events and consignment boutiques. I became slightly… addicted. One day, in the midst of taking pictures of items to resell, I heard God say, “Mary you can do this. You can sell kids’ clothes and cut out the middle man.” And, just like that, in July of 2018, Ladybugs Children’s Boutique began.
Ladybug is the nickname my sister and I gave our mother. It’s my way of paying homage to her for not only her fashion influence but all the many profound influences she left on me when she passed away in January of 2018. I initially started offering both new and resale clothing. The resale category quickly dissolved as it was not a popular option being an online boutique. So, I focused only on new baby and toddler apparel and accessories. After my first year, I realized many of the pieces I sold could be monogrammed. In the South, we LOVE monograms! So, in May of 2019, I purchased an embroidery machine and taught myself how to embroider. I officially offered monogramming as a service around October of 2019.
One thing I’ve learned in life and in business is to never be afraid to change. I completed a brand/business relaunch early 2022. I’ve always offered traditional children’s clothing, clothing widely loved in the Southeastern part of the United States. Smocked and appliqued clothing and monograms had been the face of Ladybugs since 2018. But, in March that all changed. My mission has always been to keep kids looking like kids and that will remain but in a classic and contemporary way. Modern and contemporary looks relate to the masses. Smocked clothing doesn’t. The boutique now offers classic silhouettes that bring contemporary materials, prints and styles. We added a mommy and me collection and apparel for women. I am beyond excited. The feedback has been great. There has been a very positive response from the women apparel. I am scared at times, still, but I’ll be doing it scared from here on out.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve learned a LOT in the last almost four years I’ve been in business. The road surely hasn’t been smooth every day. I had to learn the hard way to not over purchase inventory. I had to learn to batch and how to take photos with all the right aesthetics. I’ve learned that there truly is no “balance” in this thing. I’ve questioned continuing because there have been days where I felt I cheated my family of time. Ayesha Curry said it best when she said ‘you learn to embrace the chaos’. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished pretty much as a one-woman-show but looking forward to expanding to a storefront with the right people in all capacities needed.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The mission of Ladybugs Boutique, LLC is to provide high-quality apparel and accessories that bring contemporary styles with a classic flair for children and women. Many women desire fashion-forward, contemporary clothing with a classic flair that captures the innocence of childhood and expresses adult style in a current yet sophisticated manner.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Create a business plan first. I made the mistake of not doing this. Earlier this year, I completed my first business plan and it has forever changed my mindset as a businesswoman.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopladybugs.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/shopladybugs2018
- Facebook: facebook.com/shopladybugs2018
- Other: pinterest.com/shopladybugs2018
Image Credits
DeVonte’ Nesby, Photographer Golden Gate Photography, Mobile, Alabama
