We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Goodwin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mary, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is staying true to our mission. And, that is providing classic, fun and even trendy clothing to moms who wish to dress their kids like kids. I’m not going to get entangled in the common theme of doing just any ‘ole thing for a dollar. I desire for my brand to clothe generations and families of babies and kids for many, many years to come.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a school counselor by day and a boutique owner 25/7. I always dreamed of helping kids. I didn’t want to be a teacher despite coming from a family of eduacators. But, I did wish to help kids who were particularly disadvantaged in some manner. So, I became a speech and language pathologist. I did this for 11 years before becoming a school counselor. In a few days, 7.5 to be exact, I’ll have 8 years as a school counselor under my belt and a total of 19 years as an educator. I’m most proud of successfully and positively unfluencing the kids this year. This year, understandably, was the most challenging year to date. I’m proud that I put on my game face daily and got the job done. Was it hard? Heck, yes! But, I’m one of those crazy people who literally believes all things are possible. Prayer and staying in the now helped me to survive and thrive.
What sets my boutique apart from the others is the fact that once you shop with us you become family. You’re never just a customer but a member of the Ladybugs family. We take pride in packaging each order. We love to see the family photos and school pictures with the little ones wearing our pieces. The eagerness to satisfy our moms and grandmoms each time they order is motivation in itself. At one point during the pandemic, I didn’t know what the future would look like for us. But, hey, we are and doing better than ever! And, we owe it all to those who come back and back again to shop with us.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, this one is easy. Mobile, Alabama has the most beautiful downtown area, ever! We’d spend a day at the spa at the Battlehouse Hotel and Spa. It’s like a mini heaven on Earth. Dinner at SOCU is a must. Of course, we’d have to indulge in some beignets from Mo’ Bay Beignets. You can’t come to Mobile and not go near the water. A day at the beach is always appropriate here! The diets get tossed out of the window because Big White’s Wings, Pat’s Deli, Bob’s Downtown Diner and Cammie’s Old Dutch are must-visit restaurants. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am dedicating the shoutout in memory of my late parents, Rayford and Delores Parker. Last week was career week at my school. I told my students that they could be and do anything they set their hearts and minds on. I told them they could have whatever they desired if they didn’t mind a little hard work. My parents downloaded this belief system into me at a young age. It was my parents who first taught me work ethic, study skills and the value of a dollar. My parents told me I could have whatever I wanted in life as long as I worked for it. I am here because of them.
Website: https://www.shopladybugs.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ladybugschildrensbtq
Facebook: facebook.com/ladybugschildrensbtq
Image Credits
Lifestyle/Headshot Images (Tarus Godbolt Photography)