Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabby Smith.
Hi Gabby, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Five years ago, I was living in Springfield, MO after college; recycling was hardly accessible, but I found the closest drop-off center and began my path towards living a sustainable life. Once moving to KC, I was able to take further steps towards my goal and began regularly recycling and composting, even if that meant getting weird looks while taking my food scraps and dirty napkins home from work. In addition, I started going to vintage clothing pop-ups, thanks to my neighbor—Bekah, who runs Vintage Haven—and quickly fell in love with the uniqueness and story behind each piece I’d find. I started going to vintage pop-ups every time I caught word that they were going on, until March 2020 rolled up. The whole world shut down, I felt lost and unsure about everything, especially my full-time job as a graphic designer. So, I started dreaming up my ideal career by combining sustainability, education, community, and personal style. In comes Good Kid, a secondhand shop with the mission to promote sustainability and help save Mother Earth. Good Kid officially began in October 2020 with me and 7 other friends at a yard sale-esque pop-up event in my friend’s backyard. We had an idea of being a collective of 90s kids bringing in multiple styles and sizes of secondhand goods, but life happened and we went from a group of 8 to 1. This brand has grown and evolved so much over the past year: we’ve changed our logo, paired up with local businesses, made amazing connections, and matched people with some awesome pieces. I’m excited to see how far I can take this little business and the difference we all can make in our community and beyond.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As many small business owners may know, trying to make your dream job a reality can be exciting, yet daunting. There are always hurdles and roadblocks that may come your way, you just have to figure out how you’ll overcome these difficulties. Long days, long nights, and continuing to work over the weekends to grow this small business has proven to be challenging mentally and physically. Through this, I have found that having a support system and really working on myself and my boundaries has helped me excel and prevail. Without these amazing people—friends, family, loved ones, and connections I’ve made along the way—my anxiety and self-doubt could have easily led me to quit. They have consistently helped remind me that this is truly what I want to do and that though it can feel impossible at times, it’ll all be worth it at the end.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Good Kid?
Good Kid is a secondhand and vintage shop consisting of clothing, accessories, and decor, with a mission to promote sustainability and save Mother Earth one step at a time. Though it’s mainly pop-up-based, I also offer online sales through our Instagram (@goodkidcollective) and in-person shopping through a permanent selection of goods located inside KC Tiny Greenhouse in the West Bottoms—go check them out, you won’t regret it! Good Kid specializes in bringingitems that truly catch my eye and that I would be proud to wear myself, including: funky patterns, beautiful embroidery, and pieces that bring me nostalgia. As a 90s kid, I draw inspiration from the skater and pop fashion trends that were prevalent at the time and then mix them with hints of granny chic, it’s a vibe. With this unique mix of pieces, I guarantee you’ll find something you love or at least chuckle at and potentially question its meaning, like the “I’m a Tom Coleman Skinny Cat” button or the “I Survived the Big One” mug. These pieces have a story, whether it’s the history or the connection a customer has made with it; I’m always excited and pleased to talk and hear about how a piece I’ve chosen means something so special to the person who was drawn to it. Overall, I just want to share with our local and online community that living a sustainable life isn’t as hard as it may seem. It just takes making that first step to get the ball rolling, like buying small and shopping secondhand. I am proud to be a part of the Kansas City community of small businesses and creatives alike; we’re here to support each other and make a movement towards a better future together.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
As I’ve mentioned before, the KC small business and creative community is very supportive and welcoming, which includes our brand, Good Kid. I am always open to talking and collaborating with others that are here to make an impact for good! You can help support us by sharing events I’ll be attending, interacting with Good Kid on social media, and showing up for Mother Earth and your community any way you can. Feel free to reach out via Instagram (@goodkidcollective), email (goodkidcollective@gmail.com), or in person at pop-up events to work with us or even just give me words of encouragement, it truly means the world!
Pricing:
- Shirts: $12—35
- Shorts/Pants: $15—45
- Jackets: $18—60
- Accessories: $3—35
- Decor: $5—150
Contact Info:
- Email: goodkidcollective@
gmail.com - Website: goodkidcollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodkidcollective/
- Other: depop.com/goodkidcollective
Image Credits:
Rachael Ruffin
Doug Jpeg
