Life and Work with Iva Elliott

Thanks for sharing your story with us Iva. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m known to some as Iva of Girl Goodies. Born and raised in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Upon high school graduation, I attended Tuskegee University from 02 to 06. In 2006, I relocated to Chicago and later earned my MSW at UIC.

My love for clothing and funky fashion came early as a child. My mom and grandmother would take me to the local flea markets and yard sales and allow me to spend up to $5 on baby doll clothes. Back then, $5 at a flea market was like giving a kid $50. I would literally spend it down to my last penny. This later turned into an obsession for bargain shopping, thrift store binging and professional bartering.

In 2012, I hosted a small event in my mom’s attic with other likeminded women. This is pretty much how my brand evolved. Because I had a passion for style and all things eclectic, I had 13 women attend the event, which was a closet swap, and pour into my vision. I basically asked them “where did they see Iva within the fashion industry”? From that event alone, I secured a Brand Name, the mission behind my brand, etc. At that time, I was unaware of what exactly I’d be selling but that was a lengthy process that came as I dug into my purpose.

Initially, I offered a closet organization, personal shopping, personal styling, and wardrobe analysis. I later discovered that my personal love for vintage turned into the real money maker for my brand. I ended up curating unique vintage pieces that then led to my participation in numerous pop-up shops throughout the city.

To date, I currently offer all of the services mentioned above, I sell vintage pieces online at girlgoodiesbrand.com and I recently launched a new line of modern pieces.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No way! What is a smooth road? I actually have a professional job as a Medical Social Worker. I’ve been working in this profession for going on 14 years now. I often find myself juggling between work patients and Girl Goodies clients. A friend recently said, “Iva, your brain is like a computer with seven tabs open at once.” Talk about a busy life and a busy brain.

My struggles were solely based around waiting for the right time. I always envisioned this really big brand without fully understanding what it would take to get there. So, I’d wait for an opportunity. I learned that “we” (as entrepreneurs) are responsible for creating opportunity. We are the creatives who thrive in that world.

The road to entrepreneurship is never smooth. It’s often bumpy with tons of winding curves and hills but the destination is always achievable. I’d encourage new and aspiring entrepreneur women to just go for it. No time is perfect. My friend actually just wrote a book titled, “Done Beats Perfection” which is so true. Dive feet first into your dreams. Create a support group, with people of shared interest because you’ll need to lean on them often. Allow your mind to always be receptive to new ideas and concepts. Learn as much as you can. Invest in your brand. Don’t allow others to rush your process. If working a 9 to 5 and juggling your business on the side is allowing you to get by, continue to work until you can fully become a self-sufficient entrepreneur. Lastly, cry! And when I say cry, I’m talking big ugly cry. This process is emotional. Let it out, girl.

Please tell us about Girl Goodies.
I am a vintage curator. I travel abroad to curate unique pieces. Vintage is actually my brand’s common connection to the world. Because selling a service almost appears as if you are not directly providing a product at that moment, I sell vintage at pop up shops and other local and non-local events to get my brands to name out there. That’s when I add in the, “oh, I’m Iva and we offer this, and this and this.”

In addition, I’m a Style Architect. My brand sells services varying from Personal Shopping to Personal Styling. Most of my clients are from word of mouth or females that watch my “lifestyle” on social media. Every now and then, I’ll get a male client who is willing to pay for services under the “Girl” Goodies Brand which is totally fine with me.

Unknowingly to most, by brand is actually a bridge from Social Work to Fashion which sets my brand apart. Because I have a Masters in Social Work, I plan to use that as a stepping stool in the future with my brand. The very near future (inserts evil grin).

I am also into hosting my own events. I’ve had several pop-ups, Girls retreats, “thrift with” events and a listing of other things. Hosting takes a lot out of me but I love to bring people together. I’m actually hosting my 2^nd Annual Girl Goodies Retreat where I’m taking 20 women to Denver for some snowy fun and girl talk.

Who have you been inspired by?
My mom has always been a vital role who inspires me daily. She is literally the toughest person that I know. She herself is a self-learner who is always eager to seek out new ways. She raised me to be fearless, respectful and assertive. I never knew how much those characters would affect my entrepreneurial journey until I started.

In the image world, however, June Ambrose, Kahlana Barfield, and Tracee Ellis Ross are my go-to ladies for fashion inspiration.

I often start my day with an inspirational word or video from YouTube. I watch a lot of videos from Sarah Jakes Roberts, the Law of Attraction channel, Oprah Winfrey and Les Brown.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.girlgoodiesbrand.com
• Email: girlgoodies@outlook.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/iva_of_girlgoodies

Image Credit:
Precise, Dana Patman, J Smit, Keno Cohen

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