goodlinens studio
October 22, 2024
Who are you and what is your business?
I’m JoAnne Chirico, owner of goodlinens studio, 130 Main Street in Gloucester. We’ve been open for eight years (feels more like 3 or 4!). Seven of us contribute to keeping the shop running, from merchandising to helping customers to weighing in on product selection.
Please provide a brief description of your company.
goodlinens studio retails useful goods for kitchen, bath, home, gift, travel, and stationery. We cover most of the basics for day-to-day living in the home, all with an eye towards sustainability.
Before opening the shop, I had already started my online business called goodlinens, designing and selling functional, durable, 100% linen bath and kitchen towels. That idea of offering quality, well-designed products extended to the shop. I asked everyone I knew to name their favorite essential item. That was the starting point for inventory selection. Our linen bath and kitchen towels and our extensive collection of German brushes have been popular constants in the shop.
What inspired you to start your business and what keeps you going?
My maternal grandmother lived upstairs from us when I was growing up. She taught me to sew and we spent a lot of time together. She told me about her desire to have her own shop back in the 1940’s. Her inability to do so because of her gender played a role in me wanting to open a shop. I’m inspired by customers who put so much effort into finding just the right gift for a loved one. And hearing how much customers love the shop never gets old.
What is it like being a female entrepreneur?
Being a female entrepreneur hasn’t presented any particular obstacles, perhaps because there’s such a supportive community of women-owned businesses on Main Street.
What advice would you give to other female business owners?
Besides saying “go for it”, my advice to anyone considering owning a business would be to do their homework and learn from the mistakes/successes of others before jumping in. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) was a huge help to me when I started the linen towel business. They asked questions I hadn’t considered, as well as providing guidance with the financial end of things, which isn’t my strength. There’s a SCORE group right here in Gloucester.
Do you have a goal you want the business to achieve in the next one, 5, or 10 years?
My most important goal is to stay in business! To that end, we’re always searching for new, well-designed offerings for the shop — finding the right combination of offerings and pricing presents interesting challenges. Optimally, we’d like everyone in the US to own a goodlinens towel. No kidding.
Why do you love the Greater Cape Ann region and doing business locally?
I fell in love with Gloucester 32 years ago, the first time I crossed the bridge. It just felt like home. Thirteen years ago, I was finally able to move here. Doing business locally is a pleasure because of the sense of community. The “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality is strong here, making me feel truly
supported as a business owner.
Do you have any female role models or leaders who’ve inspired you?
My mother was and continues to be my role model. Cliche as it may sound, being honest and treating people as I’d like to be treated has led to good things.
As someone doing business in this area, how has or how can the Chamber help your business?
Contact Info
goodlinens studio
130 Main St.
Gloucester, MA 01930
(978) 515-7646
https://www.goodlinensstudio.com
