Meet Good Planet Apparel
FOUNDED BY
THE INTERVIEW
Written by Boston Women’s Market & Molly Flagg
Boston Women’s Market: Can you tell us a bit about what led you to begin your journey with Good Planet Apparel? Was there an aha! Moment?
Molly Flagg: During covid, boredom drove me to start painting on jean jackets to pass my time. Slowly, that turned into friends asking me to paint on their jackets which turned into altering more of my own clothes which inevitably turned into a side hustle. After graduating with an environmental economics degree from URI, two things were certain: I did not want to sit behind a desk for the rest of my life and I definitely wanted to do something with sustainability. I continued to grow my side hustle while working many other jobs including an apprenticeship with a bridal seamstress and nannying. With the valuable tailoring skills learned from my mentor, I went full time with my business in October of 2023. I don’t know when my aha moment happened because it honestly always felt like I was doing what I was meant to do. It feels natural to me to get up every day and contribute to the climate change fight while having the freedom to work for myself and do what I love most, which is upcycling clothing.
BWM: For many women starting out in the entrepreneurial world, there can be a lot of self-doubt. Do you have any personal stories about how you conquered self-doubt? What guidance would you give to others?
Molly: I think that because my dad was vocally weary about me starting my own business, I never had the chance to doubt myself since I was consumed with proving him wrong. I mean, I was trying to start my own business at 22 while the world was still in the throes of covid, not to mention I had no experience in business and minimal sewing skills so in hindsight, I see his point. In June, when the opportunity to open a store front fell into my lap, I was not ready at all to be opening a store to any capacity and it was the first time that I really doubted my ability to succeed. However, I listened to the voice in my head that told me to keep going and trusted myself to dive head first in this ever evolving business that I have created. I also need to give credit to my family, friends and partner who have been in my corner since day one who have told me that no matter what happens, they are and will always be proud of what I have accomplished (and yes, my dad is now one of my biggest supporters).
BWM: A mentor can play an integral role in someone’s career progression and personal growth. Did you have a mentor that influenced where you are today?
Molly: During the nearly two years of my apprenticeship with the Exeter Tailor, I learned extensive tailoring and business skills. Not only did she allow me to grow as a tailor but as a person, too. There really isn’t a day that goes by where I think to myself, “What would Irene do?”. Had I not met Irene, I would not have the store today because the alteration aspect of my business is crucial. I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher, mentor and friend.
BWM: Many women begin their small business journey as a way to seek fulfillment they may not be getting in their 9-5 job. Others aren't sure where to begin and need help "digging deeper" to find what it is that fills their cup. What are some steps someone can take today to begin that journey of discovery?
Molly: I have always had a passion for the environment and sustainability so it came natural to me to combine my drive to make an impact on the environment with my creative upcycling skills. Finding that skill or passion that makes you happy, that you’re also good at is the sweet spot to seek.
BWM: We think the stories of failure are just as important as the stories of success. Can you talk about a time that you failed in an entrepreneurial venture or objective? How did you face and overcome this failure? What was the lesson learned?
Molly: I drove down to URI to do a pop up and made zero dollars and zero cents. It was about 3 years into my business and was during a sales slump so it really hit me hard. I realized that it was just part of my journey and chalked it up to a learning experience. The only way I can move forward from something like that is to remind myself that each failure is an opportunity to learn, and one bad day should not outweigh the good days.
BWM: Do you have a favorite moment so far with Good Planet Apparel? Where you really felt like you were on the right path?
Molly: Opening my store was one of the best moments of my life because it was really a dream come true, to have my own real life store. I invited all of the people in my life to my official store opening who have positively impacted my journey because it was important for me to share that moment of success with them because they all helped me get to that moment in one way or another. In addition to my store opening, recently I had a customer come in who is disabled and needed some adaptive clothing. The relief and happiness my work brought to that person’s life made me realize that I am not just making a difference in the sense of the environment, but in real people’s lives and that is what I am very proud of.
BWM: How have you continued to manage the growth of your business while also finding time and ways to invest in yourself?
Molly: I make time to travel, time with friends and family, working out and eating healthy priorities because I know that there is no progress if I am burning myself out. I realized that overextending myself doesn’t make me more money or grow my business, so finding a balance is key.
BWM: If our community wants to dive deeper into empowering their own journey, what resources do you offer?
Molly: I can offer conversations about my personal experience in growing my business and share all of the many, many lessons learned. I can offer support and be somebody’s cheerleader as so many people were to me.
BWM: From one small business owner to another, what is your favorite go-to business tool or resource you can recommend to our community?
Molly: I got involved in SCORE which is a mentor program. That has been helpful as they have many free resources as well as a mentorship program. Also, networking has been one of the biggest tools because we can learn so much from each other so connecting with other like minded business owners can be very helpful.
BWM: Anything else you'd like to share?
Molly: When you start your business or are facing new challenges of running your business, it is so easy to feel alone, stuck and down on yourself. Reaching out to other small business owners or friends/family can help tremendously. Also, remembering that if it was easy, everyone would start their own business so keep on going, girl.
