Founder’s Spotlight: Melissa Goodwin
Meet the Founder of Melissa Goodwin
Melissa Goodwin is the founder of BRKTHRU Group, a coaching agency, as well as a YouTuber, author, and now - Fashion Designer. Melissa’s mission is to help people unleash the most confident version of themselves. She has worked tirelessly to bring her vision to life - carefully selecting every element of her designs to ensure the best quality, versatility, and fit for all bodies. We have loved supporting Melissa and asked her to share some insights on her journey.
What inspired you to start your business, and what motivated you to launch an apparel collection?
Fashion has always been my escape and source of empowerment since childhood, transforming me into whoever I wanted to be despite not having confidence. I learned early on that when I look good, I feel good, and feeling good unlocked the best version of me. I've been an entrepreneur for over a decade, but in 2021, I decided to build a fashion line with the mission to create pieces that make women feel incredible and confident. The motivation to launch my apparel collection, especially the Super Blazer, came from wanting to design something luxurious, comfortable, and sophisticated that accompanies women through every moment and identity of their life. We are multi-faceted when it comes to running point on everything we do everyday (moms, business owners, leaders, errand-runners, partners, vacationers, etc!)…we need fashion that can connect the dots between all of those identities we have.
What challenges have you overcome along the way?
I struggled to feel good in my body throughout my childhood. I longed to feel comfortable in my own skin, and at age 11, I decided not to let my body size hold me back. This decision led me to fashion, where I learned to be resourceful in finding deals and styles that boosted my confidence. As I grew up, this success enabled me to start building my own companies in the early 2010s, but I didn’t fully commit to the business of fashion until almost 2020.
The pandemic was a huge eye-opener. I remember talking to clients, one after the other, who were falling apart professionally, emotionally, and mentally. With no help from the pandemic, I realized something bigger was happening – we had stopped getting dressed. Shortly after this discovery, I knew it was time to start designing.
Through it all, the belief that feeling good is a superpower has kept me focused and driven, helping me turn obstacles into possibilities.
Do you have any advice for others looking to start their own business?
When people ask me for advice about starting their own business or launching their dream, here’s what I tell them: You’re qualified. It wouldn’t be your dream if you weren’t. I believe dreams land on our minds and hearts because they are ready for us to birth them. As a woman, I consider myself the mother of my dreams. As a mother, would I name my baby? Yes. Would I feed and nurture my baby every day? Yes. Would I dress her and help her grow? Yes. (You can do the same as the father of your dreams, too). That dream is ready to be out in the world and you’re the one. This is true leadership.
The other thing I would say is probably equally important: there are no guarantees. It’s going to be hard sometimes. There will be times where it might feel like you’re walking in the dark blindfolded. Knowing this will normalize it for you though and help you to keep going. And if you need help, start with my Super Blazer. She was designed to hold you close so you can make it the whole way. xo