Tell us about yourself!

Hey – I’m Kait, owner of In Good Company. In 2018 I came out as a queer women and I feel like I’ve been coming out ever since. First as bi, then as an entrepreneur, a creative and (currently) an artist. Getting really honest with myself about who I loved helped me uncover other things I had been burying and they’ve been pouring out of me ever since. The funny thing is, I know my story isn’t unique. Showing people the things we feel connected to, the things we love opens us up to judgement, shame and a whole lot of “NO-THANK-YOUS” and that sh*t is scary. It’s also incredibly common and why when choosing a name for my shop, In Good Company felt – oh so right.

Before we dive into In Good Company, I’m dying to know your big 3 (Sun, Moon, Rising) ✨

I am a Sagittarius Sun, a Pisces Moon and a Virgo Rising

So what were you doing before you started In Good Company?

I was an interior designer but the corporate world and the ridgid 9-5 structure really crushed my creativity. It took me awhile to figure that out but I am so glad I finally did 🙂

How long have you been in business?

ONE YEAR – as of June 5th, 2022 🙂

What is your proudest moment so far as an indie retailer?

Every time someone connects with a part of the shop, I feel super proud. A Soy Much Brighter candle scent reminds them of a childhood memory, they buy a trans pride sticker for a person in their life worth celebrating, they come into the shop just to share that they came out as gay to their parents the day before. Providing opportunities for people to feel seen, understood and celebrated for exactly who they are – well – that is it, that is the good stuff, the dream, the purpose, ugh that is everything.

Do you have a team?

Yes!

What steps did you take to build it?

Like with most things indie retail, our small team kind of just happened. Like , literally my other team member, Patty, came into the shop after I was closed for the week for family vacations and said “if you hire me – you don’t have to close the shop when you go on vacation” – SOLD! But seriously, the first hire was scary because my business felt so personal to me AND I was like “I don’t even know what I am doing, how the hell am I going to teach someone else!” LOL, but hiring Patty to be at the shop on Wednesdays and Thursdays allowed me to build other parts of the business. My advice is to hire people who you vibe with but that have different skills than you and to not be too precious about HOW they get the thing that you need them to get done, done.

What is the thing that keeps you up at night?

Trying to do “the most.” In true Sagittarius fashion, I am always chasing the next new and exciting idea and daydreaming about how the idea could shape my business – which is why curating a shop full of so many great ideas is perfect for me. What I’ve learned from Janine and Feel Good Retail is the importance of doing less, building a strong foundation and how creating processes will help my business scale.

How do you connect with your customers and community? 💖

The two primary ways we connect right now is through Instagram and IRL in the shop and we are always human focused. One unique way we connect with our community is through the intentional placement of our checkout desk – in the front of the shop near the front door and window. This way, we can always greet our customers and tell them a little about the shop as they experience it. We also get to literally see our community walking up and down Broadway so we can wave to our community and connect even when they are not in the shop! Since our customer is self aware, they feel most at ease when their shopping experience is low to no pressure, and stress free. They look for meaningful conversation over a sales pitch and value the in store experience.

Where do you see your business in the future? Give us the big dream, baby!

The dream is to grow In Good Company into a community space. I’ve always imagined a big, bright warehouse-y looking space with high ceilings and natural daylight. A “third-space” that people experience outside of their work or home. A space for public art. A space where community meetings are held. The “Bow Market” of Southie. The space would include a pottery studio or maker’s studio of some sort, a yoga/movement studio, a coffee bar (that doubles as a wine bar at night) and of course our original retail shop (or shops!), where our community continues to shop for meaningful gifts. In terms of social impact Em + I believe in the impact of storytelling. Telling our own story around our LGBTQ experience, telling maker stories about following their dreams and telling our communities stories to engage in conversation about our own limiting beliefs and our biases about each other. Ultimately we aim to inspire new experiences, perspectives and generally more kindness shared within our South Boston community.

What’s one habit you have that keeps you feeling good?

Dates with my data always make me feel confident and in control of my business. I started doing end of the month check-in which include analyzing the months sales, traffic, AOV, best and worst sellers and setting goals for the month ahead. I also don’t get too hard on myself if I am off by a week or two 🙂

We don’t like to pick favorites, but what’s your favorite thing in your shop right now and why?

Ummmm, I’ll pick three: Everything by Glad + Young Studio, Pottery with a Purpose DIY Pottery Kits (also Sam is a TikTok/Reel goddess), and GOOD’s new custom candle scent by Soy Much Brighter with the calming notes of lavender, frankincense, and good vibes (mostly).

Currently…

More than 3: 1. I just got married 2. It’s summer (and rosé season) 3.Currently obsessed with cult podcasts and 4. making pots (@claylounge)

Where can people find, follow and support you?

On social – Instagram + TikTok and in the shop at (653 East Broadway, South Boston, MA) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday! We are also opening a Pop-Up at C Street/Iron Works starting July 8th.

Anything else you’d like to plug / promote? (no shame!)

On June 18th we are celebrating our One Year Birthday and throwing a Pride Party with Gray’s Hall. Follow @ingoodcoshop and @grayshall for updates and come by, eat, drink wine, donate to an LGBTQIA2S+ charity and help us celebrate all the things!