At just 18 years old, Gabby Goodwin has achieved what many entrepreneurs spend decades working toward: a major retail partnership that will place her innovative hair accessories in stores nationwide. Her company, GaBBY Bows, recently secured a deal to launch in 600 Claire’s stores across the United States, marking a significant milestone for the young CEO who started her business at age seven.
The Problem That Sparked Innovation
Goodwin’s entrepreneurial journey began with a frustrating experience familiar to many parents and children with textured hair. As a young student, she noticed that her hair barrettes would frequently go missing at school, with half her bows disappearing by the end of the day. This everyday annoyance sparked an idea that would eventually become a patented solution.
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Working alongside her mother Rozalynn, seven-year-old Gabby set out to create a better hair accessory. Their solution was revolutionary in its simplicity: the world’s first double-face double-snap barrettes. These innovative accessories are designed to stay securely in place in pigtails, braids, and twists until intentionally removed, solving the problem that inspired their creation.
Building a Brand from the Ground Up
Since launching GaBBY Bows in 2014, the mother-daughter team has transformed a childhood frustration into a thriving business. The company now holds three US patents for their unique design, which makes styling textured hair easier while ensuring accessories remain secure throughout the day.
The brand’s growth has been impressive, with online orders fulfilled to all 50 US states and 16 countries. Their products have found their way into retail and beauty supply stores across the United States, Canada, and South Africa, demonstrating the universal appeal of their solution.
The Claire’s Partnership: A Dream Deal Realized
The recent partnership with Claire’s represents a major achievement for Goodwin and her company. The retail deal with Claire’s has been in the works since May 2024, and will initially feature four colors of GaBBY Bows in the accessory retailer’s stores.
This partnership is particularly significant given Claire’s extensive reach in the youth accessories market. GaBBY Bows will soon be available at 600 stores nationwide, providing unprecedented visibility for the brand and making their products accessible to a much broader customer base.
The timing of the announcement comes as Claire’s navigates some business challenges, but Goodwin remains optimistic about the partnership’s potential. Despite the economic challenges now facing their new retailer, the company will celebrate this significant milestone in their growth journey.
Innovation Meets Practicality
What sets GaBBY Bows apart in the crowded hair accessories market is their practical innovation. The brand is responsible for the first patented double-face double-snap barrettes, with creation that solves the problem of disappearing hair barrettes while making hair styling easier for parents and children alike.
The product’s effectiveness is backed by a clear value proposition: “Guaranteed to stay in your girl’s pigtails, braids, and twists until you take them out,” as Goodwin explains in her marketing materials.
Previous Retail Success
The Claire’s deal builds on previous retail achievements for the young entrepreneur. In 2022, at age 12, Goodwin successfully launched her products in 74 Target stores, demonstrating her ability to secure partnerships with major retailers and execute successful product launches.
These experiences have provided valuable lessons in retail operations, inventory management, and customer engagement that have prepared her for the larger Claire’s rollout.
Looking Forward
As Gabby Goodwin continues her journey from child inventor to established CEO, her story serves as an inspiration for young entrepreneurs everywhere. Her success demonstrates how identifying a real problem, developing an innovative solution, and persistently pursuing business opportunities can lead to remarkable achievements.
The Claire’s partnership represents not just a business milestone, but validation of Goodwin’s original insight that better hair accessories were needed for children with textured hair. By staying focused on solving real problems for her target customers, she has built a business that continues to grow and reach new markets.
With her products now available in major retailers nationwide, Goodwin is well-positioned to continue expanding her brand and potentially develop new products that address other needs in the hair care and accessories market. Her journey from playground frustration to retail success shows the power of turning everyday problems into business opportunities.
