In the midst of uncertainty and hardships, Polina, the founder of Good Fabric, found herself facing a unique opportunity to shape her own future. After being made redundant twice during maternity leave and the pandemic, she decided to take matters into her own hands and start her own business. Good Fabric, an online fabric store stocking sustainable fabrics that don't harm the environment, was born in May 2020.
Polina's journey is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination. She shared, "After two redundancies, having no power or say over my career and employment, it just felt like not only the right thing to do but also the only thing to do, start my own business."
Despite the time constraints and challenges of running a business, Polina's favourite part of being a small business owner is the freedom it provides. As a parent, she values the flexibility to be present for her child and the autonomy to choose her team and suppliers. In fact, Polina attributes much of her business’s success to her team and support network. She emphasised, "Find the right people! You can't do it all, it's a fact. I’ve worked with amazing professionals, from website developers to copywriters, photographers, and artists, and the return on this investment has been incredible."
In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, Polina's dedication to eco-conscious practices sets a positive example for other small businesses. Good Fabric is set to make a lasting impact in the world of sustainable fashion. "All fabrics we stock have at least one third-party certified eco credential, we have a zero plastic policy, and no polyester too. Sustainability is at the core of the business and a starting point for any project we get involved in."
In addition to her certifications, Good Fabric prides itself on its commitment to using sustainable packaging. Polina shared, “When I wanted to order 200 units of sustainable packaging, there simply wasn’t anything out there that was exciting. I can’t believe it took me so long to find you ;)”
Looking ahead, Polina's goal is to exhibit at the Thread Festival in Farnham on June 8th 2024 and connect with more customers. She expressed her excitement for this opportunity to showcase the best of Good Fabric to a new audience.
When asked for advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, Polina emphasised the importance of finding the right people to support and collaborate with. "You can't do it all, it's a fact. The success of my business can be 100% attributed to the people who are helping me build it," she concluded.
Good Fabric's journey is a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and eco-conscious practices in shaping a successful business. Polina's story serves as an inspiration to other small businesses striving to make a positive impact on the world.
Visit www.goodfabric.co.uk and social media to join the sustainable fabric revolution and support a business with a mission to do good.
