An Inspired Chat with Cadah Goulet of Lower Hudson Valley

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cadah Goulet. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Cadah, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I am an avid reader and the weather here has been so pleasant lately, so getting to read sitting out in my yard has been lovely and recharging.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the founder of Poor George, a sustainable lifestyle boutique in Cold Spring New York. We offer a carefully curated mix of new, handmade, and vintage pieces for men, women, and the home. More than a retail shop, Poor George reflects my commitment to community and conscious living. I supports local artisans and small makers by showcasing their work, while also creating an environment where customers feel connected and cared for. Beyond my store, I give back through volunteer work and community involvement, making Poor George not just a shopping destination but a hub of creativity, sustainability, and local pride.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
A lot of ego is, understandably, tied up within owning a business. My business is my brain and heart outside of my body for others to enjoy. How that business is viewed feels very personal and I have been working on separating self from business success since I started in 2013. It is a constant check-in and reminder to myself that it is not so personal as it feels. Pulling myself off the floor to work from home on the back end of things a couple of days a week has immensely helped with these feelings. It was hard to do at first but the benefits have been undeniable.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
One of my closest friends unexpectedly and surprisingly passed away in early April this year. She was the first friend I made when I opened in Cold Spring. Her, her husband, and son became like family to me, so her passing created a grief unlike anything that I ever experienced before. Being in Cold Spring, and working around the corner from their home, has been incredibly difficult, so letting myself have the time and space away by working from home, has helped me cope with the grief better. Adjusting my schedule, despite my ego telling me that being in store is better for business even with having a wonderful team, has lead to helping me work on healing personally as well has shifting my role in the business to be more beneficial.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. I lead my business first and foremost from a place of values. I strive to make folks feel seen in my space and I take pride when people really connect with us and get us. I am really great in one on one conversations, and love getting to know visitors, but I am really intimidated by public speaking and putting myself out there on the internet. Putting a face to the business is important, people get to learn who they’re supporting by choosing to shop small. Pulling myself off the floor more for back-end work means I need to put myself out there more virtually. I write my newsletter from the heart and in the first person, I am starting to share more photos and videos of myself working, and I haven’t gotten over it- but I am trying to get used to speaking on video.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop working so much. My favorite parts of owning a boutique are merchandising and buying, so I would shift my role down to doing those parts that I love and enjoy most so that I could travel and spend time with family, friends, and my pets.

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