Meet Helen Goodvin

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Helen Goodvin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Helen , thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

Generosity was instilled in me from an early age. I grew up in a household shaped by the profound experiences of my parents—my Ethiopian-born mother, a theology PhD queen and international real estate investor, and my late father, an international civil engineer raised on a farm and rooted in the values of the silent generation. They met in Ethiopia, and their lives were marked by both the challenges of war and loss, and the strength found in community and resourcefulness. Everything they had was shared, and they taught me that abundance lies not in possessions but in connection and culture.

In Ethiopian tradition, meals are shared from a single large plate, a powerful reminder that when we come together, no one goes without. This ancient practice, paired with empathy and love, deeply shaped my worldview. To me, generosity is a natural byproduct of this understanding. The abundance of creation all around us—from the food the earth provides to the love we receive from others—shows that giving is endless when we cultivate an environment that recognizes and nurtures it.

Now, as a wife and mother of two, I’ve come to see generosity through an even deeper lens. It’s no longer just about sharing resources, but also being generous with my mind, body, and soul. Parenthood and marriage require a constant pouring out of yourself—offering love, wisdom, patience, and energy. Life itself begins and ends with the truth that our own existence was given to us, and we have the choice to continue serving others with our gifts. It’s an honor to use what I’ve been given to impact the next generation. I consciously distance myself from scarcity mindsets and surround myself with passionate learners and givers, believing wholeheartedly that there is more than enough for everyone.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story. I’m the founder and creative director of Mend Essentials, a brand rooted in the belief that luxury and sustainability can coexist beautifully. My journey into fashion and design began at an early age—by the time I was 7 or 8, I was already sketching outfits and dreaming of creating clothing that felt as good as it looked. As someone with sensitive skin, I was always conscious of fabrics. Growing up, I struggled with hyperhidrosis and often felt overstimulated and uncomfortable in synthetic materials. I vividly remember promising myself as a child that one day, I would create clothes and shoes that felt natural and effortless, never “icky”, itchy or restrictive.

At the time, I didn’t fully understand the science of fabrics or the vast difference between natural and synthetic materials, but as I grew older and delved into fashion studies, it all clicked. This early awareness shaped my commitment to creating thoughtfully crafted products that prioritize well-being, quality, and sustainability.

Fast forward to today, I’m not just the founder of Mend Essentials—I’m also a wife, a mother to two beautiful kids, and a dreamer who turned passion into purpose. I married my high school sweetheart, and together, we’ve built a life centered around love, creativity, and meaningful work. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management—a journey that spanned three colleges and countless life lessons—I discovered my calling to challenge the norms of the industry. I’ll never forget the moment I decided my brand would never include animal-based materials like fur or leather. During a class on industry practices, I walked out of a lecture that detailed the production of furs, unable to stomach the cruelty involved. That moment solidified my commitment to building a brand rooted in ethical, conscious values.

Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—working with local businesses, directing photoshoots, modeling for print campaigns, and even assisting with runway projects. These experiences gave me invaluable insight into the behind-the-scenes operations of both fashion and beauty brands. One of my most inspiring moments was working with Stella McCartney, whose innovative approach to ethical fashion and genuine care for her customers and employees left a lasting impression on me. Each opportunity sharpened my vision, giving me the clarity and confidence to create something I could wholeheartedly stand behind.

Now, Mend Essentials is the embodiment of those dreams and lessons. We’re currently finalizing our first collection, which includes 100% silk sleepwear and a natural skincare line featuring products like tallow cream, raw shea butter, and natural soaps. Every product is designed with a minimal aesthetic and infused with the finest natural ingredients to create a collection that feels indulgent yet grounded in conscious commerce. My goal is to elevate everyday rituals into moments of self-care and serenity, helping our customers feel balanced, restored, and deeply connected to themselves and nature.

In addition to Mend Essentials, I co-own an art brand with my husband called Martha X Andrei. Together, we create textured art pieces that bring emotion, depth, and sensory connection to any space. Through our virtual gallery, we’re able to share our work with art lovers around the world, and each piece reflects the layers of our personal stories and experiences. This project is a deeply personal exploration of creativity and storytelling, and it’s been such a joy to see it resonate with others.

Both of these ventures—Mend Essentials and Martha X Andrei—are more than professional pursuits; they represent my heart, my values, and my desire to create meaningful, beautiful things that bring joy to others. As we approach the launch of Mend Essentials’ first collection, I’m thrilled to share these creations with the world and continue growing both brands.

Thank you for giving me the chance to share my story and introduce the work I’m so passionate about. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, there are three key qualities that have had the most profound impact on my journey:

1. Believing in Yourself and Taking Action – The most transformative step in my journey was simply deciding to go for it and truly believing I could succeed. I’ve learned that the act of chasing your dreams is what often separates those who lead content lives from those who live extraordinary ones. It’s easy to let self-doubt or fear of failure hold you back, but once you take that first step, momentum builds, and you start creating your own path.

2. Investing in Mentorship – One of the biggest turning points for me was investing in a mentor. Having someone guide you, share their wisdom, and help you navigate the inevitable challenges makes all the difference. I worked with the “Start Your Fashion Business” mentorship program by Stephanie Vermaas, which truly reshaped my approach to business and helped me avoid common pitfalls. The beauty of our current world is how accessible mentorship is—finding someone whose path resonates with you can fast-track your growth in ways that are hard to replicate on your own.

3. Persistence and Self-Care – Building something from the ground up is rarely a linear journey. There will be days of learning, setbacks, and challenges. My advice is to keep going, even if it means taking breaks when needed—whether mental, creative, or physical. Taking time to recharge is essential to avoid burnout. And while the journey may not always be easy, I truly believe that building something meaningful and creating your own legacy is far more rewarding than staying in a predictable job for decades without the same level of growth or fulfillment.

For those early in their journey, I’d say: Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment, start now, surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you, and remember that setbacks are just part of the process. Keep moving forward, even in the face of obstacles, and take time to nurture yourself along the way. Bonus: meditating on your highest outcome and feeling truly grateful and blessed create life-changing experiences & manifestations.

Ultimately, building something truly meaningful to you creates the foundation for longevity in your work, while allowing you to serve others in a profound way. It becomes an endless cycle of synergy—your passion fuels your purpose, and in turn, your service to others deepens that passion, creating lasting impact and fulfillment.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

I definitely experience moments of feeling overwhelmed, but I’ve learned that you can’t effectively serve others if your own cup is empty. So, I’ve made it a priority to take mandatory breaks to pour back into myself. This could mean spending quality time with my family, indulging in self-care routines, getting extra sleep, or practicing deep meditations and breath work. Sometimes, I’ll even implement intermittent fasting or focus solely on consuming fruits and vegetables if I feel I need a more intentional reset.

One thing I’ve found incredibly transformative is working out every day. The discipline behind it immediately snowballs, and I’ve noticed how this consistency carries over into other aspects of my life, especially my business. It’s one of the most rewarding practices of self-care I’ve adopted. Working out versus not working out has changed my life completely. The mental clarity, the physical energy, and the sense of accomplishment have given me the strength and focus to stay consistent in my business, even when things feel overwhelming.

The key takeaway is that the more you prioritize your own well-being, the more you can give to others. Keeping a healthy balance between personal care and your commitments is crucial for maintaining a sustainable life and business. When you’re in alignment with yourself, everything else falls into place more effortlessly.

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Image Credits

Photographer: Dimitri Jenkins

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