I had the pleasure of meeting Shane Meier last year when I walked into Goodlad Clothing and introduced myself.
I chose to visit his store because I wanted to feature their Men’s Clothing in my First Annual Fashion Gala, “For the Love of Local”. And to my delight, Shane agreed on the spot. He was also a gracious host and gave me a tour of his store, barber & coffee shop — All contained in the one location.
Shane told me the reason he named his store Goodlad. It was his grandfather’s last name. Grandpa James Goodlad’s portrait was rendered by an amazing local artist, Kevin Keeler. It is hung in the center of Shane’s store & shown above .
A portion of my fashion show ticket sales will be donated to Not for Profit Organization, Harvest Project. Designer garments from their thrift store, Clothes For Change will be highlighted and 3 suits designed & constructed by VCC (Vancouver Community College) Fashion Design students will be auctioned and all proceeds will be going to help families in the Harvest Project program. Stay tuned, I will be announcing when and where the gala will be taking place when it is deemed safe to do so.
MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entreprenuers and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them.
To provide and build a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …
M: What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?
S: I was born and raised in Saskatoon, Sask (Saskatchewan) but lived most of my life in the Lower Mainland.
Spent about 30 years in the Film/TV Industry both locally and in Los Angeles, as well as across most of Canada. Currently live in Yaletown but cannot wait to get to the North Shore where my business GOODLAD is located.
M: What did you want to do when you grew up?
S: I had ZERO clue. Lol … In FACT, I didn’t know what I wanted to do (for the rest of my life) until I was in my late 30’s.
Acting was a hobby and that was it. I was too small to play most sports as a kid so Film/TV performances were a natural fit for me and I was very fortunate to get work steadily as a kid.
M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?
S: I did not. I moved to LA when I was 17 and lived there for a year. THAT was my post secondary education.
M: When did you move to Vancouver? Where in Vancouver did you move to?
S: We moved from Saskatchewan around 1988. I lived and grew up in Coquitlam.
M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?
S: Goodlad was born about 2 years ago. We officially opened for business in August 2018 so we are still new!
Inspiration came just wanting to be a business owner. I’ve always worked for myself my whole life in the Film World.
I wanted to open something special where people would gravitate towards. I wanted each person that comes through the doors to have a great experience.
M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?
S: If you ask ANY of my staff I DO NOT use the term BOSS in or around the shop. I am their colleague. Co-worker. Mentor. I just so happen to be the signing officer on their paychecks — That is it.
I do, however, like being able to do just that. Mentor and point people in the right direction.
I was once in their shoes. And learning from people with experience only helped push me in the direction I wanted to go.
M; What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?
S: YES. Take the plunge. Commit. A lot of people get scared and stay in their 9-5’s and are miserable for most of their lives.
Being an entrepreneur is one of the most exhilarating experiences I have ever had. Stressful at times, but once you see what you have created for people, there is no better feeling.
I may have brought this mentality from my performing days…
M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book.
S: Never be afraid. Attack projects with KNOWING that you will succeed. Hard work always pays off in the end.
Motivating books?? Gino Wickman writes a ton of VERY useful books for running anything from 2 to 2000 staff business. Very useful for me when opening Goodlad.
And you cannot go wrong with Mr. Jordan Peterson’s “12 Rules of Life”. It’s a true game changer!!
Shane Meier is the Owner of Goodlad Clothing, North Vancouver’s premier Men’s Fashion store, barber & coffee shop all rolled into one. Very unique concept and a triple threat: https://www.goodladclothing.com/ and follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodladclothing/