What does one do when they turn 50?
Follow a dream and pursue your passion….
That’s what Paulette Barke, owner of Go Girl Fashions & Accessories Inc did.
While I was born and raised in Prince Edward Island, my husband and I have owned and operated a printing and engraving business in Calgary for over 40 years. After my husband experienced some health issues, we started to think maybe we should sell and move on to another venture. We built a home on PEI thinking it was time to spend more time on my home turf. When I turned 50, I thought, “It’s my turn to do what I want to do, and I want it to be fun!” I have always dreamed of getting into the fashion industry, and it was finally my chance.
While on vacation with my brother and his family, my niece and her friend kept saying “you go girl” thus the name Go Girl Fashions & Accessories originated. My desire grew to open a lady’s boutique in PEI. I incorporated in August 2009, and began to make my dream a reality.
Theodore Roosevelt wrote “Believe you can and you’re halfway there”. We held our first “pop up” store at the Credit Union Place in November 2009. For the next 5 years, I would go to PEI spring and fall and set up a full boutique for a week. It became a family affair with everyone helping to unpack boxes, put clothes on hangers and transform the space into a boutique. All four siblings, and my many nieces, nephews and even great nieces and nephews lent a hand. Once the event was over, my whole family would help pack up and I would ship everything back to Calgary.
We soon built a great clientele, but shipping was getting expensive. We realized it was time for a “brick & mortar “location. Was I scared? … Yes! In January 2015, with the help and encouragement of my family, I decided to go for it. When you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in your soul. Never ignore your passion. One is always nervous at the “what if’s”. “What if I fail? I’ve learned that the word ‘fail “really means “First Attempt in Learning”. We never stop learning.
One of my biggest challenges was finding the right person to manage the store. My sister-in-law suggested Nikki Moulins who she worked with back in the “Towers days”. I hired Nikki and have never looked back. Nikki has a wonderful personality, lots of retail experience, and a great eye for fashion.
We opened our doors on May 2, 2015 and have been working hard every day since. In 2016, we expanded our business to include the Fashion Mobile: a full boutique on wheels bringing shopping to the women all across the Island from Tignish to Souris.
Having a permanent location in Summerside has allowed me to be part of the community. We have supported organizations as the Family Violence, Rotary Club, The Boys & Girls Club, Ocean 100’s Mother’s Day and Toys for Tots campaign, Harness the Hope, Prince County Hospital Foundation, and recently, The Free Store in Summerside.
I am very grateful for my amazing staff. I so appreciate Nikki and Kelly and my 2 sisters Carolyn & Arlene who have been a huge help and support through this whole journey. My sisters call themselves the “Saturday Girls” as they both have full time jobs but help at the store on Saturdays. My biggest source of support and encouragement comes from my Mother, Joan Green. She faithfully helped with the pop ups, fed us, and most off all, prayed every day. She never once told me not to do it. Her love, encouragement and belief in me kept me going. Thank You, Mom!
We at Go Girl, continue to strive to be the best we can and bring the latest up to date fashions to the women of PEI. Empowering women through Fashion and helping them find something that makes them feel great and look awesome is our goal. We want every woman to feel special when they walk in our boutique by giving them an exceptional fashion retail experience. Whether you find shopping a passion or a pain, our aim is to make it an absolute pleasure.
I want to thank my staff, my family, my husband, and especially you our customers who have faithfully supported Go Girl Fashions. Without you this venture would not have been possible. Thank you for your continued support! It means the world to us!