Gabby Goodwin, the 18-year-old CEO who turned childhood frustration into a thriving business, has reached a new milestone: her GaBBY Bows are now available in 600 Claire’s stores nationwide.
Goodwin founded her hair accessories brand in 2014 at just 7 years old with the support of her mother. The company is best known for creating the first patented double-face, double-snap barrette designed to solve a problem she knew all too well—disappearing bows.
The innovation ensures that barrettes stay securely in place, giving young girls with curly and textured hair a reliable styling solution.
Since its launch, GaBBY Bows has sold more than 1 million products across all 50 states and in 15 countries, with Goodwin becoming a six-figure entrepreneur before reaching high school.
“This has been a dream in the making—and we need your help to keep it going!” the company announced on Instagram, celebrating the new retail partnership with Claire’s.
The timing of the deal comes as Claire’s faces significant financial challenges. The accessories retailer filed for bankruptcy protection again, citing $690 million in debt, and announced plans to sell its North American business to private equity firm Ames Watson. Despite the uncertainty, Claire’s continues to operate more than 2,300 stores across 17 countries.
For Goodwin, the achievement is both personal and symbolic. She shared that her family, friends, and community worked over 600 hours to prepare and ship 14,000 packs of GaBBY Bows this summer, despite obstacles such as tariff increases and supply chain disruptions.
“Despite the economic challenges now facing our new retailer, we will celebrate this dream deal,” Goodwin wrote on Instagram. She also encouraged supporters to “clear the shelves” and help ensure the brand’s success at Claire’s.
With determination and resilience, Goodwin has turned her childhood idea into an international brand, and her latest milestone marks a powerful reminder of what’s possible for young entrepreneurs.
