Opening a clothing business was not exactly in the plan for Martha Isley and Mary Kellen Beck, two University of North Georgia grads who turned their friendship into a brand. “Opening a clothing business was not something I ever expected to do,” Isley said. “I had a different career path in mind and was on track to get my real estate license. This was until one of my best friends came to me at the beginning of December wanting to go into business together! After that initial conversation, in early January we decided to go for it!”
That idea became Goldmar, an online boutique built around connection and confidence. “Our boutique is very personal to us and we have branded it to be centered around women and friendship,” Isley said. “That is what gets people hooked on a brand, if they can connect with it.” The name itself is a mix of meaning and memory. “We knew we wanted to include something about Dahlonega because that is where we met,” Isley explained. “The word ‘gold’ seemed very classy to us, and Dahlonega is the ‘City of Gold.’ The second half ‘mar’ is the first three letters of both of our names!”
Isley said from writing a business plan to designing a logo and ordering their first collection, the process was no small feat. “It was a lot of work behind the scenes! But it was so worth it!” Isley said. Her dad helped fund their dream with a $15,000 investment, and since launching in July, Goldmar has already grown through pop-ups, social media, and local partnerships. This fall they are collaborating with Because Coffee in Dawsonville, complete with a coffee-inspired collection and a drink named after them.
Looking back, Isley says it has all been worth it. “It makes me emotional thinking about it,” she said. “My younger self would not believe the woman I am today. I’ve met so many amazing people and started building the life I’ve always dreamed of.”
