Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Milligan
Hi Grace, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Opening a retail store in Austin has been a many years dream of mine. Prior to opening Golden Mean, I spent 12 years in New York City working various art and fashion related roles. including PR, wholesale, merchandising, and styling. During that time I gathered inspiration, learned from each experience to apply to my business idea, and built a network of artists, creatives, and makers, with the goal of future collaborations. It would keep me awake at night thinking about my future retail space – and once I started working on my business plan, I couldn’t contain my excitement and the ideas kept flowing.
When I moved to Austin, it was most important to secure a retail space in an area with like-minded small businesses and with the opportunity to connect with the locals in that neighborhood. I also attended many art related events, pop ups, and markets to further build a key element to the shop: highlighting Austin’s both established talent and artists on the rise.
I have received so much help and support from my friends in various fields: with my logo & website design, installing shelves in the store, to photography help. This is something that was shaped by many helping hands and creative minds.
Now, a year and a half in, Golden Mean proudly represents nearly 100 local and global brands, all of which focus on well-designed, handmade, useful, beautiful, and sustainable products. Our rotating art gallery wall within the store features a new local artist every 6-8 weeks. We also do many art related events celebrating creativity in all forms, whether it be with a painter, baker, or musician.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been many struggles along the way. As a first-time business owner, I bravely trusted my gut in intuition with decisions that I’ve never been in a position to make. I am so grateful to have mentors with valuable experiences that I can openly share questions, problems, and bounce ideas off. I pour my heart into Golden Mean and a continuous struggle is feeling like there is always more work I can do for the business, or that I need to be even more productive. I have to remind myself that it is okay (and necessary) to take a break to refresh and recharge.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love collaborating and creating unforgettable experiences for our community. Golden Mean welcomes everyone and celebrates love, connection, and creativity. We throw parties, art related workshops, and events such as live music performances, book signings, gallery openings, puppy adoptions, olive oil tastings, and vintage markets. There is always something fun and unique happening at the shop.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as connecting shoppers with thoughtful items that sparks inspiration or emotion, executing ideas at a high standard, and providing excellent customer service. It is my greatest honor to provide a platform for artists and share the stories behind our brands and vintage items. Every item in the shop is either (and in no particular order): Texas local, eco-friendly / sustainable practice, Not on Amazon, or is Female, LGBTQIA+, AAPI, Black, Latino, or family owned. Golden Mean is a space to experience a dopamine boost from color, humorous greeting cards, play dress up with jewelry, and to discover art & craftsmanship in many forms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goldenmeanaustin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenmeanaustin/
