In the heart of Downtown Ames, nestled among the charm and bustle of Main Street, there’s a boutique that’s more than just racks of clothing and curated styles — it’s a reflection of one woman’s journey, her passion for fashion, and her devotion to community. Meet b.e.good, a boutique as thoughtfully named as it is designed, and the dream-turned-reality of Bridget Good.
From Boone to the Big Apple
Bridget Good’s love for fashion didn’t begin with a storefront or a blog. It started in Boone, Iowa — her hometown — and blossomed during her years at Iowa State University, where she studied from 2016 to 2020. While there, she joined Chi Omega and participated in The Fashion Show, one of the largest student-run fashion shows in the country. But it was a summer internship in 2019 that truly broadened her horizons: working with renowned celebrity stylist Micaela Erlanger in New York City.
“That summer changed everything,” Bridget recalls. “I was managing every single piece that came in and out of the studio. I was on the front lines of high-end fashion, handling designer garments and interacting with celebrity clients. It taught me professionalism, attention to detail, and gave me a new level of confidence.”
The Spark of Small Business
Despite her experience in Manhattan’s glittering fashion world, Bridget’s heart remained in Iowa. Her love for small business took root much earlier, at the age of 16, when she landed her first job at Modern Dress in Boone. For eight years, it was more than just a job — it was her classroom, mentor, and creative outlet.
“I always admired how personal and community-focused small businesses are,” she says. “Modern Dress showed me what it means to make someone feel special — whether they’re shopping for their wedding day or just stopping in for style advice.”
From Blog to Boutique
While still in college, Bridget launched b.e.good as a fashion blog — a place to share her style, ideas, and inspirations. But after graduating into a world halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, her plans for a big-city fashion career took an unexpected turn.
“Everything I thought I was going to do got put on pause. But in that pause, something new had room to grow.”
That “something new” was the evolution of b.e.good from blog to boutique — and not just any boutique. Instead of leaping into a permanent storefront, Bridget rolled out her vision, quite literally, with a mobile boutique. She transformed a trailer into a traveling fashion haven, bringing her curated style and contagious energy to communities across Iowa.
“I wanted to see new places, meet new people, and bring something fresh to them — and a mobile boutique gave me that freedom.”
A Boutique with Meaning
In 2024, b.e.good found its home as a storefront in Downtown Ames, and the mission remains as heartfelt as ever. The name itself is a play on Bridget’s full name — Bridget Elizabeth Good — but it also represents her personal mantra: be happy, be kind, b.e.good.
Inside the boutique, shoppers find a collection of clothing that strikes the perfect balance between timeless and effortless — stylish yet approachable. But more than just fashion, Bridget strives to offer a little piece of inspiration to every customer who walks through the door.
“I want people to feel good in what they wear, but also feel seen and celebrated. It’s about creating a space where women of all ages can feel confident and beautiful.”
Building Community, One Outfit at a Time
What sets b.e.good apart isn’t just the handpicked inventory or Instagram-worthy aesthetic — it’s Bridget herself. Whether she’s popping up at local events, partnering with fellow small businesses, or chatting with regulars in the boutique, her authenticity shines through.
“The best part of this journey has been the people. Iowa is full of incredible communities and women doing amazing things. I feel lucky to be part of that.”
As b.e.good continues to grow in Ames and beyond, Bridget remains grounded in the values that started it all: creativity, connection, and kindness. In a world where fast fashion often overshadows personal style, b.e.good is a breath of fresh air.
Learn more about b.e.good online at: www.shopbegood.com
