Meet James Goodin of Ajo

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Goodin.

Hi James, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Creativity has always been at the core of who I am. I spent many years as a hairstylist and educator with a global hair coloring company, and along the way, I channeled that creative energy into fashion—designing apparel and accessories for our boutique shop on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, called PrepstR.

Free Spirit Originals began as a tribute to my partner Dan’s family, a dynamic crew of independent thinkers who each embodied the Free Spirit lifestyle in their own way. His grandfather and father, Al and Scott Goodin, ran the legendary Free Spirit Cafe—a lively piano bar and cocktail lounge in Connecticut during the 1980s. The logo was dreamed up by artist Grandma Barbara Goodin, a talented basket weaver, sculptor, and writer who always encouraged artistic expression in the family.

We first introduced a small line of Free Spirit pieces at PrepstR, inspired by this incredible family legacy. Today, we live part-time in Ajo, Arizona, former mining town turned vibrant artist community, where inspiration flows freely. Summers are for chasing creativity across the country in our camper van, soaking up new places, meeting kindred spirits, and continuing the tradition with every design we create under the name Free Spirit Originals.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’d say nothing is as smooth as I think it will be! Challenges are inevitable; but, they’ve helped shape the voice, vision, and resilience behind Free Spirit Originals.

One of the biggest shifts came during and after the pandemic. Like many creatives, we had to pause, reflect, and completely regroup. We left behind our boutique on Cape Cod and set out to find a new place that felt aligned with our energy and purpose. That journey eventually led us to Ajo, Arizona—a place full of fellow creatives and Free Spirits.

Rebuilding meant learning how to create again in a new rhythm, with a new perspective. We focused on staying true to our vibe, and that began to naturally attract the right people, collaborations, and opportunities. It hasn’t always been easy, but every twist in the road has been an evolution, Free Spirit Style.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The idea for to crochet bags came to me in the middle of the night, one of those moments where inspiration just won’t wait. I went to sleep reflecting on past creative paths and wondering what was next for our journey. I was awakened with an answer, it hit me: bags. Crochet bags.

I’ve always loved a good functional accessory, something that’s both expressive and practical. The very next morning, I hit up the thrift shops in Ajo, found some yarn, grabbed a hook, and just started creating. I taught myself to crochet and began designing bags with that signature Free Spirit vibe, pieces that feel unique, bold, and one-of-a-kind.

From there, things evolved naturally. Now I also create accessories like earrings and cowboy sun hats, cozy home goods like pillows, and whatever else inspiration calls for. My current obsession is creating a bathing suit! Every piece is handmade with a focus on personality, texture, and story.

What I’m most proud of is staying true to the heart of it all: creating with intention, following the energy, and making things that feel like they belong to a bigger journey. I think what sets Free Spirit Originals apart is exactly that: it’s more than a product; it’s a feeling, a lifestyle, and a story woven into every stitch

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?

If you don’t start the journey… you don’t start the journey. That’s the truth. Anyone great at anything, started knowing absolutely nothing about it. They just began and learned along the journey. So my best advice? Just start. Put your vibe, your energy, your intention into it and go.

The most fulfilling adventures of my life have come from pushing through self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and choosing to do it anyway. You don’t need to have all the answers before you begin. You just need to begin. The rest unfolds along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.freespiritoriginals.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freespiritoriginals/
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/freespiritoriginal/