Meet Manny Edwards, the creative force behind The Goody Vault, a vintage clothing brand that blends the art of repairing, reworking, and reimagining garments. Though The Goody Vault has a showroom in Wicker Park, Manny’s reach extends far beyond—his pop-ups and events span not just Chicago, but across the country.
From mending workshops to vintage shows to art exhibitions, Manny has cultivated a tight-knit, thoughtful community around his brand. His unique vision on mending and repairing of garments is distinct, meaning you’ll know a Goody Vault piece when you see one.
So, what’s fueling Manny’s dream business? Relationships play a key role, along with his motivation to experience the unknown. We can't wait for you to learn more about our friend Manny!
Hi Manny! Tell us a little bit about yourself. What excited you and sparked your creativity and curiosity as a child?
Daydreaming of traveling the world. Looking through encyclopedias and learning about the grandness of ancient civilizations, specifically Egypt. It captivated me. Drawing and sketching like my late father. My creativity was rooted in watching and trying to emulate beautiful art like my dad.
Before starting the Goody Vault or moving to Chicago, you worked for the US Army. Could you share more about your decision to transition to a more creative, artful career? What spoke to you about vintage clothing?
It was just the time. I had been carrying the desire to explore my creativity seriously for years. I just didn’t know what that looked like. When the pandemic hit in March 2020 it forced me to face that reality of sticking to what I was doing or making a pivot. During that time of isolation I spent a lot of time in deep reflection. I had to make the decision as to what I wanted my life to look like.
The reality that I could be here today and gone tomorrow hit me like never before. I made a choice to get more serious about making my passion for art via curation, reworking, and collecting vintage clothing as a way to make a living. Vintage clothing spoke to me because clothing has always been an interest of mine. It seemed fun and like there were a lot of opportunities.
You have a distinct curatorial voice for the Goody Vault. Do you have a specific vision when you are sourcing or do you let gut reactions guide your decisions of what pieces to bring into your collection?
Honestly, it’s as simple to me as buying the things that excite me. I always say, “I’ll know what I want when I see it”. I like to keep my options open and buy from my gut. The items need to speak to me. Of course, I buy some of the basics I need to maintain a solid collection, but I’m always looking for those unique one off items that call out to me.
We immediately know a Goody Vault piece when we see your mending. As you repair garments, do you envision the final result beforehand or do you arrive at the final design through the mending process?
I always have an idea of what I want the final result to look like, but I typically like to allow the creative process to guide me. Sometimes what you envision and what you make looks completely different, so I like to leave room for the unexpected and see what happens.
What inspired you to host mending workshops to teach your community how to repair their own garments?
The core of the mending classes is the desire to have community. When I think about what inspires me about mending workshops—it’s having a group likeminded people in one room enjoying themselves and learning. That creates a sense of belonging for me and for everyone else. It’s a really special feeling.
You travel a good amount for vintage shows, pop-ups, and collaborations. How do you stay energized on the road? Where are you off to next?
How do I stay energized? It really comes from within. I am so excited when I’m traveling that it keeps me pretty upbeat. Also, the unknown keeps me very motivated. The opportunity to have the best event ever keeps me going.
A lot of travel is based on projects/events from relationships that I have cultivated over time. So it’s very exciting to see these individuals again. I stay energized on the road by trying to get a good night's sleep, trying my best to eat well, and placing myself in positive environments that keep me driven and emotionally healthy.
My next trip will probably be to LA or NY.
You’re an amazing community builder! Could you share your top three pieces of wisdom on how to connect with people and nurture relationships?
Thank you for the kind words.
First: Be genuine and authentic. Connect with people because you really like who they are and not for what they can do for you. NOTE: People can tell if you’re real or not.
Second: Follow up with new friends, grab lunch, personally invite them to events and spend time with them. Connect with them.
Third: Be positive, be thoughtful, be kind. Affirm those new relationships. Be refreshing to your friends and communities.
You always have something in the works. What new releases and events are coming up?
We have a long list of events and ideas we’re trying to sort out. Two big ones that come to mind are an event with a friend of ours from the UK who we will host in May. He does amazing tailored suiting and clothing. Another one is a possible event overseas for the Goody Vault. We are working out the details, but we want to bring the energy and curation to our friends in distant lands
Where do you love to hang out in Chicago?
I love to hang at the following spots in Chicago:
● The Dinh Collection 305 E. Garfield
● The Center of Order & Experimentation
What are you currently loving at Martha Mae?
My Midori notebooks (I use them daily)
My Mark’s Time for Paper Gel Ball Pen in Yellow.
Love this combo.
Go to snack?
Lightly salted cashews & dried apricots. Both from Trader Joe’s.
Go to showroom scent?
Palo Santo
Got to beverage while mending?
Water
Go to private appointment playlist?
Can we Vibe? Thanks…
A Goody Vault Playlist on Spotify
Go to travel uniform?
Chore Coat, draw string pant, loafers. Functional and comfy.
Go to sourcing day meal?
West Sider Sub & Miss Vickie’s Jalapeño Kettle Chips— Humboldt Haus
Photos by Jack X Li