GracieGoGoDesigns
Be yourself. Joyous. Unique. Special. Fabulous.
Grace Robertson’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose.
At just 13 years old, in 2017, Grace and her younger sister Abigaelle were adopted from the Central African Republic and moved to the United States to begin a new life in Iowa with their American mom, Abbey. When Grace arrived, she didn’t speak English. Learning to read and write in an entirely new language,while navigating grief, loss, and the emotional weight of joining a new family and culture,was overwhelming.
In the midst of all that change, Grace found comfort in creating.
She began crocheting, constantly. What started as a coping tool soon became a passion. Through YouTube and Pinterest, she taught herself to make hats and scarves, then expanded into sewing, pattern-making, resin barrettes, and even candle-making. What began as creativity turned into purpose, and GracieGoGoDesigns was born.
The name holds deep meaning. Gracie is the name her American grandfather lovingly calls her. GoGo comes from her grandmother in Africa, who called her that instead of her full middle name, Gloria. The brand represents both worlds, where she comes from and where she’s going.
Grace reinvests every dollar back into her business. She recently saved enough to launch her own Shopify store, fueled purely by dedication and belief in her craft. For Grace, the joy is found not just in creating, but in gifting, serving, and connecting with others. Like many entrepreneurs, she’s evolved along the way, going through three brand name changes and two business cards in just three years, while consistently growing, learning, and sharing her journey through Instagram and creative content. Along the way, she’s even had the opportunity to meet and learn from established jewelry designers like Lia Valencia Key and Marren Costello.
In 2024, Grace’s story reached a pivotal moment when Jamie Kern Lima heard her journey and awarded her a $10,000 scholarship toward college. Jamie’s belief in Grace didn’t just change her life, it opened doors and solidified Grace’s belief that purpose-driven dreams can become reality. To this day, Jamie remains one of Grace’s greatest inspirations.
Entrepreneurship runs deep in Grace’s roots. Her American mom is a Realtor, and her family in Africa are entrepreneurs as well. Her American and African families remain closely connected, continuing to give back to the orphanage and serving on the Jonathan’s House for Orphans board. Giving back isn’t an afterthought, it’s a way of life.
Through GracieGoGoDesigns, Grace also gives back directly, supporting loved ones and needs in Africa. One of her greatest dreams is to create a fashion education program for women in her home country, especially for those who never had the opportunity to receive formal education.
Her vision doesn’t stop there. Grace dreams of moving to New York City to further develop her brand, deepen its meaning, and expand its impact on a global scale.
From Grace, Founder & Designer
Hi, my name is Grace.
Fashion, to me, is memory made visible. It’s the language of confidence, identity, and belonging, the way we tell the world who we are without saying a word. Most women remember what they were wearing in moments that mattered: the dress that made them brave, the jacket that marked a new beginning, the accessory that carried meaning and confidence.
That connection between feeling and fabric is what inspires me to design.
My work is about more than clothing, it’s about capturing emotion and creating pieces that become part of someone’s story. I want every woman who wears my brand to feel beautiful, seen, and certain of her own strength.
Because fashion isn’t just what we put on.
It’s what we step into.
