Ideate & Explore Grant Recipient – Jack Richard for his venture GOOD BALNCE, LLC

Breaking Down Binaries and Building Community: Jack Richard ’25 and the Vision of GOOD BALNCE
When Jack Richard embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, he wasn’t just aiming to create a brand; he was on a mission to build a community and challenge societal norms. His brand, GOOD BALNCE, is more than just a fashion statement—it’s a movement towards inclusivity, sustainability, and genuine connection.
Jack’s philosophy is deeply rooted in his personal experiences and his academic pursuits, including critical theory, which have shaped his approach to business. He believes in the power of entrepreneurship to break down the one-dimensional definitions that institutions often impose on individuals. For Jack, being an entrepreneur means wearing many hats—literally and figuratively. He is the designer, marketer, secretary, and financial organizer of his brand, embodying the versatility and open-mindedness that GOOD BALNCE represents.
The inception of GOOD BALNCE began with a simple love for hats and a desire for good balance in life. Jack spent hours hand-applying rhinestones to his creations, a meticulous process that reflected his dedication to craftsmanship. But as his vision expanded, so did his business model. Jack’s goal was to create something sustainable and scalable, leading him to explore clothing and accessories, and even a podcast to share the struggles and learnings of fellow entrepreneurs.
Community is at the heart of GOOD BALNCE. Jack’s commitment to this principle is evident in his plans to revitalize local mills in Maine, creating jobs that emphasize human creativity and individuality. He understands the rising cost of living and sees his brand as a vehicle for economic and social change. His approach to fashion is inclusive, designing products that accommodate all head sizes, hair textures, and styles, promoting diversity in race, ethnicity, body type, gender, and sexuality.
Jack’s brand motto, “individually we may wobble,” encapsulates his belief in the strength of community support. He encourages others to reach out and connect, as he understands the importance of fostering genuine relationships. His ultimate goal is not to make money for the sake of wealth but to use sales as a means to build and strengthen the community.
Despite the challenges, such as learning the complexities of the business world and facing skepticism, Jack remains undeterred. He has learned to embrace constructive criticism and navigate the legalities of entrepreneurship, all while maintaining his focus on his passion for creating a positive impact.
Looking ahead, Jack envisions a future where GOOD BALNCE is synonymous with sustainability and individuality. He plans to learn all there is about clothing and aims to achieve 100% sustainability in his production processes. His business structure is collaboration-based, working with other brands to break down boundaries and foster innovation.
Jack’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and the importance of community. His efforts to create a brand that stands for more than just fashion are paving the way for a more inclusive and connected world. As he continues to spread his vision and mission, Jack Richard and GOOD BALNCE are not just changing the fashion industry—they’re changing the fabric of society.
Updates on Jack since he received the Ideate & Explore Grant:
Jack along with three other Colby students, with support from the Lyons Arts Lab created IN TANDEM: The Unconventional Fashion Experience.
Jack also received the Compagna-Sennett Iterate & Expand Grant qualifying his venture to competed in the Halloran Lab 40K Venture Showcase Pitch Competition. GOOD BALNCE won the Audience Choice grant of $2.5K!