Goldie Benz

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself: where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Goldie Benz, and I’m the owner, architect, and creative director of GoldenWorks Embroidery, a premium apparel and embroidery studio serving Kansas City. I’m originally from Iowa, and after living in Kansas City for more than 25 years, the Midwest is deeply a part of who I am — the values, the care for others, the work ethic, the humility, the community roots, and the unpretentious lifestyle. Those qualities shaped the way I approach design, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship. Today, I’m based in Kansas City, Missouri, where I’ve built GoldenWorks from its inception and continue to serve local businesses, Greek-life organizations, and corporate teams with intentional, elevated embroidery work.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

One thing I truly love about living in Kansas City is the sense of community. KC has this rare blend of Midwest warmth and creative ambition — people genuinely show up for local makers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. It’s a place where support feels personal, and where building something from the ground up is met with encouragement instead of doubt. That energy has played a huge role in GoldenWorks’ growth, and it’s a big part of why Kansas City feels like home.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

GoldenWorks Embroidery began as a small, single-machine operation and has grown into a premium apparel studio serving corporate teams, Greek-life organizations, and local Kansas City businesses. I started the company because I saw how often brands struggled with inconsistent embroidery quality, poor communication, and vendors who didn’t fully understand their clients’ identity. GoldenWorks was built to solve that. I handle every part of the process—from digitizing to stitching—with an emphasis on precision, brand stewardship, and intentional design. My customers rely on me not just for clean, elevated embroidery, but for a partner who protects their brand, understands their standards, and delivers apparel that feels cohesive, professional, and beautifully executed every time.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

The best advice I can give someone who wants to start a business is to begin with research and clarity. Understand what your craft truly requires—your time, your tools, your financial needs, and your capacity. Loving the work is important, but entrepreneurship means wearing every hat, even the ones you never expected. Build a support system early and use the resources available to you; they exist to help you succeed. Most importantly, stay adaptable. Your business will evolve, and the willingness to learn, adjust, and grow is what keeps you moving forward.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One piece of feedback I’ll never forget came from a client who told me that working with GoldenWorks felt like having a brand guardian rather than just an embroidery vendor. They said the level of care, precision, and communication made them feel genuinely supported — that I protected their logo, elevated their apparel, and delivered work that exceeded what they thought embroidery could look like. Hearing that reminded me why I built GoldenWorks in the first place: to give people craftsmanship they can trust and a partner who treats their brand like it’s my own.

Where do you see your company in the future?

In the future, I see GoldenWorks Embroidery expanding into a full-scale premium apparel partner for businesses across Kansas City and beyond. My goal is to grow our corporate division, introduce more specialized embroidery and branding services, and continue refining the level of craftsmanship that sets us apart. I envision GoldenWorks becoming the go-to studio for companies that want intentional, elevated apparel — not just stitched logos, but pieces that represent their identity with precision and pride. As the brand grows, I want to build a team, invest in more advanced equipment, and create a space that supports both production and creative development. GoldenWorks has already come a long way, and the future feels wide open.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

One of the biggest misconceptions about the embroidery industry is that it’s a simple, push-a-button process. Many people assume embroidery is quick, automated, and identical across all vendors, when in reality it’s a highly technical craft that depends on skill, digitizing expertise, machine knowledge, and attention to detail. Quality embroidery isn’t just stitching a logo — it’s understanding thread behavior, fabric structure, density, and how to translate a brand into something that looks clean, professional, and long-lasting. That level of precision takes time, training, and intention, and it’s the difference between basic embroidery and truly premium work.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of my biggest struggles in building GoldenWorks has been transitioning from personal, one-off creative projects into consistent, high-expectation corporate work. The shift comes with tighter timelines, higher standards, and the pressure to deliver flawless results every single time. It forced me to rethink my systems, upgrade my equipment, and build a more disciplined operational workflow. I dealt with it by seeking mentorship, leaning into business education, and treating every challenge as a chance to refine how GoldenWorks operates. That process strengthened both my craft and my confidence, and it ultimately helped me grow from creator to business owner.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

Growing up, Whitney Houston and Mary Lou Retton were two people whose work ethic shaped the way I understood excellence. Whitney wasn’t just a voice — she was disciplined, intentional, and had a relentless commitment. Every performance felt like the result of hours of practice, emotional honesty, and a standard she refused to lower. Mary Lou Retton had that same fire, but in a different arena. Her training, her focus, and the joy she brought to competition showed me what dedication looks like when you truly love what you do. Watching both of them taught me early on that talent matters, but work ethic is what carries you. Their drive still inspires how I approach my craft and my business today.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I want to give a special shoutout to my parents, my family, and my close friends. They’ve believed in me even in the moments when my imperfections were loudest, and that kind of support is something I don’t take for granted. They give me clarity when I’m overwhelmed, conviction when I start doubting myself, and the determination to keep building GoldenWorks with purpose. Their faith in me has been one of the strongest foundations of this journey.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can learn more about me and GoldenWorks Embroidery by visiting our website www.goldenworksembroidery.com and connecting with us on social media: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. You can explore our work, view recent projects, and reach out directly through GoldenWorks Embroidery. For inquiries or custom orders, you can contact us anytime at info@goldenworksembroidery.com. We love sharing behind-the-scenes content, new apparel drops, and updates with our Kansas City community, so following along is the best way to stay connected.