On Oct. 17th, Joey Goodrich hosted a party to mark 20 years of good business. Goodrich, 64, owns The House of Renee Originals and has been designing custom clothing for decades.

Skies weren't always so bright for Goodrich and her creative abilities. She started The House of Renee Originals with $80 in her pocket and a dream she wouldn't let die. Her first location was a 10x10-square-foot space, giving her just enough room to produce and sell.

Goodrich opened the doors to her dream job in 1991, but by 1995 she was brought to a fork in the road. Cancer struck and she was given three to six months to live. "I said 'if I'm going to die, I'm going to die happy' " Goodrich recalls. "So, I came to work every day."

After six weeks of intense chemotherapy and radiation, Goodrich came out on top. "Here I am, cured," she said, smiling.

Through her trials in both life and business, Joey Goodrich says that perseverance has been the key to her success. From financial struggles in the beginning to her bout with cancer, she has certainly made an imprint on the Gulfport area.

Hailing from Michigan, Goodrich comes from a blood line of custom design. She says that her grandfather, a master tailor, taught her what is now the foundation of her work.

Along with her creative side, Goodrich is a biochemist. She invented a material called "The Little Black Dress Fabric" and has the patent to prove it.

Joey Goodrich is a staple for the community and Gulfport Patch wishes her a very happy 20 years!