SOUL SHINE CONSIGNMENT

GO LOCAL PICKS

Paying it forward

The New Year is here, and with that, many people look to start fresh – in many more ways than one. For those who may be considering dusting off old clothes and cleaning out their closets to make space and declutter, instead of throwing these items away, perhaps consider a local consignment boutique.

Soul Shine Consignment Boutique is a women’s consignment clothing store, with the phrase ‘soul shine’ meaning beauty from the inside out. Owner/creator Katy Shea founded Soul Shine to add sparkle, soul and love to others wardrobes. She explained that she believes beauty starts from within, and strives to offer an inspirational shopping experience for her customers. Additionally, she wants to celebrate authenticity and welcome a variety of diverse eclectic styles.

Consignment is an arrangement in which one’s personal goods are left in the care of a third-party vendor to sell. For those who have clothing that is still in good condition but have no use for it anymore, they can bring it to Soul Shine. “You can go through your closet and there’s stuff you just know you want to pay it forward and donate,” said Shea.

“You’re going to bless somebody with it, but you’re going to donate it. This is all about blessing people here.” She continued, “I want women to feel great in their own skin no matter what size they’re at or what age they’re at – it doesn’t matter – I want them to feel beautiful.”

Owning a consignment shop was always a dream of Shea’s, but she never thought it was a possibility. She went to college for fashion merchandising and had a career in fashion retail as a district manager and corporate trainer for a subsidiary of JC Penney. When she became a mother and her specialty division at JC Penney went out of business, Shea said she was at a crossroads and worked part-time at a Clinique counter when her children were little. It was during that time she started consignment shopping out of necessity. “I’ve always loved fashion and clothes,” Shea said. “I really enjoyed dressing myself and my kids up. It just makes me feel better and it’s the way I express art. I’ve done consignment shopping and tag selling for 20 years.”

Fast forward to the coronavirus pandemic: Shea decided to open a consignment shop.

Soul Shine opened on Sept. 1, 2021, and 16 months later she said business has been going well. As of publication, Shea has over 500 regular consigners. She said her goal is to continue to bless people and keep growing her customer base. “I give all of my love to this shop, and I hope it shows,” Shea said. “I want to give customers the best boutique

experience. It brings me joy to know that someone’s day was brightened because they came to my shop. I’m very humbled by that.”

Shea asks for people to come in with 10 items maximum – new with tags preferred, without hangers. The items must be in pristine condition with no visible signs of ware, all neatly folded. Shea also takes custom jewelry, accessories, designer handbags and shoes that may have been worn once. No appointments are necessary. Shea has open hours for consignment on Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. The store doesn’t accept consignments on Saturdays. Shea kindly asks consigners wait about two to three weeks before bringing her 10 more items. All fashions that don’t sell will be donated to local charities excluding designer handbags.