This weeks Small business Spotlight has become one of my local favorite spots! I’m a sucker for a good deal, and for reusing and up-cycling, so what better way to do all that as well as some retail therapy then an adorable new children consignment shop! 
Nestled in the heart of Pasadena Maryland is a tiny little gem better known as Wear It Again, Sam. Just recently opened and incredibly inviting, Mother/Daughter duo Ashley and Denise have created a great place to shop for your little ones, while also making some money consigning last years clothing. Not only is this just a consignment shop, but its a clean, warm environment where moms can shop, chat, and even bring along their little ones thanks to a great play area, and book reading corner! Next time you are out stop by and check them out, and you can even turn it into a fun morning with the kiddos as there is a pottery painting shop right next door! Make sure that you mention SMP sent you and the lovely gals at Wear It Again, Sam would like to offer you 10% off of your purchase!! 
We’re Denise and Ashley, a mother and daughter duo starting up our first business. Not only do we work together, we also live together! I (Ashley) have 3 kids ages 4, 3, and 1, I’m married to Geoff. Denise is married to Gordon, and we have a VERY full house, but we feel really blessed. We haven’t ever run any type of business before, and we are learning a lot as we go.
How did you get started, what sparked your interest into starting your store?
We’ve been yard-saling and bargain hunting our entire lives (it goes back generations!!) and have almost never purchased new items for the kids. We’re familiar faces at all the local consignment shops, and we’ve often joked that Denise could be a millionaire because she’s so great at finding amazing deals everywhere she goes! We had talked over the years about opening our own shop, but we are Pasadena natives and there was already a shop here. When we learned that they were closing, we knew right away that no matter what, we wanted to make it happen.
What has been your biggest fear, or hurdle so far?
Paying the bills! Honestly, that sounds so simple, but it’s a huge, scary thing to sign that lease! Knowing that we are paying the rent no matter what our sales are, knowing we might be covering at the bills each month out of our own pockets, and praying like crazy for business to come.
What do you feel has been a major accomplishment for your business?
From the day we learned that this opportunity was open til the day we opened our doors was less than 6 weeks. We are so proud and thankful that we managed to pull it together so quickly, and we’ve been so glad to hear everyone notice how bright, clean, and fun it is in here, because it was a TON of work!
On a lazy Sunday afternoon what would we find you doing?
Opening our business has almost made us forget what a lazy Sunday afternoon is! But we have been trying to prioritize family time on Sundays, and our goal for the summer is to have some beach days with the kids.Do you own any pets?
We have a 19 year old Bichon named Happy. He’s old and tired and puts up with a lot of “love” from the little people in our house without a peep.
Name three favorites
Ashley: Bacon, Polka Dots, and Friends (the tv show) Denise: Bird watching, outlet shopping, and Neil Diamond
Can you give us some tips on consigning, care, storage, presentation?
Bring your items in CLEAN. Wash them if they’re clothes; wipe them if they’re toys. When we look at things, we want them to be ready to go on the shelf, and we want them to be looking like new! Have your clothing items laid flat in a box or bin, not shoved in a trash bag. We’re always looking for upper end brands.
What if any ways will your business be giving back or contributing to the community, local charities, etc?
We are donating clothing to several children’s charities. We also think providing inventory at reasonable prices is a huge need in the local communities, and we are pricing things to benefit both our consigners AND our customers.
Make sure to follow Wear It Again, Sam on facebook to be notified of sales, new items, and store events… you can find their Facebook page HERE where you can also find store location, hours, and contact information!
Are you a local small business owner, vendor, instructor, artist, coach, etc. and interested in being featured, email me at sarahmichelephotography@gmail.com
Interested in a photography session with Sarah Michele Photography? Check out SMP at www.sarahmichelephotography.com or our facebook page HERE Sarah is a custom on location natural light photographer, offering portrait experiences in the Baltimore, Annapolis, and surrounding area as well as available for Weddings and events country wide! When she is not capturing your families smiles and memories, she is usually spending time with her adorable blue eyed little girl, and husband… or out logging a few miles on her running shoes. She enjoys cooking, all things nautical, and Maryland steamed crabs!
