slides: Children’s Resale Store Celebrates Third Birthday

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Monday, April 20, 2015

Briauna Skye McKizzie & Kemea Smith, GoLocalPDX Contributors

Children's consignment store, Beanstalk, celebrates its third anniversary with a birthday bash on Saturday, April 25th. 

With a refreshing and inviting atsmosphere, Beanstalk is so much more than your average clothing store. "We try to foster an open and inviting, community oriented culture. The store is brightly lit, clean, colorful and distinctly organized into categories. It’s easy to find things and easy to shop. The space has a cheerful, relaxed vibe," describes Carmen Ripley Wilson, owner and founder of Beanstalk. 

Beanstalk is also a quality, eco-friendly store, offering gently used gear and clothing for preemie to youth sized children. Beanstalk is an excellent option for parents looking to purchase safe gear and trendy, well-made clothing, without hurting their wallets.  

All are invited to take part in the festivities which will include face painting and raffle prizes. Also snag some deals at the “all seasons” sidewalk sale. Yummy bites and beverages will be provided as well.  

A portion of the proceeds from the birthday bash will benefit Portland Public Schools Clothing Closet and Insights Teen Parent Program, a nonprofit local agency devoted to the needs of parenting adolescents and their children.

SLIDES: See How To Sell at Beanstalk Slideshow BELOW

GoLocalPDX: Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

Carmen Ripley Wilson: As a mother of a 6 year old boy, I answer a lot of questions, read a lot of children’s books -  easily the same book, fifty times. I take part in giggle and cuddle fests. I get buried neck deep in soft fuzzy stuffed animals only to then be attacked by the snarling fire breathing dragon. I play endless games of hide-and-seek. 

What did you do before opening Beanstalk? 

CW: Prior to opening Beanstalk, I was a Naturopathic family physician. I was also helping folks be aware of their nutrition, environmental exposures, exercise routines and stress management practices. 

I wanted to open a business that fulfilled a fundamental need. I also have been recycling, reusing and repurposing since I was old enough to join 4H. My upbringing has strongly influenced the foundation for Beanstalk.

Product safety is a big deal for Beanstalk. Can you go into more detail about your holistic lifestyle and the importance of product safety?​

CW: There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about safety, wellness, environmental exposures and health overall. Beanstalk inspects all products for recalls by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.  In addition, I maintain a list of items that we will not re-sell to our community. Most of these items are plastics or contain plastics that have harmful substrates such as phthalates, Bis-phosphenyl A (BPA), lead and other unsafe ingredients.

What was one of your favorite things brought into the store?

CW: Oh my goodness there are so many things! My favorite items are the wooden toys! I especially love the wooden dollhouses. It reminds me of my childhood, when my sister and I would spend our play time setting them up with all their furniture, rugs and small dishes. 

What have you learned over the last three years owning a business? 

CW: Honestly, I have learned how much I love being a business owner and that it really does take a supportive and caring community to make it successful. I have also learned that it’s very important to realize your own strengths and to seek support in the areas where you aren’t as strong. I couldn’t have done any of this without the help of other shop owners, advisors, family, friends, our amazing customers, consignors and employees. Owning Beanstalk reminds me of motherhood, as it requires attentiveness, nurturing, structure, evaluation, support and, of course, the occasional day off.

What's next for Beanstalk? 

CW: I want to grow the business and I always love a new challenge. Beanstalk on Fremont is a wonderful location and we feel a special connection with our neighbors. We look forward to finding the next community to plant another magic bean and watch it grow to the sky...

Beanstalk's 3rd Birthday Party, 3527 NE 15th Avenue, 10 am-6 pm, Saturday, April 25th, FREE. For more information click HERE.  

Photo Credits: Amy Close Photography

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Related Slideshow: How to Sell at Beanstalk Children’s Consignment

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