Consignment Shop Owner Puts Faith in Business

One doesn’t get to meet the President or CEO of a large business when making a transaction. In a small business, however, it’s likely the person behind the counter or desk is not just an employee, but also the owner. If this owner happens to run a retail outfit, then their personality can make a huge difference to their bottom line.

At the consignment shop Olivia’s Closet, owner Byannka Amaya’s attitude is as bright as her smile. As the store’s sole employee, she works six days a week, often with four children in tow. Instead of being harried, however, Amaya is patient, cheerful and truly helpful to whoever walks in the door.  Amaya attributes much of her attitude to her Christian faith.

“God put me in here to do this,” she says.

Amaya was born in Haiti, but grew up in Boston. She worked for many years as a phlebotomist, despite her fear of needles. When she relocated the family to Texas for her husband’s job she found herself, quite spontaneously, purchasing a consignment shop. The business, having had three previous and negligent owners, needed a reboot.  Amaya says she didn’t realize customers had been driven away, but she learned quickly how to win them back.

“When the customer comes in make them feel like they’re at home. No stress. No aggression. Be friendly. That’s the key,” says Amaya.

After three years in business, Amaya and her family moved back to Massachusetts. She purchased Secondhand Sadie’s and changed the name to Olivia’s Closet, after her mother. In April she relocated the store from Mink Street to Briarwood Plaza in hopes of attracting some of the parents whose children attended a nearby daycare center.

Olivia’s is very kid-friendly, stocking children’s clothes, toys and equipment. There is also play area in back where children can watch movies or play with toys while their parents shop.  In addition to items for tots, are women’s and maternity clothes, and a small, but growing collection of menswear.

Amaya keeps her prices low and her quality high. Name brands such as American Eagle, GAP, Abercrombie and OshKosh can be found in abundance. A quick check of the women's rack uncovered Ann Taylor Loft skirts for $6, Lands End pants for $9.99, a J. Crew skirt for $9.99 and  Wassimo dress for $8.99. As with all consignment shops, prices are regularly discounted, after the first month by 25% and again by 25% after the second month.

Amaya says though the store has been open for a year and half business can still be spotty. Ocassionally there are days when no one comes in at all. When this happens she goes back to her faith. 

“God gives me the strength to stay open. If I think about closing something keeps holding me back and says ‘Hold on. Something’s going to happen. It’s going to change.’ There’s good days, and there’s bad days. No matter what you have to be uplifting,” she says.