Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Medcraft
Hi Mary, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve had a long passion for thrift shopping, garage sales, and consignment stores. However, over the past decade, my focus has shifted towards sustainable living and finding creative ways to repurpose and recycle items at home to minimize waste. During the COVID pandemic, I started selling second-hand clothing online as a way to earn extra income and discovered that it was a great way to share high-quality pre-loved items with a wider audience.
As a resale seller, I sought alternative sales channels and discovered a gap in the Twin Cities market for consignment boutiques offering booth rentals for clothing sales. The closest option was Shine On in Eau Claire, WI. Following thorough market research, we decided to fill this gap by opening a resale boutique in Eagan, an attractive location with a thriving shopping scene, a robust business environment, and a growing community.
Our resale boutique, Hello Again, offers a unique experience with new inventory arriving weekly because people rent booth by the week and by the month, ensuring a constantly changing selection. Unlike traditional resale stores where sellers receive minimal payment, our model empowers sellers to set their own prices, design their booth’s visual appeal, and earn a larger profit share. This approach benefits both buyers and sellers while promoting sustainability by reducing textile waste in landfills – a win-win for everyone!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There is a saying: You don’t know what you don’t know. Opening and owning a retail store has presented various challenges for us, from permits and construction to website development and shipping logistics. Yet, despite these hurdles, having a supportive property management company and a strong internal team has been a significant asset.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
With a robust background in the hospitality industry, I have honed my expertise in sales through roles at Hotels, the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau, and my current position with HelmsBriscoe. As an independent contractor at HelmsBriscoe, I specialize in assisting clients in finding optimal locations for their meetings and conventions. My dedication to customer service and client satisfaction has consistently set me apart, placing me in the top 5% of 1400 HelmsBriscoe Associates for production.
Listening to and understanding client needs has always been one of my core strengths, proving essential in both my current and past roles. I am fortunate to be able to successfully balance both positions, leveraging my skills to deliver exceptional service and results.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Staying informed about trends is crucial for Hello Again, so I make it a point to stay updated on both current popular items and timeless classics. To achieve this, I regularly listen to various podcasts for resellers, including Thrifters Villa, The Blushing Hanger, Thanks, It’s Thrifted, Pure Hustle Podcast, The Nashville Flippers, and Fashion and Dressed: The History of Fashion. Additionally, I continue to read Vogue and Vanity Fair to stay in touch with the latest fashion insights.
For personal enjoyment and a bit of relaxation, I indulge in the SmartLess podcast. On a different note, for practical advice, I turn to Katie K-9, who offers the best dog training tips. Balancing these diverse sources helps me stay well-rounded and informed, both professionally and personally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.helloagainmn.com
- Instagram: @helloagain.eagan
- Facebook: helloagaineagan
