There is something magnetic about a consignment shop, a rich story told by it's unique inventory that just draws you in.   It makes sense, then, that the people behind these wonderful stores tend to be even more intriguing. Karin Hazzard, the owner of Pennies from Heaven Consignment Boutique in Richboro, is no exception. Her boutique includes an array of amazing finds for the savvy local shopper, from quality home furnishings to formal gowns to designer purses. Vintage items include jewelry, crystal, Depression glass, milk glass, ladies’ handkerchiefs, and other fine linens and Stangl dishware. Only a year old, Pennies from Heaven is already building quite the reputation as a must-stop local shop.

As part of our month long series honoring Women's History Month, we got the chance to chat with this Happening Woman to find out more about her adventures launching and running a Bucks County consignment boutique:

BH:  A consignment shop is such a unique business model. What attracted you to this type of business?

KH: After losing my job of 21 years, I felt disillusioned and filled some time by attending estate sales on the Main Line, just for entertainment.  I saw all of the quality offered & the prices were right for resale, so the wheels started turning.  With the recession, I thought the time was right for a consignment shop in Richboro.  Even in a down economy, women still love to shop & still have events to attend.  I wanted to provide an alternative to mall shopping; saving 40 minutes of travel time & gas expenditure is also a positive benefit and there are virtually no clothing stores in Richboro.

A show-stopping vintage fur shawl at Pennies from Heaven Consignment Boutique

BH: It sounds like you put a lot of thought into identifying the right opportunity. Now that you've been open for about a year, what do you find most rewarding about your new career?

KH: I’m a people person, I love people & believe they are the flowers in God’s garden of life.  I feel privileged to be able to interact with my customers.   In my previous employment, I was more isolated from people, aside from the employees, dealing with my customers primarily on the phone.  I am also a big believer in recycling & this is just another way of doing that.

BH: Definitely- Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle…and it doesn't hurt when the re-using is so fashionable!

We know how challenging launching a business is. What would you say has been the biggest challenge you've overcome?

KH: After 21 years, I lost my position in a local small business manufacturing company.  I had entered as an Administrative Assistant, actually taking a pay cut as a trade for “opportunity” and ten years later, after learning the business, I was elevated to Vice President of Administration.  I was downsized due to the economy & that company has continued to lose clients. I felt disillusioned because I was always taught, if you work hard & invest in learning a business, you will be rewarded.  Because of that experience, I decided I would never entrust my employment to anyone else again.

BH:  You've already accomplished so much. What is your vision for Pennies from Heaven Consignment Boutique in the next 3 years?

KH: I want to be the best little consignment shop in the area!  I listen to my customers & always try to bring in the type of things they are interested in.  I decided to specialize in prom dresses & mother of the bride/groom dresses because there seems to be a need for that in these economic times.  I would like to establish consistent patterns of ladies' events so that my customers will know about them & be able to plan to attend. (If you have a Mother of the Bride or Groom dress that you would be interested in consigning, please call 267-315-1345.)

BH: Congratulations on an amazing first year. We can wait to watch your boutique grow into the “best little consignment shop in the area”! 

Stop by to see Karin at Pennies from Heaven Monday thru Saturday from 12pm to 5pm.

Pennies from Heaven Consignment Boutique is at 829 Second Street Pike, Richboro, PA 18954

What a find! A vintage wedding gown at Pennies from Heaven

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