Flower Child Consignment and Flower Chic are consignment stores, a type of thrift store,  located in the Town of Louisa. The stores’ owners, Kristen Crummette, wanted to provide customers with affordable options. 

Established in 2021 by Crummette, Flower Child Consignment and Flower Chic have become staples of Louisa’s Main Street. Although she doesn’t live in Louisa, Crummette has found a home here. 

“I’ve made a lot of new friends from being here and it’s been really fun,” Crummette said. “I feel like I’m a part of the community and it’s really nice to just have those relationships here.” 

When coming to Louisa, Crummette realized that there weren’t many affordable places for people to shop at. After this, Crummette decided to open a consignment store for local residents .

“When we did foster care, we pretty much lived at a consignment store so we could get affordable clothing,” Crummette said. ”We’re trying to find something to support the people who are local.” 

Although other consignment stores sell a larger variety of clothes, prices have increased. Due to inflation, stores such as Goodwill have had to increase their prices of donated clothes.

“I wanted to do something people wouldn’t get upset about, because other thrift stores have become increasingly more expensive for things that are donated,” Crummette said. “I’m just trying to help out in a different way.”

Crummette appreciates how the community comes together to support her business. In Flower Child Consignment and Chic Consignment, she also sells a variety of locally made items. 

“One of our local sellers makes bows, necklaces, and earrings,” Crummette said. “We have a couple of teenagers who do stickers and jewelry and there are a few who make scrunchies and air fresheners for your car.”

With being open year round, Crummette experiences busy seasons, when she receives masses of clothes from donors. Many customers come into Flower Child Consignment and Chic Consignment during the holiday season. 

“The busiest day is the Saturday after Thanksgiving,” Crummette said. “We have all new unboxings that we’re pulling out. Anytime we do a switchover, it gets extremely busy, like when we switch to fall and winter clothes and when we put out spring and summer clothes.”

With three kids, spending time with them is one of Crummete’s main priorities. Being able to work, as well as homeschool her kids, was important to Crummette.

“I hope my business grows to the point where I can afford to hire someone to help full-time with things,” Crummette said.