Today we’d like to introduce you to April Cate.
April, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
With the never-ending problem of children outgrowing their clothes and the constant running to the store to buy another outfit that is overpriced just to find out that it doesn’t fit in a month is a constant battle for all parents.
Once my oldest son ran out of clothes that weren’t given to us before he was born, I found myself in this exact situation. I had a sweet friend of mine introduce me to Rhea Lana’s. My first thoughts is that my precious first child is not going to have anything used. I can afford to get him what he needs, and it would be new. I decided to try out Rhea Lana’s first on a half-price sale day just to see what it was like and boy was I glad I did. I came out of there with a full season of clothes for only $80. That’s right, he had church clothes, play clothes, and even some new toys, for only $80. I quickly learned that Rhea Lana’s was the way to go!
I anxiously waited until the next event to shop for what he needed, and this time Christmas was right around the corner so, of course, maybe even some Christmas gifts too! This time I got a pass to shop the first day, their Pre-Sale day. Now a perk with Rhea Lana’s is that the event is always free but to get a Pre-Sale pass you have to consign, volunteer, get a guest pass from a consignor, or thru an email. Once again Rhea Lana’s did not disappoint, and my son was ready for the entire season and had some Christmas toys for only $145. I soon found out the Rhea Lana’s was the only way to shop for my ever growing little boy.
Rhea Lana’s shopping also became a mom’s night out, and I soon got another friend to come with me and shop for her two kids. We loved filling up the back of my car with great deals and coming home to show our husbands what amazing deals we found. After my second son and many years already of Rhea Lana shopping, I was ready to start consigning and making some money back. My first time to consign I made over $300 and this was mainly from clothes, shoes, and a few toys that my two boys didn’t play with anymore. I actually made more than I spent at Rhea Lana’s, so it was a win-win.
After my second son was born, my husband and I decided that it was time for me to stay home full time. I still wanted to do something, and my thoughts kept turning to opening a Rhea Lana’s. It’s a bi-annual event, so I could spend a few months out of the year on my event, and my main focus could be my family. I applied to be an owner, talked with a good friend who owns another Rhea Lana’s in detail about her experience, and prayed about this decision. Every door was opened, and the opportunity worked out to where we could open our own Rhea Lana’s of East DFW which would be located in Rockwall, TX.
This event kicked off in August of 2015! After two full years running Rhea Lana’s of East DFW, the opportunity came for us to purchase Rhea Lana’s of Keller/Southlake. My family lives in this area, and at the time this territory wasn’t available when I started. We have now run Rhea Lana’s of Keller/Southlake for a year, and the growth has almost doubled!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting your own business is a tough road to venture down. Starting out, I set big goals. Goals are good, but they need to be somewhat obtainable. My Rhea Lana’s of East DFW event didn’t take off as quick as I wanted it to.
I know some of the struggles was that I didn’t live in the area and couldn’t have everyday conversations with moms about what I do and how it can benefit them. As soon as I bought Rhea Lana’s of Keller/Southlake, I began to have those conversations more. We have grown by leaps and bounds and sometimes that can be a struggle too.
When you grow so does your shopping and item count for the event (items that families consign). We have had to think on our feet and act quickly to make the event run smoothly. Thanks to some wonderful friends and family to make some of those long, stressful days worth it!
Please tell us about Rhea Lana’s of Keller/Southlake.
Rhea Lana’s of Keller/Southlake is an upscale children’s consignment event. It takes place twice a year. We have a Fall/Winter event and a Spring/Summer event. Families are able to consign their children’s outgrown, like new, clothes, toys… really anything a kid can use from birth to teens! We help families save money and shop smart. We partner with many local boutiques and Matilda Jane.
Our events have these items on the floor for consignors to come and shop. Rhea Lana’s is a FREE event. We do not charge our shoppers to come shop at any time. Our parking is always free too! We do have a pre-sale day where our consignors, volunteers, and guests can shop early. Our consignor’s items are guaranteed from loss, and they get a check on item pick up day!
Our consignors also have the option to enter their items into our database by voice entry. We are the only children’s consignment event in the industry that offers this!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory as a child is my grandfather taking me shopping for a “happy.” I would spend a week with my grandparents every year and one day he would randomly take me shopping and say it’s a “happy”! If I saw them throughout the year, he usually had a “happy” for me!
One time I needed a swimsuit because I left mine at home and I couldn’t swim in their pool. He took me shopping and got me three swimsuits! He said it was a “happy.” He sure knew the way to this girls heart! Shopping!!! I guess that’s why I am in this industry because I know most mommas like to shop and like to find a bargain!
Pricing:
- On sale days items are priced as low as $3
- On 1/2 price sale days, items can be as low as $1.50
Contact Info:
- Address: 8851 Ice House Dr. NRH, TX 76180
- Website: kellersouthlake.rhealana.com
- Phone: 2147976341
- Email: april@rhealana.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhealanasofkellersouthlake/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhealanaskellersouthlake/?ref=bookmarks
Image Credit:
Alex Shelley Photography, Little Laugh Box Photography
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