A Consigner’s Dream
Jen introduced herself to me as a “consigner’s dream” and has yet to prove herself wrong. I’d say Jen was amongst my very first customers, and I’ve probably seen her every other week since then. The toys she brings to junebug encourage brain and motor development, are high quality and whimsical, unique, and highly coveted by both parents and little ones. The clothing she sells is immaculate, boutique-brand, and often with tags still attached, and her gear is hip and useful all in one. Aside from carefully curating the contents of her bins, she brings in small batches at a time – did I mention she is a consigner’s dream? Below she talks about how much she loves Solana Beach, scootering around town with 4-year-old Iris in a princess dress, and why she likes to shop small.
I know you recently relocated to Solana Beach from Chicago. How does Solana Beach compare to the places you’ve lived before?
I did a lot of research on Solana Beach before moving to the area – I wanted to find a town in Southern California that mimicked the sense of community and family focus of the Midwest, where I would want to raise my daughter. It was hard to leave Chicago, but family brought us out here. We liked how Solana Beach prides itself on being a small town and did you know it’s actually been written up as the friendliest Southern California city? We love the access to classy Del Mar and down-to-earth Encinitas, and the train makes our world that much bigger – we sometimes take it to San Juan Capistrano or downtown.
It sounds like you are happy here.
Yes! (big smile). Very much so.
What are some of your local go-to places or favorite family activities?
All three of us have scooters, and we ride down the 101 to Iris’ beach (Fletcher Cove) and stop at Pizza Port… then the yogurt shop... Often Iris is decked out in a fairy costume or princess dress that she likely got at junebug. We also like to go to Claire’s, bike to the Farmer’s Market, or even up to Cardiff with Iris in the Burley trailer – which I LOVE and fits a TON of stuff. Of course, we also love Moonlight Beach and, well, the ice cream at Handel's.
What is Iris' style like?
She likes to wear princess dresses or dance costumes ALL THE TIME. Her favorite color is “frozen blue” and she likes clothes with pizazz; she’d wear Haven Girl for the bling factor and Mini Melissa shoes daily if she could. I'm trying to embrace the bohemian style that Iris has FULLY embraced.
What brands do you like?
My absolute favorite boutique kid's brands are Catimini and Eliane et Lena – they’re near and dear to my urban roots. I like Kickee Pants too – they’re SO soft – and I like Tea Collection and Patagonia for practicality and quality. I think it’s awesome that I found that pink Patagonia jacket at junebug!
What’s Iris’ current obsession or favorite toy?
Iris really likes things that are abstract. Like a princess dress that maybe doesn’t have the character’s face on it but in some way resembles the particular princess. She likes to create her own imaginary world – for example, she prefers to create her own stories than to be read to. I love the natural beauty of Solana Beach for that – the beach is like a blank slate and is so open-ended. Iris has been a fairy, a mermaid, and a seagull (my favorite) running up and down the beach... Aren’t you going to ask me anything about why I like to sell/shop consignment?
Yes! Thanks for reminding me. That is what I was going to ask you! Why do you choose to shop at and sell to junebug?
I first discovered resale shops in Chicago after Iris was born. The seasons were so drastic, and we needed different things all the time – it was just practical. Then I noticed that the stores had not only great deals but also nice things – and realized that all the hot items and popular toys ended up on consignment store shelves because all the Moms were reading the same reviews and following the same trends. Shopping at a local store has such a different feel than shopping at a big box store. There’s a sense of community; people coming together at the same location to buy and sell. And you build relationships – it’s more personal. Like just before this interview, I mentioned we were thinking of going to Idyllwild, and you told me about your experiences there. You’re just not going to get into that level of conversation with the person at the checkout counter at a big store.
We’re so happy that Jen and her family found the environment and community they were looking for in Solana Beach. And bonus for us that she and her daughter (and probably her husband too…) have such great taste! It’s customers like Jen that make junebug such a great place, and 4-year-olds like Iris that add a little extra sparkle to Solana Beach. Thank you, Jen!