By Debbie Frolke

As a woman raised on hand-me-down clothing of cousins and friends, someone who loved getting a whole bag or boxful to sort through at once, I find it even more fun as an adult to find quality name-brand clothing at garage-sale prices to accentuate my wardrobe. I have always preferred to have five $20 dresses as opposed to one $100 dress. I love to coordinate outfits and mix and match with accessories such as scarves and jewelry and have found it doesn’t take a "bundle" to have really nice things.

So naturally I was drawn to the lovely consignment store in Greenville, Ohio, called Christina’s. Christina is a lovely lady who wants to help women to help each other. When her two daughters were growing up, Christina, a single mom, knew how very difficult it can be for single women to make ends meet. To find the right clothing at the right price is especially trying when there is very little money to go around

Christina’s heart is in helping others. While she thoroughly enjoys being "a shopkeeper," her ultimate goal is in helping others. She explained that because someone believed in her vision for the store, she was able to obtain her shop and living quarters easily and affordably.

It is evident when you enter her store that she has a knack for displaying the used items attractively. She explained that.

"When I used to have garage sales, people would always mention how my displays looked as if they should be in a store," she said. "I have always wanted to own my shop and to offer this kind of service to women. Since I have ‘been there’ I know the difficulties in making a living and if I can help someone else do that I will know it has been successful."

Christina also confessed that it is hard work and owning your own business does have its pitfalls but because of the people she meets

Christina believes it is worth it. Christina’s consignment specializes in plus size women’s clothing, accessories and decorator items for the home. Her consignment operates on a 60/40 percentage. The customer receives 40 percent profit of every item sold. After 60 days, the items are returned to the consignee or donated to ministries or needy families. Christina has often donated items to fire victims.

Once a month, she also holds a "Free Day" where special items are just given away. Even though she doesn’t specialize in children’s clothing if someone drops them off, she can sell them cheaply or donate to people who may have need for that service. There is no limit to the number of items you bring in for consignment and even though she prefers them to be seasonal will take out of season clothing as well. All items should be clean and in good repair.

At this point, Christina operates the shop herself Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christina’s Consignment does just what it says: Ladies Helping Ladies. I personally have found some designer labels at a fraction of their cost and sometimes the original price tag is still intact.

So if you are looking for some clothing and accessory items for yourself, decorator items for your home or you have things you would like to sell, call Christina and tell her Debbie sent you!