By Audrey Posten
It’s been a great first month at Guttenberg’s newest storefront: Bee Kind Consignment.
“We’ve had a lot of people reach out to us, and we just had our 20th consignment. It’s been good,” said Joni Ernst, who’s operating the shop with daughter Baylee.
Ernst has worked at the Guttenberg Care Center for 31 years, first as a CNA, then in human resources before becoming the office manager. She still works there a couple days a week, but this allows her to spend time with Baylee while giving her daughter experience in the community.
“I wanted to give her an opportunity to not be at home all the time,” Ernst said. “She loves talking to people. She loves showing people what to look at. People are very welcoming to her.”
The Ernsts first job shadowed at fellow Guttenberg shop Henny Penny’s Retail and Rentals, to see if Baylee would enjoy the experience. The building at 514 S. River Park Dr., the former home of the Family Resource Center, made for a perfect location for their new venture.
“Our landlord gave us a great deal to get us up and running. We painted, and we’ve done quite a bit with it,” Ernst said.
Baylee also inspired the name, with her initials spelling out “BEE.”
Bee Kind Consignment offers what Ernst described as a lot of small wares, clothing and even some antiques.
“Clothing has been really good,” said Ernst. “My goal is to have an opportunity for anybody to come in and be able to pick something out.”
Ernst also hopes the shop will be beneficial for consigners and help keep some items out of the landfill.
“My goal is to give people the opportunity to make money, and for us too, of course, but this will help that people aren’t throwing stuff away. It gives them an opportunity to sell something. And I feel as if Guttenberg is a big enough town that a consignment store will work,” she added.
Bee Kind Consignment is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, then 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, although Ernst said they will stay open later on Saturdays if there are activities in town.
She and Baylee are excited to meet the community and show people what they have to offer.
“We’ve had a great first month. People are coming in to check us out. It’s been exciting so far,” Ernst said.
