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Life & Work with Sarah Bowlin of Virginia

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Bowlin.

Hi Sarah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My husband and I have always loved “the thrill of the hunt”- second hand stores, markets, and antiques-so this is a dream come true. A business opportunity to help others and LOVE what we do- together! As a community, employer, FAMILY- WE are ALL in this life together- making a difference day by day, sometimes just a SMILE makes the difference.
We walked into this business nervous to make the dream of owning our own business and are fulfilled and amazed each day by the support, sense of community and family feel ETC brings! Our customers tell us we help them by decluttering their lives, helping with emotional baggage of family estates, and providing a portion of the sales back to them. We say -our customers and consignors bring a piece of THEM that brightens our days- every day! A personal connection through conversation, support, stories, and sharing friendships.
EveryThing Counts (ETC)

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Winchester welcomed us right away. Our customers embraced us as part of their community- our employees taught and supported us – our consignors allowed us to be a part of their lives- part of their family.
The hardest struggle along the way was the uncertainty of COVID. ETC, as a service provider, closed for 3mnths. The worry of employees coming back, customers coming back, and supporting the emotional needs of everyone’s uncertainty. We worried how long it would last and how to come back safely and strong.
We opened back up our doors and they ALL were there! Customers even called and communicated emotional support along the way. Thank you Winchester for showing that someone cared !!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
ETC offers a way for individuals to give back and get back. We consign clothing, housewares, jewelry, decor and furniture (new and old). Being a consignment service and choosing our items we can offer luxury and high quality pieces with thrift store prices.
Our consignors receive a portion of the sales while recycling and reusing products.
A young shopper called ETC “the treasure store.” What a compliment! Every item has a story to tell- where it came from and the new beginning of where it goes and the new life it’s given.
I am most proud and what sets us apart is our sense of family and personal connection. It brings joy to see customers walk in- see an old friend- meet new friends and share their lives with us.. Each person who walks through our door makes a difference! We care, we have empathy, and we understand that every one deserves a safe place , a smile, and a happy atmosphere. We can’t do what we LOVE without our consignors, customers, you!

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Who deserves credit? Each and Everyone that we meet along the way. Our amazing staff that comes to work each day with a Smile, work extremely hard, and take time to support each other as family are the heart of the business. ETC is OUR Happy Place… We hope it is Yours!

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