Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Olson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Heidi. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I got started in the business by accident. I graduated from DePaul University College of Law in 2006 and volunteered at the White Elephant Thrift Shop while looking for work. I ended up being asked to manage the New Elephant Resale Shop that opened in 2012.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Getting customers, staffing, and getting the word out about the Shop have been the most difficult.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the New Elephant Resale Shop Of Chicago story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a nonprofit resale shop that gets donations of goods to sell to make money for the Jesse White Tumblers and Rotary Club of Chicago. We are known for our high quality second-hand furniture, unique clothes and artwork and unusual home decor. We are located in the former lobby of the Chicago landmarked Reebie Storage Warehouse that is an example of Egyptian Revival architecture, built in 1922. Most people have never seen the highly decorative inside and are amazed and impressed by the architecture inside which they can see 7 days per week, for free!
I’m most proud of the customer service we provide, which is more like that of a department store than a thrift.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I think good luck has played some role in my business, but what I’ve does with those lucky breaks is what’s more important. Appreciating the good luck, but not relying on it.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2325 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60614 - Website: Newelephantresaleshopofchicago.org
- Phone: 7737703488
- Email: holson@newelephantresaleshopofchicago.org
- Instagram: newelephantcgo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/New-Elephant-Resale-Shop-of-Chicago-NFP-120292654786249/
- Twitter: @newelephantcgo
Image Credit:
Heidi Olson
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