One consignment shop is run by Jessica Yacoub, and has been open two years this April. Yacoub and her sister Maria Bellefeuille grew up in Santa Barbara and – after they moved to Washington – when the opportunity to come back to the Valley presented itself, so did the opportunity for a business.
Yacoub found a lack of consignment stores in the Valley, something she enjoyed when living in Santa Barbara, and decided to open her own: One, a store for children related products, aged anywhere from birth to 16 years old.
These products include maternity clothing, earth-friendly gifts, laptop lunch boxes, earth friendly school supplies like pencils, erasers, rulers and notebooks, changing tables, cribs, Halloween costumes, table sets, high chairs, playpens, baby swings, toys, and clothing and shoes for kids up to 16.
“We sell really great stuff,” says Yacoub, “We have an overabundance of great stuff.” Luckily for Yacoub, One has inventory cycling on a 60-day rotation where merchandise is categorized and sectioned off by colored tags, and certain sections are shipped in and out in a timely manner to keep the store stocked with fresh inventory, which is beneficial for seasonal items like snow-wear and Halloween costumes.
After the 60 days are up, One offers a Saturday dollar-sale discount and then offers the leftover inventory back to the original owners. However, if they don’t come back to pick them up, then One will donate the inventory to charities. “In the beginning, some people wanted to come back to pick up their stuff,” says Yacoub, “but now, almost everyone leaves their stuff for us to donate, and that’s a really great feeling.”
Because the business offers a lot of maternity clothes, baby toys and equipment, and children’s clothing, Yacoub has made the store family-oriented and accessible – One has a play room, with toys for the children to play in while the parents shop, and due to her and her sister’s incredibly friendly natures, One has become a social gathering spot as well.
“Community is important to us, and with One, we’ve formed a lot of connections,” says Maria Yacoub, sister to Yacoub as well as store manager. “We’ve seen mothers come in pregnant and shop here, and are still shopping here when that same baby they were pregnant with is 14 months old.”
“That’s really exciting for me as a business owner,” adds Jessica Yacoub. “We even want to make a list of all the babies who have been born while One has been open and hang it up on the wall.” If you’re looking for community spirit and affordability in children’s products on your Christmas list this year (or any time of the year for that matter), stop by One in Buellton and see what’s in store.
Here’s what else the Journal learned about One Consignment:
Why did you start this business?
I love consignment shopping and there were no children’s consignment stores in the Valley. I believed in the concept of reusing items that still had life left in them and wanted a friendly clean store where families could shop.
What is your business background?
My family is third-generation Mexican restaurant owners. I grew up in a family that believed small businesses could be successful and fill a need in your community. I grew up watching and learning from them. I then went on to college, where I studied early childhood education and then social services administration. I think this store uses a bit of all I have learned and continues to teach me more.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given, and who gave it to you?
My Dad, Guy Bellefeuille, once said “your most important work will always be your children.” It is certainly not the kind of advice that most people give, but being a small business owner and a mom it is all about balance, and I try my best to see the big picture when making my business decisions – and for me, my family is always at the forefront.
What is the biggest challenge your business faces today?
One is still in its early stages and is consistently growing. We need more customers who see the value in shopping consignment for the quality, the price, the environment and the convenience of shopping locally.
What is the simplest thing you’ve never learned to do?
My husband would say I have never learned to close the sock drawer.
What sets your business apart from your competition?
They don’t have my sister, Maria! She is the best. She is friendly, knows her stuff, loves babies and always has a smile to share.
What books are on your bedside table?
Omnivores Dilemma, The Glass Castle, and One Fish, Two Fish
Why did you choose to set up your business in the Valley?
The Valley is our home and we love it! However, it lacked an affordable place where moms could come to shop with and for their little ones. The Valley needed a place where moms could go to share a story while finding an outfit for the school play. We are that place.
How could local elected officials make it easier for you to be successful?
I talk to parents all day, every day and this is what I hear. The Valley needs more meeting places (especially for new moms and teens). I encourage all our local elected officials to say “yes” to families. We are a family community and we need more options for health, growth and fun. When it comes time for our elected officials to make decisions, I urge them to think will this make our kids safer and build family? What will make it easier for a father to watch his teen walk out the door? If you are an official and you want to talk to parents, call me.
Where do you see your business in five years?
World domination, but still being somewhere you can find a friend.
Finally, what is on your to-do list?
Grocery shopping, write thank-you cards, order racks, bags and tags for the store, hug my girls.
Business name: One
Owner(s): Jessica Yacoub
Business address: 240 E. Hwy 246 Suite 105 , Buellton, CA 93467
Business telephone: (805) 688-8886
Business hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday
E-mail address: jessicayacoub@yahoo.com
Website: Find us on Facebook