At 503C SE Main Street in Simpsonville, SC, right across the street from King Tut Grill, can be found a store full of treasures and surprises. It is called “All About Kids Retail and Consignment” and is owned and operated by a vivacious woman named Angela Brooks.
Upon entering the store, one can see shelf after shelf packed with everything one could possibly need for a child. Her inventory includes a wide selection of baby clothes, car seats, strollers, and cribs. She has daybeds where S.C. Wholesale & Mattress supplies the right size mattress for the bedframe. Ms. Brooks carries children’s clothing up to size 14, including swimsuits, and a great selection of girls’ and boys’ shoes. A clearance rack holds items selling for $1.00 each. There are also designer clothes priced at a fraction of the original cost. Her inventory includes bicycles of different sizes and a wide range of toys. She sells Barbie dolls, each one dressed and placed in a bag. American Girl dolls, clothes, and accessories can be found there, too. Against one wall are shelves loaded with a variety of children’s books, something to please every young reader.
The store speaks volumes about its current owner. Ms. Brooks likes to iron the clothes before displaying them on the racks so that they look fresh. She takes the time to package small toy items and pieces in bags. Her handmade decorations such as wreaths, centerpieces, party favors, and home décor items line walls and dot the shelves, lending a cheerful atmosphere to the place. She changes out the décor and inventory with the seasons. Ms. Brooks even offers a service where she helps plan children’s parties and creates special, themed decorative items to be used in the celebration. During this COVID-19 outbreak, Ms. Brooks wipes down items and cleans up regularly, encouraging the use of masks and social distancing and making hand sanitizer readily available. Her every action spells care for her customers and concern for the smallest of details and that makes her store a special place.
Here is the inspiring story of how and why Angela Brooks acquired All About Kids.
Ms. Brooks grew up in Easley, South Carolina and graduated from Easley High School. After this, she attended Lander College in Greenwood, Greenville Technical College, and the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Along the way, she became a certified health coach; worked for Hertz; spent some time as a stay-at-home mom with her daughter; founded her own company called ABL Designs; and was employed at her mother’s staffing company, Innovative Hiring Services Upstate.
Not so long ago, Ms. Brooks suffered an accident which required a 14-month recuperation and several surgeries. Then, for six weeks, she worked both at her Mom’s staffing company and at All About Kids located next door. At that time, Brenda Hinsley owned and operated the consignment store and had done so for 15 years. The two quickly became friends. As it turned out, both her Mom, Diane Whisnant, and Brenda Hinsley decided to retire at the same time.
And this left Ms. Brooks with a big decision as well. Although she deeply cares about animals, owns two cats (one of whom is deaf) and a dog, and adores Sheltie dogs, also known as Shetland sheep dogs, she had no desire to start a business involving pets. Then, Ms. Brooks recalled how much she enjoyed having children around her when her daughter was growing up. She also remembered falling in love with All About Kids Resale and Consignment when she had worked there. For the first time, Ms. Brooks seriously considered buying the consignment store herself. So, on January 9, 2020, she took a leap of faith and purchased the store and its entire inventory.
At present, Angela Brooks runs the business on her own with her Mom helping her out some. She plans to keep this place until she retires. In time, Ms. Brooks wants to shift the store to a more boutique-like atmosphere. Future plans include creating a site where people can purchase selected items online. Whether you have a little or a lot to spend, there is something in this delightful store for everyone’s pocketbook and taste. Ms. Brooks loves children and works hard to ensure a wide selection of items and reasonable prices. The store is open on Monday-Friday from 10 am-5 pm and on Saturday from 10 am-4 pm. It is closed on Sundays. Why don’t you plan to visit soon?■
