On Apr. 22, a new family-owned business called OK HAPPY Consignment opened up in historic Downtown Abbotsford. The store consists of gently used and brand new pieces for women and children. Owners Logan Enns and UFV nursing alum Lauren Quezada shared with The Cascade why they opened their business, the public’s reception and their future goals.
What inspired you to start this business?
Logan: We have been thrifters and creators our entire life for the most part … and we felt that there was such a hole, especially in Abbotsford, in the consignment industry where there’s thrift stores, but there’s not a lot of consignment. Just talking to our peers and different people, there was a lot of enthusiasm with the concept of opening up a consignment shop.
What was the process like opening OK HAPPY?
Lauren: Logan and I had been keeping an eye on retail spaces in the downtown area for a while, just casually, because it would have to be the right space for us to want to [move] forward with anything. So much depends on the feel of the space and how people feel in our store, especially when [they] try on clothes.
We saw this space and immediately it spoke to us in regards to how great and open it is … it’s a unique space for the downtown area because it’s not overly huge. It felt very bite-sized [and] manageable to start a business in and [we will] see how it grows.
Have you ever done something like this before?
Lauren: I was a co-founder of Foxglove Floral Cafe down on Montrose, and that was just such a different process because that was a build-up of a brand new space. I think this was a lot easier because it’s ready to go … [OK Happy] definitely felt more manageable to do.
How is OK HAPPY unique?
Lauren: Consignment is a fairly standard approach to resale fashion, but we definitely had a lot of intentionality when designing the space [to be] kid friendly. We want people who have kids to feel like they can shop with [them] and not [have] a nightmare experience because we’re both mothers and those are things that stand out so much when we go to places, [and] we wanted to be able to offer that.
How do you consign with OK HAPPY?
Lauren: We’re by appointment, not walk-in. People make an appointment, they can go on our website to consign with us … and then they would come in on their day and time and we would go through whatever items they bring and [select] what we think we need inventory wise in the store, what is seasonally appropriate, and what will sell … and then they would sign a consignment contract that agrees to a percentage split on the final sale price. Once that item sells, it would be added to their consigner account, and then they can use that as store credit or have it paid out.
Lauren, as a UFV alum, what program did you study?
Lauren: I’m a nurse, so I did the BSN program at UFV, and I [graduated] in 2013. I’ve been working as a nurse ever since, and I still do that casually.
What did you enjoy most as an undergrad?
Lauren: It’s a unique experience because you’re with the same cohort throughout the whole thing and I just really appreciated the relationships that built in the program. I thought the teachers were awesome and I really liked the smaller class size. I felt like their nursing program specifically is high quality and [they are] really prepared to see you.
What has that process been like shifting from two very different careers?
Lauren: There’s a lot of overlap of skills. I feel like I don’t have a business background, but I think my experience as a nurse has shaped my ability to prioritize, problem solve, critically think, communicate, and all these [skills] that are very transferable to opening and running a space … there’s so much overlap.
Why do you think consignment is a good option for students?
Lauren: I mean, you’re not paying wholesale price. Anything that we have is a 50 to 60 per cent markdown from its retail sale price, so regardless, it’ll be less than what you would pay for an item that’s brand new.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Lauren: We’re hopeful for more unique small shop retail experiences in this area so that there’s just that many more things that people can [do]. We love adding to the downtown and we love what’s already here. But I see that there’s just so much potential in this historic downtown area we’re excited about.
Q&As have been edited for length and clarity.
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.
