Having a tough time finding fashionable, affordable clothes in your size, ladies? Luckily for you, Jamie Cripe has been working on a solution for that problem for some time and the result is the new
Plush Consignments store in Williamston.
“I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit and have always wanted to own my own business,” Cripe says. “My dad owned a local screenprinting business for over 30 years in Lansing, and I grew up in a business-owner environment, so I think it rubbed off a bit.”
In 2008, Cripe joined the Capital Area District Library’s “Spark! Your Future” business plan contest and attended business seminars provided by the program. Her business plan for an online plus-size consignment clothing store called Thick Girl Threads won.
“That made me realize I was onto something good,” Cripe says. “I wanted to focus on sizes 12 and up because it is so difficult to find trendy, fashionable clothes for plus sizes at reasonable prices.”
Now that plan has developed into a 400 square foot storefront in Williamston. Cripe chose to locate in Williamston because of the small-town feel and artsy vibe.
“Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful and that makes it feel like a true community,” says Cripe. “Also, I believe that Williamston is one of the 'it' places to be starting a small business right now and I hope it continues to grow.”
A grand opening ceremony will take place at Plush on July 26.
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