Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Hoge.
Hi Lori, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My love for consignment, thrifting, etc. all started when I was a little girl. Some of my very first memories are “yard saleing” with my nannie. When I got pregnant with my first child, I was out and about in Nashville looking for yard sales with baby stuff. I happened upon a HUGE children’s consignment sale. I had never heard of these pop-up events. I went inside and found so much gently used or even new with tags items. I immediately fell in love with this concept. Lucky for me the owner of this sale offered on eon one training. I made plans to shadow and learn from her at her upcoming sale. I worked with her for three sales before founded CoCo Kids in 2010. My first sale was November 2012 when my oldest son was not even 6 months old. Fast forward to 2023, My husband and I bought a well established consignment sale out of Woodbury and moved it back to Murfreesboro where it originally began. Now my husband and I own 2 children’s consignment sales in Murfreesboro, TN. We host 3 pop-up sales a year (Spring/Summer in March, All Seasons in late July and Fall/Winter in November) and are looking at adding a 4th sale. These two sales have blessed our family beyond the financial aspect of the business. It is really an honor to offer gently used, excellent condition items at an affordable price to out community at a time when it is needed by so many. This business also allows me to offer the opportunity for so many local families to sell their items as well making extra money or enough to cover the next seasons clothing for their children. But most of all, I have been blessed with so many incredible relationships because of the sale.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always bumps along the way. But in my opinion, these bumps are what make us better. It was hard to get started. It took 2-3 years before we really reached a place of great sales. It took many years to build relationships and trust. And of course, we had to wait financially to really make a good profit. Every sale we do presents new struggles but it gives the opportunity to make changes and improve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am also an RDA (Registered Dental Assistant) for over 20 years and I teach dental assisting at Cumberland Academy of Dental Assisting in Smyrna, TN.
What does success mean to you?
Success is being happy and at peace with what you have accomplished. I know I make mistakes but knowing that I always give 100% and that all of my heart goes into what we do, gives me great happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cocokidstn.com
- Instagram: @cocokidstn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoCoKidsConsignmentSale
