I am so excited to be featuring the new owners of one of my favorite local consignment stores, M&C Clothing, and Gifts! Irene and Scott Alton took over last year and I’m thrilled to share this interview with Irene!
Let’s step in! 👇
Interview Irene Alton
Q: What is a personal favorite quote?
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Q: What is your favorite activity when you aren’t working?
A: Spending time with my family and fur babies, and I love to spend time at the beach.
Q: When did you create your business, and what inspired you to start?
A: M&C Clothing and Gifts is New Hampshire’s premiere retail consignment store, redefining consignment shopping since 1990. We are about so much more than saving money.
By giving clothing a second life, we are a part of a sustainable, conscious community. Consignment is an essential part of our model because it keeps money circulating through our local community and allows for people to Reduce – Repurpose – Reuse – Recycle & Rethink.
Q: Why was it important for you to go into this business?
A: I was a loyal customer for over 20 years and absolutely loved it. In 1990, Karen Goddard started Mother and Child as a small consignment shop focusing on clothing for mothers and children.
As the business grew the name changed to become M&C Clothing and Gifts which honors its origins while being more reflective of the business today.
My husband and I would always joke and say when the owner is ready to move on, we need to jump in! And here we are!
Q: What was important for you personally and professionally as you were building your business?
A: To continue the original mission and vision, be relevant in the industry, contribute to our local community, inspire others, and to always work towards keeping our customers happy!
Q: If you could go back in time and give yourself any advice during the first year of owning your business, what would it be?
A: Oh boy! To make sure to have a lot of patience, accept that you cannot do everything, be kind to yourself, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey!
Q: What is your favorite part about working with/supporting your clients?
A: The best part is getting to know everyone and establishing those relationships.
Another favorite part is that we get to make a difference that goes beyond our business. We are proud to offer our Monthly Community Giving Days where a percentage of our sales are donated to a local organization.
Q: What is the biggest lesson you have learned about yourself since starting your business?
A: Biggest lesson I’ve learned is to be patient and that there is so much to learn!
Q: Where can our community find you?
- Website
- Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest: mcclothingandgifts
- Twitter – @MCClothingNH
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Q: What does confidence mean to you?
A: Overall, for me, confidence is about being comfortable in your own skin and owning it!
Last thoughts 💭
“Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go”
– Unknown