Several of the new businesses that have opened in Brookside and Waldo over the past few months are women owned (Ampersand, Roots and Branches, LADYCO has expanded); the new Executive Director of the Waldo Business Assn is also female.   Women are getting it done!!  Today I’m writing about Sharing Sunshine, another female owned business that actually started a few years ago online and recently opened a storefront in Waldo.

Kristen Moon and Kristen Sayers met several years ago while working in the NICU at Children’s Mercy Hospital.  They also live across the street from each other in Prairie Village.  Having seven young children between them, Kristen and Kristen decided to start an online consignment store focusing on high end children’s clothing (think Hannah Anderson, Beaufort and Bonnet, Bailey Boys, Boden, Pink Chicken, Burberry).  In 2022, they began the business with 100 items online and then moved to doing pop up events and selling via Instagram.  There was so much demand for the clothes and the inventory was filling up their homes, so last fall they started looking for a physical store to open.  This space in Waldo at 407 W Gregory (next to new Pizza Tascio) is the perfect spot: just the right size, no renovation was needed and it’s close to their homes.  As a bonus, the  majority of their clients live within 15 minutes of the shop.

Part of the inspiration for Sharing Sunshine came from their experience of going to the huge warehouse consignment sales.  “They were so large, so tiring to get through the inventory and you had to pay extra to get in early for the best selection.  We knew there was a better way—especially since so many parents want to recycle these clothes that are often worn just a few times before the kids outgrow them” says Moon. They have over 200 active consigners, and sell gently used clothing ranging from infant through size 16 –through the early teen years. Sometimes they receive items with the original tags that have never been worn! 

Kristen and Kristen love getting to know their customers and provide a very high level of service.  If they know a particular customer is looking for a specific item or brand,  they will watch for those items to come through.  They also offer personal shopping, occasional 20% off promotions and there are racks of sale items  in the store—inventory comes in almost every day!  And of course, any unsold items will be returned to the seller or donated to charity. Note-the shop is usually always in need of more boys’ clothes.

Right now Sharing Sunshine doesn’t have set hours however, you can check Google for weekly hour updates.  Also, follow them on Instagram (sharingsunshinekc)  for up to the minute information. Welcome to Waldo Sharing Sunshine!