Community Highlights: Meet Brittany Stewart-Smith of Rekindled

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Stewart-Smith.

Hi Brittany, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started thrifting when I was 14 and fell in love with finding unique ways to express myself through fashion. I graduated high school early to move up in the retailer I was working for, and very quickly did just that. I became a manager, then the women’s buyer and merchandiser by age 19. After years in retail, I had always dreamt of having something of my own, and after my third pregnancy the itch was real! I told my husband one night in February of 2018: “I wanted to have a shop. I don’t know how yet, but I can picture it.” And within 24 hours, the name and the vision of Rekindled was born. I had been doing resale online for a few years already, but this was going to be much more intentional. A curated collection of women’s pre-loved, unique and vintage pieces for everybody. There was a market coming up in three months for Mother’s Day and that is when Rekindled would make its debut. This May marks Rekindled’s 4th anniversary and I feel so lucky to have something so special and fun. The community and support of all the friends I’ve made through this endeavor has been so incredible. And to provide a sustainable and affordable option for each and every visitor to my shop has been such a joy.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I feel so very fortunate in the ways Rekindled has grown over the years. Each seasonal market I was doing was better than the last and it was the greatest feeling! But like all of us out here, when Covid hit, so did the struggles. The biggest joy for me from my small business is the people. Being with people, being in the community, and providing a tangible experience when you enter into my booth. Covid stole that from me, so I had to reroute. All of my sales during that time were online, while I was homeschooling my three children, trying to keep up the household, as well as keep everyone safe and sane. It was a lot. Trying to engage and grow the business was challenging and I felt a little too glued to screens. The online experience did however provide me with new opportunities to engage with customers who aren’t local and meet new people that way! And now Rekindled does both regularly!

We’ve been impressed with Rekindled, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Rekindled is a curated women’s resale boutique that loves giving back! We offer inclusive women’s clothing, shoes and accessories (as well as some housewares) and we donate a percentage of profits to a featured non-profit following each event. You’ll find everything from pre-loved, vintage, new, and unique pieces at Rekindled. Best known for our on trend finds and affordable pricing. Sustainable styling services are also now offered through Rekindled ReStyle.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Community is everything. The love and support of the people already in my corner, and the friends I’ve made along the way is the key. It’s been the most important lesson and the biggest blessing to my small business. They help keep you focused, encouraged, and to remember why it is I do what I do. Because I love it!

Contact Info:

• Email: mail.rekindled@gmail.com
• Website: rekindledshop.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/rekindledshop
• Facebook: Facebook.com/rekindledshop