Written July 19th, 2014

I think we all need a little good news once in a while! So here's some good news from OINEB (Once Is Not Enough Boutique) Please tell your friends!

At one point, I only took in clothes on consignment contract and I refused clothes donations because I felt bad that the person donating them would not get their cut... Until one day, a woman, who was quite adamant about giving me her awesome clothes and she said "Joline, I just want to help you, please take it!" I was so touched that someone would want to help ME! Especially since her clothes were fantastic and I knew they would sell quickly...

So I created a Jane Doe account with it, not knowing what I would do with the money. I kept thinking to myself "HOW can I help someone else with this"? Then I had THE idea: I would pay it forward! I stopped refusing donations and added it to this Jane Doe account! Turns out, it's a VERY SPECIAL account! Here's what I do with it.

Once in a while, a woman walks in who has not worked in a while (for whatever reason: maternity leave, injury, stay at home mom, just moved to town). Picture this: these women come in happy yet nervous because they got a call for the dreaded interview for a job they want/need but they don't have anything to wear or worse nothing that fits anymore. Then they're stuck between a rock and a hard place: they need new clothes for their interview BUT they need the job to be able to buy new clothes. What's a girl to do? You come and see Joline of course!!! (obviously the universe was wise enough to send these women my way in the first place!!!) Time and time again, I would watch them try things on and put things back, all the while looking defeated. Then, I would talk to them (stalling them from leaving) go around and get the outfit that fit them the best and ask them to come to the cash register, bag it up and offer it to them: at no charge... The feeling I get from the shock on their faces when I tell them "a group of us are helping you today, we want you to have a great interview while putting your best foot forward. All I ask is that someday, when you can do so, pay it forward and help another woman in need!" This is usually followed by tears and hugs but mostly a big huge smile and a proud stance as they strut out of the store with confidence! AND they come back telling me they got the job! Woohoo! Mission accomplished!

The money that sits in that account is used for women, it doesn't matter if you've never set foot in my store. If you are down on your luck, I want to help alleviate that stress! I will set you up with a top, a pair of pants, a pair of shoes and even a necklace (every girl deserves a piece of jewelry): paid for by my VERY SPECIAL account created with people's generous donations!!!

Today, I'm putting it out there, if you need help, please private message me and let's make a date to create that special outfit! This is my way of giving back to our beloved community and to the hard working women who make it what it is!!! I have spoken to local organizations and they to will help spread the news about my "Pay it forward: women helping women" account! There have been other times were I was able to help people as well! (update: in these challenging times, I won't be able to help everyone as the funds are limited but I will try my best to make this money stretch) .

Perhaps someday, the lady who started this all will let me post her name and she will get the accolades she deserves for starting this awesome chain reaction! And to all of you who have donated and keep donating your clothes: thank you! Your donation helps make a difference in a local woman's life as well as my own and my kids!

Merci! Love and light people!

Joline