Thrift store supports adults with disabilities

WOODFIN - A Western North Carolina man is hoping revenue from a thrift store will empower people living with disabilities, people like his sister.

Ryan Rotundo, the new owner of Shabby Chic Consignment Boutique, located at 460 Weaverville Road, will host a grand re-opening celebration of the store 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday.

Shabby Chic has been in business since May 2015 and has recently changed hands.

The consignment store now has a mission to empower people with developmental disabilities through employment and entrepreneurship, Rotundo said in a statement.

“Having an older sibling with a disability helped me realize my vision at a young age,"  he said. "I definitely want to be a part of helping my sister achieve her professional goals, while also helping others with developmental disabilities who have an desire to work or grow a business.”

Nicole Rotundo was born with Down syndrome. She is a local artist who makes and sells greeting cards, wall art, and other products, which can be purchased at Shabby Chic.

The resale store with a rustic feel also carries new and gently used women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as furniture and home décor.

Shabby Chic is currently looking for local artists and entrepreneurs with and without developmental disabilities to add new, unique and high quality products and items to the store, Rotundo said.

“We are so excited to see our vision become a reality, to build an organization that can have such a positive impact on our hometown and the greater Asheville community," he said.

GET INVOLVED

For information about Shabby Chic Consignment Boutique, contact owner Ryan Rotundo at 828-230-8827 or info@shabbychicasheville.com. Learn more at www.shabbychicasheville.com.