For Hudson & Grace Consignment Boutique owner Kellyann Costanzo, the new business is much more than just another store and that is just the way she always imagined it.
“I have a huge love for children, so I wanted to have something to be a ministry to children and families,” Costanzo said.
The boutique is located at 10440 U.S. Highway 1 N. Suite 115 in St. Augustine opened about a month ago and held a ribbon cutting on June 25 to signify its membership with the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s so exciting and really feels like a weight off my shoulders,” Costanzo said. “It’s been a dream for several years and all my energy, love and money has gone into it. Failing is not an option.”
It will focus on offering clothes, shoes, toys and various other items for infants to 14-year-olds.
According to Costanzo, as a mother of three daughters she noticed a lack of options when shopping for children’s clothes around the area.
She has attempted to capture that uniqueness not just in the type of store she owns, but also in the store’s layout, which offers a prayer wall, coffee and candy bars, as well as, a library and play area to entertain children while their parents shop.
“I’m a mom and I know how hard it can be,” Costanzo said.
She has been blown away by the overwhelming support she has received from the community since the shop opened its doors.
“We’re already talking about expanding, not just here in Florida, but also in Virginia,” Costanzo said.
Prompting a location in Virginia is the fact that her stepdaughter lives there and would therefore take over management of the store.
Family involvement in the business is nothing new for Costanzo, who started the business three years ago in her home selling the products online and since then she has attempted to set an example for her three daughters.
“I’ve always tried to teach my children business techniques so that they don’t have to depend on others, and they can do what they love,” Costanzo said.
Even the family’s German shepherd, Sherman, can be found at the boutique greeting customers as they walk in.
Costanzo has big plans for the shop in the future, including holding a prom dress drive in April 2022 for girls and families that are looking for a less expensive option.
