With a passion for supporting the sacredness of life, I went to visit the new clothing shop for moms and littles in Pittsburgh. As a Cranberry Township PA newborn photographer I took my camera with me hoping to document and promote this valiant effort.
Nestled in the busy downtown area, Little Lamb Resale just had its grand opening at 951 Liberty Ave on June 24th. From the moment you walk in the door of this darling shop, you are joyously greeted and given the tour, and all hands on deck are eager to ensure you are lovingly cared for.
As you walk in, infant and maternity clothes are beautifully displayed on several racks. Next to the front window, there is a bookshelf and bench for little ones to choose a free book and read while you shop!
I had the privilege of speaking with the owner, Jeannie French, who was so kind to share her vision. Please stop by or see how you can help support this effort!
When did you first have the idea to have a business like this?
This is really the fruit of many years of experiences! Growing up in a large family, I was introduced from day one to the value of second hand clothing in keeping a family budget. I am also pro-life, so this effort combines both of these!
The store has a few purposes:
1. Show support for Motherhood near where most abortions are done in Pittsburgh.
2. Bring affordable clothing downtown, so busy working moms can clothe their children for less!
3. Serve as a place of refreshment for the many pro-life sidewalk advocates who minister to women and families headed for Planned Parenthood.
4. Connect women who are in need of pregnancy support to pro-life organizations who can help them with maternity and infant needs
5. Encourage reading for children with our FREE BOOK outreach.
6. Work with Catholic Charities, Birthright, and other organizations to get needed supplies to moms and babies with material needs.
Who do you hope to reach?
Sales are local as we are near a bus stop and close to hotels and sports venues in the city which are often staffed by moms and grand moms — The support we offer is far reaching, though as we will connect moms from all over Pittsburgh with support services to help them with life-affirming choices.
Where do you get your items?
Most of our current Maternity and Infant inventory has been purchased through the St. Vincent De Paul thrift store program in the South Hills. We have an infant clothing manager with experience marketing resale, and she loves to shop!
How do you decide what you want to sell?
We will be responding to the market regarding which inventory to carry moving forward. Right now we sell thrift Maternity wear and Infant size up to 2t.
This seems like it's more than just a business. How do you see it contributing to pro-life organizations?
We believe that every life has value and every person is loved by God. We want to ensure that moms in Pittsburgh know that we are here for them during and after pregnancy.
What's been the biggest challenge leading up to the opening of your store?
We really wanted to be close enough to an Abortion center so that women who feel they must abort a baby can visibly see signs of support. Abortion is big business and rents near abortion centers are expensive. This was the biggest challenge and will continue to be the toughest part of the operation.
As your plans have come together, have you received support from other organizations/businesses/people?
National Women’s Coalition for Life, a 501c-3 private foundation accepts donations on behalf of Little Lamb Resale as part of its national pro-life outreach.
What kind of support do you need for the shop to thrive and grow?
In order to keep Little Lamb Resale going, we need to have 300 Pro-Life Pittsburghers become “Members of the Flock” by donating $10 per month. Everyone who works in the store is a volunteer, and we do our best to keep expenses as low as possible.
What would you like Pittsburgh women to know about your shop? How are you empowering women through your business?
We want to provide ADORABLE, AFFORDABLE, and SUSTAINABLE Mom and Infant clothing to Pittsburgh women. We have created a boutique which we hope makes mothers feel welcome and special! We have tons of great resources for moms at no or low cost so that they are supported in parenting! Whether she needs diapers, strollers, housing, or medical care, LLR connects every Pittsburgh mom to great local organizations that provide free services and support through pregnancy and the first years of a little one's life!