We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Lombard . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.
Lauren , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Resale is my passion, but my purpose is to share that joy and knowledge with my community. In July of 2024 opened the The Round Rack, a brick and mortar consignment shop in Quincy, MA. My purpose is to connect with others who share this vision, transforming the way we think about clothing and consumption. To celebrate the thrill of the hunt, cultivate connections within the community, while making a positive impact on our planet and our wallets!
I feel that the diverse inventory found in resale shops allows us to choose items based on our personal preferences rather than societal expectations or current trends. For me, nothing rivals seeing, touching, and trying on items in person. The atmosphere of a brick and mortar shop can evoke emotion and experience in a way that online shopping simply can’t replicate. I value the genuine human connections that can be fostered in a physical space, beyond the basic transaction. I love the stories that garments carry in their travels. Each piece has its own history and purpose in a person’s life and it’s fascinating to imagine where it’s been, who wore it, and the experiences it has seen before finding a new life in someone else’s wardrobe.
Most importantly, the rapid evolution of fast fashion and e-commerce over the past 20 years has fueled mass overconsumption. The resulting ‘throwaway’ culture and its catastrophic environmental impacts are deeply alarming and appalling to me. By choosing more sustainable options like second-hand shopping or generally investing in higher-quality, longer-lasting garments, we can all take steps to reduce the devastating impacts that fast fashion has on our planet.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’ve always loved clothing, not just “fashion” but clothing in general no matter the brand or decade. I acquired a thrill for second-hand shopping when I was young. My mother worked as a residential wallpaper hanger in some affluent areas of Connecticut. Sometimes I would accompany her to work, then we would visit the nearest Goodwill. This is still our favorite way to spend a day, whether we’re together or alone. True story, I was thrift shopping with her on the day I went into labor with my daughter! (photo below)
I got my first job bussing tables when I was 15 and my professional journey has spanned multiple industries ever since—education, retail, restaurants, customer service, wardrobe styling, and photography. I’ve never confined myself to one area of expertise or a traditional career because I believe there’s value in knowing a little about a lot! These diverse experiences are certainly useful in managing the many facets of a small retail business.
I studied Elementary Education and Visual Arts at Wheelock College in Boston. For years, I thought teaching was my path, but by the time I graduated in 2005, I felt disenchanted and unsure. I asked myself, “What truly makes you happy? What can you see yourself doing long-term?” That’s when the idea of owning a resale shop started to take shape. I am old fashioned at heart, and the thought of being a shop keeper appealed to me greatly. I applied for a job at a consignment shop on Newbury Street, where I worked for 8 years, gaining invaluable first-hand experience in the business.
Life took its course—I got married, moved to the suburbs, and became a mother to our two children—but the dream of owning my own shop never faded. It lingered constantly, I was always checking out storefronts. Yet, the timing nor location was never quite right—until now. During the pandemic, I spent a couple of years at home with my kids, juggling up to five different part time jobs! When our children entered full-day elementary school this year, took the leap and opened The Round Rack, finally bringing my long-time vision to life. To boot, the shop is less than a mile from our home. Right place, right time- at last!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Obviously, my passion for second-hand and my knowledge of the resale industry is hugely impactful in running a consignment shop and I think I’ve touched enough on that point. However, some qualities that I believe would benefit anyone in the beginning and throughout any journey are:
<b>A Strong Work Ethic</b>: A strong work ethic takes self discipline, motivation, reliability, perseverance, accountability, and professionalism, as a start. My personal work ethic has a been crucial and constant companion to me. I work hard, professionally and academically, even if it does not come easily or naturally. Work for the benefit of having a purpose and the reward of accomplishment, above the income. Don’t just do your job, do it well. Your satisfaction should be the highest bar of all.
<b>A strong support system</b>- I could have NEVER made my dream a reality on my own. Whether from friends, family, or colleagues, a strong support system can and will greatly enhance your chances of success in countless, invaluable ways. These connections offer essential tools and resources, especially when you’re embarking on something new. Having people in your corner who believe in your vision can make all the difference on days of self-doubt or when setbacks occur. Don’t be afraid to lean on others for emotional support, advice, accountability, and even professional opportunities through collaboration and networking. A great support system can help you to keep moving forward, get started, and stay afloat!
Lastly, <b>be true to yourself and your vision</b>- Once I had my dream in mind, when it “clicked”, I was obsessed. I felt it in my heart, my head, and my gut. LISTEN to those nagging and persistent feelings driving you toward your goals and dreams, even when faced with external or internal pressures to conform. When you’re honest and authentic to yourself, it radiates and others gravitate to your light. You will build strong, meaningful, and genuine connections with others, and your actions will align with your purpose.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
My father was an EMT and a fireman, and instilled in us never to panic in an emergency, and I try to live by this. When you panic and think the worst, you lose control of the situation.
When I feel overwhelmed, which is often, I focus on breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable parts, prioritizing them based on urgency and importance. I ‘table’ tasks and decisions very often and try not to cater to the immediacy that is so prevalent and expected in today’s culture. With all of this, I also remain flexible, knowing that there will inevitably be unexpected interruptions and I will have to constantly reprioritize. I practice this every. single. day. Adaptability is a mindset. It helps you pivot and innovate when needed, stay patient yet resilient when things don’t unfold as planned, and remain open to change. Life’s twists and turns are inevitable, but being adaptable makes the ride much smoother.
When, not if, I do lose control of patience or a situation, I take accountability and give myself grace to re-center and move forward, always striving to do better next time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Theroundrack.com
- Instagram: Shop_Theroundrack
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559643093558
Image Credits
There are no credits to submit, I own the rights to the photos
