• Resale Room

  • Boutique

  • Vintage Section

  • Resale Shoes

  • Photo Op Wall

Hi! I’m Jovan, a mother of two who just moved here from Seattle this summer. We decided it was time to be closer to my kids’ family. I bring with me a degree in Apparel Design and Development from Seattle Central College and more than 15 years of experience in the children’s apparel industry. 

I purchased Gumballs Boutique because I am super passionate about children’s clothes! What kids wear is an integral piece of their childhood experience. Remember that awful dress you had to wear on picture day? Or those crazy pants that you loved and wore ALL THE TIME as a kid? I want to sell pieces that kids love to wear! Comfortable, unique clothes that become their identity.  I believe that children’s clothing should be fun and memorable. Also, a quality that is able to be passed on and worn by many others. I especially love when clothes have a fun history, like, “Tabitha wore this to Thanksgiving, and then her cousin Jo wore it in a Christmas pageant.” 

I have always been a thrifter. As a young mom, I learned to buy quality brands used for my daughter, I would then resell them for the same or more than I paid! I remember being so proud of buying used cloth diapers and selling them later for the same amount we paid. I actually diapered my first baby for FREE other than the cost of laundry detergent! 

In the era of fast, cheap fashion and economic uncertainty, we have forgotten the value of something well made, the value in being able to resell and pass along clothes that survive - child after child. The phrase, “they grow so fast” is often used to justify buying poor quality clothing. To me, every moment is special. I prefer the phrase “they are only this little once.” Every day and every size is something to cherish, and is worthy of good quality clothing! Unfortunately, heirloom-quality construction is rare these days, and entirely unaffordable where it exists. I am so excited to offer affordable, quality clothing- both new and used. 

My mission with Gumballs is to foster a circular economy, where the items you buy here will hold their value, so they can be brought back to consign and be loved by another child, over and over. This process helps reduce your spending, supports a local business, helps other local parents and makers earn money, and helps reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry! It’s a win-win-win!

1) Honest Pricing- 

  • We won’t price things artificially high to then give the illusion of “big savings” and “major discounts”. For respect for our customers, we avoid sales gimmicks like this. We often price items less than MSRP, so you can get a fair price whenever you come shop!

  • We value our makers and artisans, so we set prices that respect their craft and is a also good value to our customers

  • We also love our consignors and want to offer them the best payout on their items. Our resale items are priced fairly so both buyers and sellers leave happy!



Our Store Values

2) Pleasant store environment- 

  • We don’t overstuff the racks, or hang things way above your head. Shopping shouldn’t be a workout, carrying kids around is enough exercise for our arms!

  • No squeaky racks. Squeaky racks drive me crazy. We promise to respect your ears and keep our racks free of the squeak

  • Clear pricing and signage. I hate when I can’t find the price on something in a store! We are committed to having clear signs and price tags, so you never have to wonder 

3) Simple consignment process

  • Life is complicated enough, and this is one thing we can make simple for you! We want selling with us to be as pleasant as possible. It should be fast and straightforward. Our goal is to keep your wait less than 15 minutes.

4) Low stress shopping

  • We think life is too chaotic already. We don’t hype big shopping events or “drops”. You shouldn’t have to wait in long lines and compete with people to buy clothes for your kids, there is no scarcity in the world of children’s resale. We just put the good stuff out as it comes in, so whenever you have time to shop, you’re going to find something good!

  • Our items have been specially curated, and quality checked so you can shop efficiently without all the work of looking through miles of Wonder Nation only to find one Pehr outfit- that is stained.

  • We have a play area to keep kids occupied. Our safe play space has a play kitchen and table, so your kids are entertained while you shop

Community

The Grand Rapids community is important to us. We host in-store events to engage with our neighbors and spark friendships. We are partnering with local groups to help them raise money with our “Consign for Community” program.