Larger location

Amber Russell originally started her resale business in her house.

She eventually moved to a storefront in Redkey, then to a place on the south side of Portland.

Now, her business has found a home in a former broom factory on Water Street.

Lil’ Momma’s Resale & Consignments opened last month in its new location at 415 W. Water St., Portland. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

The new building is twice the size of her previous location, giving her more space to sell her merchandise of previously owned clothes. Russell tries to have a variety of options in stock, from baby clothes to medical scrubs, maternity clothes and formal dresses.

“You’re helping those that still want that style, that fashion, but they don’t initially have that kind of money to go to the mall and drop $100 on an outfit,” Russell said. “(Here) you can get those same brands, gently used and get two or three outfits or more for that kind of price. And as long as nobody knows, you don’t have to tell them.”

A bargain shopper herself, Russell tries to keep her prices low while preserving the quality of her items. She only sells clothes that are in good condition, with no stains, rips or fraying.

“If I wouldn’t buy it personally myself, then nobody else would be willing to buy it,” she said. “I keep prices to what I would pay.”

Russell started Lil’ Momma’s in 2014, a result of buying wholesale lots of clothes for her children and reselling what they outgrew or didn’t need. She originally sold online or at garage sales and eventually expanded to the first store in Redkey.

Russell has many plans for the future as she settles into the new location. She wants to pay homage to its original use by decorating with old brooms and other antiques, and will hang signs on the outside of the building to guide customers to the store.

“I love the industrial feel, I love the uniqueness of it,” she said of the space, pointing out the metal walls and exposed ceiling.

The business itself will grow too. Russell wants to open her shop for local vendors to sell items such as home decor, furniture and jewelry.

Owning her own business has given Russell the flexibility she needs with three young children, something she’s appreciated with the many school delays and cancellations this winter.

It’s also given her the opportunity to provide a service to area residents, she said. Many travel to Muncie, Fort Wayne or further to find inexpensive clothing, but she wants to make sure they have shopping options available locally.

“It’s just trying to be convenient and try to have what people are looking for to where you can save them a trip out of town,” Russell said. “It helps the community, but it also helps those that can’t afford a whole lot. … And I simply enjoy doing it.”