My Story

My Background

My name is Ashley Bangs and I am the owner of a secondhand children’s clothing store called Dandelion. I’m from the Midwest and I grew up in the Chicago suburbs. I moved to Seattle, ten years ago to finish my master’s degree in social work. I have worked at different social work jobs in the past 20 years. Most recently I’ve been working as a virtual behavioral therapist since I’ve become a licensed social worker. Transitioning into telehealth made me be able to have a flexible schedule to start having a family.

Why this business

I’ve always loved fashion and thrift store shopping since I was a teenager. Since having my daughter, Hazel, I’ve become part of many mother groups in this area. A mother’s group and I were discussing where they get their children’s clothes, and everyone was shopping for them at online consignment shops. The other moms and I agreed that there is a need for a children’s thrift store in the valley. I decided that I wanted to pursue opening a thrift store called, Dandelion, where I would provide children’s secondhand clothes, toys, books, and baby gear at an affordable cost.

Where is Dandelion is located

A new place of commerce is opening in Cashmere, WA called The Side Street Cashmere. It’s an old apple warehouse that the owners have renovated into place of commerce. In the main building there will be Mercantile area with sectioned stores where Dandelion will be located. They will be a cashier for the entire Mercantile so I will not be present all the time, but the hours of operation will be accommodating to the community.

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Facts about Dandelion

I plan to keep all my children’s merchandise prices comparable to other thrift store prices in the area. I will have sizes newborn to kids 12-14 boys and girl’s clothes. I collect donations from the community; however, I do purchase some merchandise for the store myself. I eventually plan to give a percentage of my proceeds to a nonprofit in the area that helps women and children. This is not a consignment shop yet, but I am considering switching over to consignment if my business continues to grow.