For parents, keeping up with their children’s ever-changing clothing sizes and toy preferences can be both costly and overwhelming. Enter Once Upon a Child, a franchise that offers an eco-friendly, budget-conscious solution. Bluffton’s newest location is owned by Leah Baker, whose passion for thrifting and sustainability led her to open the store, creating an invaluable resource for families in the Lowcountry.
Baker’s journey to opening the store wasn’t a straight path. Having lived on Hilton Head Island 15 years ago, she and her husband moved to Virginia but always hoped to return. “My sister was here on Hilton Head, and we were trying to figure out how to come back and what to do,” she said.
Leah Baker, owner of Bluffton’s new Once Upon a Child franchise.
Initially, Baker considered opening an independently owned consignment shop focused on maternity and children’s clothing. However, she realized the risk of going solo and found comfort in the support of a franchise. That’s when fate stepped in.
“A friend of mine owned a Once Upon a Child in Virginia,” Baker said. “After talking to her, I realized this was the perfect fit – why start from scratch when I could be part of a trusted brand?” Two years later, her dream has become a reality.
Baker’s passion for her business is personal – she’s not just an owner, she’s a customer. “I have a 6-year-old son, Jack, and a 3-year-old daughter, Isla,” she said. “They love coming to the store – especially for the toys! Jack even enjoys shopping for clothes, so he was thrilled when I told him we were opening this.”
The back wall of the store is stocked with all sorts of toys, from Little People to Polly Pocket.
Her own experience as a mom fuels her dedication to making the store an inviting, easy-to-navigate space. “Every Once Upon a Child store has a different feel,” Baker said. “Ours has that Bluffton charm – welcoming, bright, and friendly.”
A tool bench for your builder-to-be sits waiting for its new owner at Once Upon a Child.
How Once Upon a Child works
The concept for the store is simple: Parents can bring in gently used children’s clothing, toys, and baby gear for cash or store credit. The items that are accepted become inventory for the store. The process is designed to be seamless.
“You bring in what your kids have outgrown, we go through each item, and our system generates an offer,” Baker said. “If you accept, we pay you cash on the spot. If not, you can take your items back – no pressure.”
Unlike traditional consignment shops, where sellers wait for their items to sell before getting paid, Once Upon a Child buys inventory outright. “Everything goes straight to the floor,” Baker adds. “It comes from your home, into our bins, and onto the racks for the next family to enjoy.”
The store accepts all seasons of clothing year-round and a wide variety of baby gear, including strollers, jumpers, swings, and books. “We even check for safety recalls on all gear to ensure families are getting safe, high-quality items,” Baker said.
Since opening its doors, Once Upon a Child has seen an enthusiastic response from the Bluffton community. “It’s been amazing. We’ve been super busy every day,” Baker said.
To celebrate its launch, the store hosted a grand opening weekend packed with giveaways and activities. “Thursday, we gave away a Radio Flyer wagon and had balloon twisting,” Baker said. “Friday, we did a dollhouse giveaway and face painting. Saturday, Queen Elsa visited, and we raffled off a brand-new Little Tikes bounce house.”
While Baker is still settling into the daily rhythm of the store, she plans to continue engaging the community with events. “I’d love to have a coffee truck some mornings for the moms,” she said.
Strollers, and shoes, sorted by size in neat blue boxes, line the walls at this fun store devoted to your littles.
Sustainability and affordability
Beyond providing affordable children’s items, Once Upon a Child plays an important role in sustainability. Baker is passionate about the store’s eco-friendly mission.
“There are tons of clothes that end up in landfills every year,” Baker sais. “Instead of throwing out perfectly good clothing, we’re giving them a second life. It’s a win-win – parents make a little cash, another family gets a great deal, and we reduce waste.”
In a time where fast fashion and overconsumption contribute to environmental issues, Once Upon a Child offers a responsible alternative. “Shopping secondhand isn’t just about saving money,” Baker said. “It’s also about making a difference.”
While Baker’s entrepreneurial journey has been exciting, it has also been deeply personal. When she and her husband moved back to the Lowcountry, they had planned to open the store together with her sister. Tragically, her sister passed away unexpectedly after they had already signed with Winmark, the franchise parent company.
“This was supposed to be a family thing – a sister thing,” Baker said. “Now, it looks different than I imagined, but I’m still doing what I love.”
A variety of children’s books at reduced prices.
Despite the heartache, Baker finds strength in her family and the supportive Bluffton community. “My mom moved here to be with us, and my husband’s family is here, too,” she said. “We have so many people in our corner.”
As the business grows, Baker is looking for passionate team members. “Weekends and evenings are the hardest shifts to fill,” she said. “A lot of moms want to work during school hours, which makes sense. But we need people for our later shifts, 3 to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends.”
Employees enjoy in-store discounts and first dibs on new inventory. “It’s a fun place to work,” Baker said. “We’re always laughing and having a good time.”
Baby and toddler bodysuits are always ten for ten dollars.
In just a short time, Once Upon a Child has made a significant impact on Bluffton families. With a focus on affordability, sustainability, and community, Baker’s store is more than just a retail space; it’s also a resource for parents and a labor of love.
Baker is excited to continue growing the business while staying true to its mission. “We’re here to make life easier for families,” she said. “Whether you’re shopping, selling, or just stopping by to say ‘hi,’ we can’t wait to welcome you.”
For more information, visit Once Upon a Child Bluffton at 1202 Fording Island Road or at OnceUponAChild.com/Location/Bluffton-SC.
