BY CATHERINE HOLT, Freshman
BLYTHEWOOD-- READY, SET, GO! Crowds of people running down the aisles, pushing and shoving to get to what they want.
Kelly Graybill, the founder of Tot Trade, turned her home business into the largest consignment sale in South Carolina. Tot Trade, an extraordinary semi-annual event that attracts about 1,300 consignors and 4,000 shoppers.
Janice Holt, Graybill’s cousins said people go crazy for Tot Trade. I am so proud of Graybill and everything that she has accomplished.
“It really just started as the need to contribute to the family. I was trying to think, what could I do to still be at home with the boys, but still make a contribution to the family financially, because I have always worked,” Graybill said.
Her idea of starting her company came up when Graybill saw something similar to her sale in another state, and though it was a great idea but wanted to make it her own.
“I’ve probably worked on it for two years before making my first sale,” Graybill said.
With 19 years of retail experience, Graybill thought that it would be a good idea to start her own business. This was a great way for Graybill to contribute to the family.
In 1997 Tot Trade was born. Tot Trade has grown from just an idea to an annual sale that everyone goes crazy for in South Carolina.
Graybill said how her business grew tremendously from one little room, to 40,000 sq ft room with 100,000 items.
“The first sale started with 36 consignors, friends, and now has grown to 1,300 consignors,” Graybill said excitedly! There are so many stops she has to put people on a waiting list.
At first starting a business can be challenging, and takes loads of dedication. Graybill said she made her own brochures at home, and hand delivered them to people to try to get her name out.
“It takes money to make money,” Graybill said. At first she didn’t have to money for the big advertisements in newspapers.
Graybill explained that her first sale she ever had she broke even. Now her gross sales have skyrocketed.
When running your own business there are many rewarding and frustrating parts.
“The most rewarding part to me is seeing and experiencing the growth of Tot Trade. About how a vision can come alive,” Graybill said.
Graybill explained that Tot Trade also has been able to reach out to family and children organizations, children’s homes, as well as families who are in need by way of donations at the end of the sale.
Also when running a business there are times that are challenging and frustrating.
“Because working so closely with my consignors it’s hard when they don't feel happy. I want everyone who comes to my sale to be satisfied, so when I feel like they aren’t happy it can be hard,” Graybill said.
No matter how hard it can be Graybill always has a smile on her face. Tot Trade has been running for 19 years and it keeps growing.
“In 10 years time I hope to see Tot Trade still growing and continue to be successful. Also I hope it still helps people and benefits them,” said Graybill.
Its surreal seeing how a small home business can turn into one of the top consignment sales in South Carolina. It just shows that with a lot of hard work and dedication anything is possible.
