After 27 years working in the corporate world, Loni and Anastasia Alexander found an unexpected opportunity suddenly before them. They had wandered into a consignment shop in Bethel Park and had struck up on a conversation with the owner. They soon learned that the owner was looking for a buyer, and in several hours, Loni and Anastasia became business owners fulfilling a life-long dream.
Last summer, Ever After Consignments, located at 6063 Library Road, opened and has filled a niche for those looking for unique and unusual decor. The shop resells upscale antique and vintage consignments with an emphasis on refurbished, refinished, and recycled merchandise. “We have been overwhelmed with the positive reaction from our customers and the neighborhood,” Loni said. “For years, we have repurposed furniture as hobbyists in our garage and it’s exciting to offer a place for us to do what we love to do every day.”
Things were humming along nicely when they heard about another consignment store in Crafton — Vintage 73 — that was going out of business. “We stopped in to check out the inventory,” Anastasia said. “And then we had two,” Loni said laughing.
Their second location at 1935 Crafton Blvd., opened in November
Consigned items for both shops come from clients who are moving, relocating, downsizing, inheriting or redecorating. “The spaces are really a living, breathing thing so every time you come in, there’s something new,” Anastasia said. From antiques to furniture, art, and pottery, the Alexander’s like to say they are in the recycling business.
“The difference is we do it creatively and with heart. Every onceloved piece has a story and we try to honor that. Just because something is old does not mean it has lost value or beauty. Our job is to find a new home or create a new look and a new purpose.”
The store also consigns with local artists who specialize in home decor artistry including Michael Paul Ayala.
For those who enjoy repurposing, Ever After also carries the exclusive Dixie Belle Paint line which offers a full line of waxes, glazes, stains, patina and metallic paints. “What we love about Dixie Belle is it’s easy for the novice to use,” Loni said. “For years, we would spend our weekends scouring the area for new and exciting projects, and Dixie Belle is geared to those of us that like to play with colors and textures for fun and enjoying taking something old and making it something new.”
Both stores offer DIY workshops geared to those weekend hobbyists or groups who are looking for something fun and unique to do. “Every time we announce one of our imperfectly perfect pallet table workshops, it sells out almost immediately. There’s something to be said about making something homemade yourself and we try to make it so it’s easy and accessible to everyone of all ages.” Other workshops have included rustic farmhouse inspired signs, personalized growth charts, and oversized Scrabble tiles.
“There’s nothing more satisfying than taking something that may appear to be unusable and making it into something beautiful,” Loni said. “We want to bring back the art of making something that you can be proud to put into your home.”
Ever After Consignments
6063 Library Road, Bethel Park 15102 • 412-833-8300
1935 Crafton Blvd, Crafton 15205 • 412-922-2658
EverAfterConsignments.com
