Old clothes find new life at Lansing Emporium

Nine years ago, Lansing resident Monica Haladyna was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome, a disability that left her unable to continue her work in cybersecurity. Her hands would bunch up and become immobile for days, rendering the desk work impossible.

Five years passed, and Haladyna, a self-described “lifelong learner,” found herself unable to sit still.

“I was in severe pain, and I needed to do something,” she said. “So, I started experimenting with crafts just to keep my hands moving and get my mobility back, my life back.”

She started out with candles, soaps and tinctures, which she began selling at farmers markets, then online. After downsizing her closet in an attempt to “become a minimalist,” she became interested in running a consignment store.

That idea sparked Lansing Emporium, which opened July 28 in Old Town. The shop occupies the former Sweet Custom Jewelry storefront on Turner Street, following the jeweler’s move to another spot in the neighborhood last month. Lansing Emporium sells gently used clothing and other “trinkets,” and Haladyna plans to introduce antiques and wares from local creators following the grand opening on Sept. 6.

The consignment store model, where a store sells an item on behalf of its original owner and takes a cut of the sale price, is comparable to a high-end thrift shop.

“If you want to sell a pair of jeans that were originally $200, we’ll price them at $100,” Haladyna explained. “And when they sell, I take $60, and you take $40.”

Many of the pieces on the racks once belonged to Haladyna, but she said others who are hoping to downsize their own collections have already offered up some items.

The store is a collaboration between Haladyna and her son, Alex. Haladyna handles the clothing side, while Alex, the general manager, is focused on the store’s other offerings.

“I do everything except pay the bills, get the clothes and organize,” he said, laughing.

At 23, he’s never had a job before due to complications with rheumatoid arthritis. Haladyna said collaborating on the store has brought the two closer as they navigate working with their respective disabilities.

Haladyna chose the Old Town location because of the foot traffic it offers, but she fits right into the neighborhood. The Mexican immigrant and local activist has appeared in City Pulse before for her role in organizing the anti-Trump People’s March on Jan. 18 and other protests. She’s organizing one for this Friday, too, with posters advertising the rally displayed in her shop’s window.

She said Old Town has been an open and accepting place for her and Alex.

“Every person I’ve talked to on the street so far, we’ve been on each other’s side,” she said. “We feel accepted, and we feel like we’re really going to integrate into the community here.”