CORNERSBURG -- Diana Byrdy became an empty-nester after her only child married and moved out. A

CORNERSBURG -- Diana Byrdy became an empty-nester after her only child married and moved out. A devout Christian, Byrdy said she believes God led her into the consignment shop business to fill the sudden wealth of time she now had.
"The store is dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ. I feel that He was my inspiration, and it's successful because of Him." Byrdy said.
Byrdy was a stay-at-home mom before opening her consignment shop, Kids Act II, in 1995.
While raising her daughter, she worked out of her home, doing hair and baking. She said she loves people and being in the public, so she felt the retail business would suit her, although she had no retail background.
"The only way I knew what to do and how to do it was through prayer. I had no experience, no one coaching me, no counsel from other consignment-store owners. I just took it day by day and was instructed through my prayer life on what to do next and it just all came together."
Consignment shops accept used merchandise to sell and then give the consignee a percentage of the price the item sells for.
Byrdy said friends and family members gave her clothes to begin the business, and she also bought some to supplement inventory for the opening day. Business has grown steadily since then.
"After that, it was strictly consignment, and business picked up phenomenally, and all by word of mouth," she said.
Overcame obstacles
Byrdy said the minor obstacles she faced at first were overcome quickly. She said her biggest problem in the beginning was being the only employee.
She said hiring her manager, Stacey D'Angelo, three years ago, has made things much easier.
"She knows every aspect of the business. I can leave the country and she would know what to do. She knows the store front to back," said Byrdy.
Byrdy moved into her current building after outgrowing her first location.
"My future plans are to continue to grow. We're in the process of selling franchises now. We have three prospective franchise buyers," she said.
Kids Act II carries children's clothing for infants to young adults and baby furniture. Byrdy said she only accepts clothing that is in impeccable condition and has been freshly laundered.