Stacy Holbrook
Contributing Writer
(Photo by Stacy Holbrook)
Bella Grande Consignment, specializing in plus size women’s clothes, 14 and up, is owned by Angel Fulkerson and located at 227 S. Cochran Ave, Charlotte, MI. You can find her on Facebook, too.
Angel’s motto is “Quality Resale and Fine Frippery for Curvy Divas.”
Bella Grande has been in business for over 18 years. Angel Fulkerson was an employee of the previous owner and enjoyed working at Bella Grande. When the owner decided to retire about nine years ago, it felt right for Angel to become the new owner and start her next adventure. Angel enjoys working with the community, and she is keeping with full consignment items as well as size 14 and up, special for curvy women.
One day someone showed Angel a very interesting post on one of the Eaton Rapids Facebook pages. This post intrigued Angel, she saw a special opportunity where she could serve the community. With excitement, Angel put her plan into action. On her day off, Angel came into the store, placed a rack outside her establishment with all the coats that could not be resold that she had in storage. Placing a large sign “NEED A COAT, TAKE ONE! WANT TO HELP, LEAVE ONE! THANK YOU!”
Angel then created a post announcing the “Coats for The Community” program. The post was put on the Charlotte page as well as her own Facebook page. Her post has generated over 500 shares. By the next day, there were some men’s and children’s coats left on the rack. This program started on January 10th of this year. Two weeks into the program, all the coats Bella Grande had placed on the rack have been re-homed.
Every day there are new coats on the rack. There were scarves and hats donated as well. People from the community have been stopping in and expressing their gratitude to Angel for her blessings to the community. The rack is out 24/7, people can come anytime. The rack will remain accessible throughout the winter.
Angel is very pleased with the large response, and participation, of this program. When winter comes to an end, Angel will bring in the winter coats and store them until next winter. The plans will be to put the rack out once again this next winter to bless the community for another season.
Angel’s message to the community she enjoys serving is, “If you need something please come, get it. If you have something you want to share, leave it. There is a shortage of men’s and children’s coats, but ALL coats are welcome.”
