AIKEN — A dream recently became a brick-and-mortar reality for Sarah Brunson, who opened a consignment boutique earlier this month on the Southside.

“I’m so excited,” said the 27-year-old owner of Southern Wren Collective. “I’ve always wanted to something like this. I love retail.”

Brunson described the men’s, women’s and children’s clothing available for purchase as “gently loved,” but her shop also has new attire“with tags,” she said.

Apparel from brands such as CROSBY by Mollie Burch, Jaded Gypsy and POL can be found at Southern Wren Collective.

“I’m working with some other boutiques to get their sale items,” Brunson said.

In addition, Southern Wren Collective offers accessories, home décor, antiques, glassware, freeze-dried candy and more.

Brunson decided to launch a consignment shop because she thought that similar businesses locally didn’t have enough clothing that appealed to people her age.

A former professional model and Savannah River Site employee, Brunson said she learned a lot about retail by working for Vikki Woody of Vikki’s…A Unique Boutique.

Vikki’s, owned by Woody and her mother, Max Watt, recently consolidated at a new location, reducing the number of its stores from two to one.

Vikki’s now is based at 1521 Whiskey Road, which is behind the old 1501 Whiskey Road site that became the home of Woody Outfitters.

Southern Wren Collective is at 1302 Pine Log Road, which used to be a Vikki’s shop.

Brunson said that when she was trying to decide how she could turn her interest in retail into a business, Vikki Woody “kind of helped point me in the right direction. [She would tell me] this would be good and that would be good, the do’s and the don’ts.”

Many others also provided assistance, including Brunson’s mother, father, husband, brother and friends.

“It has definitely taken a village,” Brunson said. “I could not have done this without my village.”