Help Young Entrepreneur Impact Local Community

Hi! My name is Megan Barr.

I am a young stay at home mom with a lofty, biblical goal. I really need your help. If you have a minute to spare, stick around and read my story.

A little about me, I am 32 years old but I have lived a fulfilling life so far. I have worked in both law enforcement and 911 Dispatch and in multiple jobs in the public sector since I was 16 years old. My motivation is my faith. My greatest achievement has been my family and children. I have been happily married to my husband Jacob for almost 9 years. I have two wonderful kids- my boy, Luke (6) and my daughter, Thea (3). My amazing family and friends are rallying around me in support and sending their love and prayers.

About 6 months ago, God laid something big on my heart.

As we usually do, I tried to ignore the ever-small voice whispering direction for my life. I tried to learn new hobbies and occupy my time- hello, sourdough! But the voice got louder. The instructions got clearer. What started out as a nudge to better help my community morphed into “call the number on that leasing sign”, “ask family members for business contacts” and finally, “franchising is the right direction”. That last one was a surprise to me.

For the first time in my life, I’m listening with discernment. I’m researching and taking it slow. I am trying to open a clothing retail store. More specifically I am opening an Uptown Cheapskate franchise that will purchase clothes from local parents once they or their kids (middle/high school aged) have outgrown them. The store will carry clothes for teens-mid thirties. I plan to open a second store for younger children and babies if the wind stays in my sails (or the Lord sends another towboat ).

When the small voice first spoke up on the subject of how I could make a change in the lives of those around me and bring people to Christ, I was downright terrified (there are still moments where I am- like right this moment as I click “start fundraiser”).

Once I admitted to myself I was actually hearing correctly, I asked my worship leader at church “What do you do when God is leading you down a path and you could be financially ruined?” Her reply was simple, You say “Yes, Lord”. True story. I tried not to let my mouth fall open.

So I thought on it for a few weeks and said, “Yes, Lord.” My voice shook. My hands trembled. But I said it.

I started making phone calls. I started taking baby steps towards a large commitment that will literally change my entire life. Because that is faith. Faith is my foundation but without action it has little value.

One of my core values is, and always has been, taking care of others and giving generously. If you know me, you know that is true. There is a Christian song out right now that says “I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, all about somebody who saved my soul. If they all forget my name, well that’s fine with me, I’m living for the world to see nobody but Jesus.” I’m singing this as my mantra!

I want to do MORE for those around me than I can do on my own. While my heart has always been one for the people around me- my resources are small. Yes, I have been on mission trips. Of course our family tithes. We sponsor the sweetest little boy in Honduras.

But how can I change MORE? How can I sponsor 50 kids? How can I send others on mission trips? Who can I reach with a higher platform? What ALL can I fund?

I have goals, y’all, and they can be broken down into a few main categories:

1. Be a resource for the community- Our Loganville/Monroe, GA area does not have a resale store for children, teen, or adult clothes. I want to provide parents with a reliable way to clothe their school-aged kids. You have no doubt felt the stress of trying to keep your kids in clothing, especially NICE clothing at an affordable price.

a. Enter, the resale model. Thrifting is “cool” again, because our economy is strapped right now. More and more families will need to find a cheaper alternative to get quality clothing for their kiddos.

b. Loganville has a few great thrift stores, but none that purchase unwanted clothes.

2. Be a source of hope for those that need it- I will partner with local organizations such as:

a. Pregnancy resource centers (To provide maternity wear for young or at-risk mothers.)

b. School counselors (To help kids who need a winter jacket, a prom dress, or a business casual outfit for their first job interview.)

c. I will elect The FISH Thrift Store (Loganville and Monroe) as the store that receives any abandoned products (or elected donations) that were dropped off but not purchased.

d. The Red Cross and Non-profit outreach facilities (To help families who have experienced house fires or displacement and have lost their clothing.)

e. I will continue and increase my tithing and offerings at Loganville First Baptist Church and Church on Main (Snellville, GA). (If you’re looking for a church home, stop by!)

f. The franchise requires a percentage of annual sales to be directed to a philanthropic fund that is already busy doing work across the globe.

3. I will be an example for young employees in my community. I want to teach them how they SHOULD be treated in a healthy work environment that values them and is a safe place for them to work.

a. I also hope to create a fun work environment and true relationships.

4. Be a resource and supporter of other businesses in our town as it continues to grow and prosper.

5. Have a positive environmental impact- Recycling clothing is a GREAT way to reduce our ever-growing footprint and reuse items that might otherwise find themselves in a landfill too soon.

I cannot do MORE until I get started. That is why I am asking you for your help today.

I need a total of $100,000.00 to move forward. I’ll later finance $350,000.00 myself through the SBA.

The upfront funds I need to move forward are $100,000.00- the SBA needs to see this amount in order to loan me the larger amount. This money will be used to lease a storefront, make necessary changes to the building, buy signage and fixtures, and purchase initial inventory from local sellers.

I can’t do this by myself. I am humbly asking for your help. I understand this is a big ask, but I hope you had time to read the above and understand my motives. I hope my heart shows in this request.

If you can give even $5.00 I know we can all work towards this goal. Even if you cannot give right now, maybe you know someone who can and if you “share” this post we can get my request in front of millions of people. The internet is a powerful tool- let’s use it for good today. Let’s impact a young family, a small suburban town and maybe in doing so we can positively influence our county and state.

I am not making empty promises and I have every intention of succeeding. Once this comes to fruition, if you are local, stop by. Bring your kids’ clothes, bring your OWN clothes. Ask what I have done with my business to help lately, but then again, if I am doing my job- hopefully you already know the answer.

I am not perfect. I am not going to get it all right. But, I am taking a chance to follow God and where he is leading me. He who has begun a good work in me will not fail. So I will not fail.

Thanks for sticking around through all of that (It was 1,300 words- so really, thanks!). If you can, help how you can. If that is prayer OR funds- send it my way! You have no idea how much I appreciate you.