Today we’d like to introduce you to Loan Nguyen.
Hi Loan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As a parent, I quickly realized how fast kids grow — one day their shoes fit perfectly, and the next day, they’re too tight. I found myself with bins of gently used clothes, toys, and baby gear that still had so much life left in them. At the same time, I knew how expensive it could be to keep up with the next size, the next season, and the next phase of childhood.
That’s when I discovered the concept of Once Upon A Child. I loved the idea of a store that helped families save money, earn cash, and shop sustainably all in one place. It wasn’t just about resale; it was about giving families smarter options and creating a community space where parents could connect and support each other.
When the opportunity came to open a location in Gainesville, it felt like the perfect fit. This community values family, practicality, and taking care of one another. By opening Once Upon A Child here, I wanted to make it easier for parents to find what they need without breaking the budget , and to feel good about reusing and recycling along the way.
Every day, I see the impact: a mom finding her child’s first pair of shoes, a dad trading in baby gear for toddler toys, grandparents discovering special outfits for their grandkids. Those moments remind me why I started to help families, make life a little easier, and give great items a second chance to be loved.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening and running a Once Upon A Child isn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest obstacles early on was educating the community about what we do that we’re not a consignment shop, but a place where families can sell their gently used kids’ items for cash right away and shop affordable, quality pieces. Building that understanding and trust took time, communication, and consistency.
Another challenge was keeping up with inventory. Because everything we sell depends on what people bring in, it takes daily attention to maintain the right balance of clothing, toys, and baby gear for every age and season.
Like many small businesses, we’ve also faced the challenge of staffing and training finding team members who not only understand retail but also share our passion for helping families and creating a welcoming space.
But every challenge has led to growth. These experiences have made us more connected to our customers, more creative in how we operate, and more committed to serving the Gainesville community with care and value.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about once upon a child?
Every day at Once Upon A Child Gainesville is about connection and purpose. My work isn’t just about running a store . it’s about helping families. Whether it’s a parent bringing in gently used clothes to earn a little extra cash, or someone finding the perfect outfit for their child at an affordable price, those small moments matter.
My team and I work hard to create a space that’s welcoming, organized, and full of great finds. We focus on making the buying and selling process simple, fair, and fun. Behind the scenes, there’s a lot of effort that goes into sorting, pricing, and maintaining quality standards —but seeing the smiles on customers’ faces makes it all worth it.
At the end of the day, my work is about more than retail. It’s about supporting families, promoting sustainability, and being part of a community that cares. That’s what keeps me inspired every single day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’ve always believed that hard work opens the door but sometimes, a little luck helps you walk through it. The idea of opening Once Upon A Child came to me at the perfect time. I was looking for a business that aligned with my values and served families in a meaningful way, and I happened to discover the franchise just as Gainesville was growing and needed something like this.
There was luck in timing finding the right location, the right team, and the right moment to bring the store to life. But luck only goes so far; it’s what you do with those opportunities that matters. I like to think that luck introduced me to the idea, but dedication, community support, and a lot of heart turned it into what it is today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://onceuponachild.com/locations/gainesville-ga/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onceuponachildgainesvillega
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onceuponachildgainesvillega
