Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Wallace.
Hi Julia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After an arrest in May of 2022, I realized I needed to change my life. Nine months of spiritual expansion and self improvement passed, and I landed in Brunswick, Georgia, working as a cashier for a local nonprofit thrift store. Over the course of the following year I was given the opportunity to work upwards in the business, experiencing firsthand the rewards of giving back to the community that so gracefully accepted me. This past spring I was promoted to the role of General Manager, an adventure I could not be more grateful for. In collaboration with community partner nonprofits, sustaining a positive work environment for our small staff, coordinating new and old volunteer workers, representing our organization at community events, I have found true fulfillment in centering the love of Christ in my day to day. Of course this experience has also given me the gift of learning the ins and outs of the nonprofit sector, administrative and management skills, and the discernment required to manage a business.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The last few years have seen hard times fall on so many in and around our community. It has been a challenge at times to maintain a mission-centered agenda; keeping our eyes towards loving and taking care of one another, and not getting swept up in the numbers game. It’s a delicate line to walk on, but I’ve found that prioritizing my own mental and spiritual well being trickles down into my work and fosters a healthy environment for all of us at the store.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the General Manager at hello, Goodbuy, a nonprofit thrift store in Brunswick. Hello, Goodbuy is 100% for the community, by the community; our primary mission is to fund projects led by charities in Glynn County, to offer low/no cost, high quality goods to those in need and the community at large, and to provide well compensated, stable employment for the store’s small staff. The store is known in the community as a fun place to shop, a warm and friendly environment with staff that gets to know our regular shoppers and who care deeply for our mission. What I’m most proud of is hard to pin down! When I look back over the last few years I have such a swell of gratitude for the way God has touched my life, and in doing so, has allowed me to touch the lives of so many others. I think what sets me apart is a direct result of this – being Christ centered in my professional life.
Any big plans?
It remains my privilege and joy to serve this community and to keep shining the light of Christ in all that we do together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hellogoodbuystore.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello.goodbuyy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hellogoodbuy/
