By Maggie Beamguard
Insider Editor
Second-hand doesn’t mean second-rate. Ciara Sheerin, a self-described minimalist, has opened 7 Sparrows, a nonprofit boutique in Seven Lakes designed with an upscale vibe.
The boutique provides home-donated homegoods, clothing, food, toys and baby supplies for free to those down on their luck. Open by appointment, customers are welcomed into an inviting space where they can shop in different areas.
Sheerin designed the multi-room space to give visitors a first-class shopping experience. A warm grand foyer with a sofa, seating, coffee and prophetic art by Vanessa Horabuena serves as a place to welcome “shoppers” as well as a meeting place for different small groups and prayer groups the ministry leads in the evenings.
“It’s a whole experience,” said Sheerin who aims to create a healing and peaceful atmosphere. “My vision for it is to set up with a boutique style because I didn’t want it to feel like Goodwill. I wanted it to feel like an upscale store. For those used to only shopping at thrift stores or getting hand me downs — I wanted it to feel like this beautiful place where they could go.”
Sheerin has tried to think of everything including pretty, black shopping bags, nice hangers and even a dressing room. “I really wanted to make it a very upscale vibe so that people could experience that.”
She doesn’t have prior boutique experience, but she does describe herself as a visionary.
“I definitely have a creative mind, so I just kind of envisioned it and then it just happened. It’s been a lot of fun for me. I love being there. Every little thing in there is carefully thought out.”
This is a calling and a ministry for Sheerin, whose faith figures prominently in her vision.
“I wanted to bring His presence here so that when people walk in they just feel true joy; they feel love; they feel, you know, hope again,” she said. “I’ve definitely faced a lot of really difficult things in life, and I feel like we’ve all come full circle now with this shop.”
She sees herself in the faces of those who come for assistance, and she believes God is using her past experiences to relate to and understand what others are going through.
“It makes sense why I had to walk through that dark time, because now when a woman walks in who’s in that dark time, I can genuinely relate and speak from the other side of it you know to hopefully give her hope and it’s really beautiful.”
7 Sparrows evolved out of Sheerin’s own efforts to declutter. Keeping things tidy and organized is a passion of hers.
While other second-hand stores have their place, Sheerin felt like she could do something different with her items. She approached her church about making room to store such items people might need.
When the church didn’t have room, she started with one unit at Seven Lakes Self Storage. Over time, she invited family and friends to store things. And eventually, through word of mouth, she started connecting those in need with the things in storage.
The Sheerins were a family of five, about to become six. As they made more room in their nest, Sheerin’s vision evolved. She wanted to create a store-like atmosphere. She ended up with so many donations that she added a second unit. As they came into contact with people who had needs, they would be invited to check out what was available.
“I had no intentions of this becoming what it has,” she said. “I just know it’s in my heart to help people. I just felt like the doors just kept opening. God’s favor was all over it. I started looking for a shop in Seven Lakes.”
Eventually she was led to a spot that met all her needs at 1163 Seven Lakes Drive, West End.
She named the boutique 7 Sparrows after seeing sparrows everywhere she looked. She even heard a song on the radio called “Sparrows.” A timely text from her brother-in-law featured a picture of Jesus holding a sparrow. He did not know about her avian leanings. All of the sparrow encounters confirmed her vision.
The “7” does not stand for Seven Lakes, although that is an appropriate connection. Rather the number came to her in what was a dream and prayer while laying in bed one night.
“I just felt like the Lord said ‘seven,’ and I didn’t fully know what the seven represented at the time, and I feel like that’s still a mystery unfolding.” But it did call to her mind a scripture in which Jesus teaches his disciples to forgive seven times 70.
She believes the message of forgiveness is one that guides every interaction with those who come through the doors. No matter what stories people bring, she is called to provide.
“My goal is fulfilling their needs,” said Sheerin, “but also if they just need to sit down and talk, or if they need help with some local resources, I plan on having things like food stamp applications on hand.” A shoulder to cry on is also available as well as prayers ready to offer.
Sheerin’s children, ages 2 to 12, help assemble packs full of essential items for those currently without a permanent shelter, and Bibles and other Christian books are available.
Once she finalizes the boutique’s non-profit status, 7 Sparrows will be able to take financial donations. The biggest expense right now other than rent is to keep the food pantry stocked with shelf-stable items. The community has been generous with clothing and toy donations.
Donations are currently received by appointment only. The 7 Sparrows Facebook page has a QR code that links to an Amazon wish list for the boutique.
And while everything is operational, the boutique will be adding additional shelving. She has more inventory than she can display right now and shelving is an expense she is building upon slowly.
Sheerin also has designs on creating a community garden at their entrance and holding monthly events for holidays like Mother’s Day and Easter.
Sheerin’s call to this ministry seems to be a marriage of her love for people and her love for organization.
“I’ve always loved serving people,” she said. “That’s always been something that’s really brought me joy is bringing joy to others.”
For more information about 7 Sparrows visit the website at 7sparrows.org or the 7 Sparrows Facebook page.
Contact Maggie Beamguard at maggie@thepilot.com.
