We love celebrating and highlighting our members, and we got the chance to do just that at our annual meeting yesterday! The day kicked off with behind-the-scenes tours at Eco Chico and CRAFT Thrift Store, both located in St. Paul.
Eco Chico specializes in high-quality consigned maternity and kids’ items. Owner Krystell Thiessen-Escobar started the store to address the waste associated with raising children while supporting parents who want to live an eco-conscious lifestyle. 
The kid-friendly shop even features a play area for little ones, so parents can shop worry-free. The vibrant artwork throughout the store, created by Electric Machete Studios, draws inspiration from Krystell’s childhood in Southern Mexico, reflecting the natural beauty she hopes to preserve. Shoppers will find clothing, gear, shoes, and more—all priced 60–70% below retail.
At CRAFT Thrift Store, we learned how Angela Kapp combined her love of crafting with supporting teachers. Celebrating its 1-year anniversary, the store sells clothing, housewares, tools, books, and home decor, in addition to offering a well-stocked craft room in the back.
Contact them to rent the craft room for birthday parties or other creative gatherings. With a CRAFT membership, you can take part in workshops, and access materials and tools. Part of the store’s proceeds go toward helping teachers with certifications, scholarships, or classroom materials. It was inspiring to see how both Eco Chico and CRAFT Thrift are meeting the needs of their communities.
After the tours, members networked over lunch before reconvening at the Ramsey County Environmental Center in Roseville. We shared program updates, heard from board candidates, and enjoyed coffee from Tiny Footprint Coffee, a carbon-negative roastery. 
The Environmental Center tour showcased sustainable building features like geothermal energy, solar panels, and reused pavers. 
The facility provides a convenient drop-off for household hazardous waste, electronics, recyclables, and food scraps for residents in seven counties. It also hosts community events and programs like Fix-It Clinics, where volunteers help repair broken items, encouraging residents to reduce waste and embrace sustainability.
It was a full day of celebration, learning, and connection! Click here to learn more about becoming a Reuse Minnesota member.
