The Los Angeles Center for Adoption’s waining numbers spiked like a punk’s jacket after relocating to a storefront in Echo Park and changing their name to Secondhand Smiles, a boutique specializing in vintage children.
“I went in looking for a 50’s workman jacket and had no idea they also sold kids,” said blogger and new adoptive father Tyler Wright, “but then my girlfriend and I saw Daphne and couldn’t resist how well her freckles match the retro motif in our loft. I can’t believe someone didn’t want her! Such a good find.”
Behind the boho chic change in marketing is former LACA Director turned Secondhand Smiles cashier and kid-buyer, Louisa Johnson.
“We were really bursting at the seams with parent-less kids,” said Johnson, who herself has no intention to adopt because she already has five rescue dogs. That all changed once Ms. Johnson attended a $1 clothing sale at Jet Rag Vintage.
“As I tousled with a hipster over a 70’s print scarf, I thought to myself, what if these clothes were kids?” said Johnson. “I mean, if overalls can make a comeback, we can make used children trendy.”
In the past month, the store has seen over 100 kids go off to lovingly curated homes, and patrons can’t stop begging for more cute vintage children who are actually just normal children marketed to them as cute vintage. Inside, the children are organized by age, hair color, and musical taste, and the center has even opted to teach classes in graphic design, guitar, and zine-making over their old education curriculum.
Secondhand Smiles also offers matching vintage ensembles for parents and children with each adoption. Amongst the hot trends is purchasing multiple children of varying races.
“I got an Asian one and a black one because I’m a big fan of blending different design styles.” said new mom Chelsea Greenbaum, “My friends couldn’t stop raving about them at brunch! They add flair to every outfit.”
The booming business proves that consumers view upcycling children as more fun and eco-friendly than conceiving one’s own through a corporate, overpriced OBGYN or non-vegan boyfriend.
“It’s the thrill of the hunt and finding gems that you can’t get through your own ovaries,” added Greenbaum. “My eggs are like H&M. Just terrible quality.”
“Secondhand Smiles” is open Monday through Friday from 12 to 5 pm. Come Wednesdays to receive an additional 30% off all clearance children.