Art, In Every Way, Shape And Form

Growing up with an artistic mother has greatly influenced me. My Mother, Cindy Wallace, considers most things in life to be “art.” She dressed me and my two younger brothers to the nines! She thought of us as her three little “masterpieces.” We never left home without colorful, sometimes matching, stylish outfits. I could have done without the big bows in my hair! She decorated, and re-decorated, and re-decorated our home to perfection! Now, I have three little boys and enjoy continuing this tradition. The art in my heart has made me successful with my children’s store, 529 Kids Consign because I want my little customers to love what they’re wearing and be happy and proud. Picasso once said, “every child is an artist.”

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Cindy Wallace, aka Mom, over the years, painted everything in sight from walls to clothes, to our school projects, etc. She formed a company, Sweats, Inc., which became another avenue to express herself. She is always inspired, but her greatest inspiration is the happiness and well-being of all her children. Her spiritual side blessed her with her first granddaughter, Ruby, born on Halloween, one of her favorite holidays! One day she decided to try her hand on canvas, and the rest is history! My Mom liked to share her success stories with our friends and encourage them to get in touch with their creative side. After establishing a full art career in her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, she began exhibiting her art at some of the finest galleries. Andy Warhol Museum of Art, Jj Gillespie Gallery (The oldest Art Gallery in our nation), and Mendelson Gallery, just to name a few. She received stellar critical reviews on her painting, “Faces of Freedom” (which is now part of a corporate collection of Crown American Enterprises). Mom moved to Virginia to be with her family in 2015. In 2017, she was commissioned to paint a mural in the West End of Alexandria, which is considered the largest in the DMV. You can read more about My Mom in her Street Style here. Myself and my sister-in-law, Katie, are proud to display and market Mom’s art at our new store, Mint Collective.

 

My Mom is a firm believer in appreciating the wonderful things in life, never taking things for granted, and “giving back.” When she met Kelly Grant, owner of ALX Community of Old Town, that very premise bonded these two women forever. To quote my Mom, “I have the greatest respect for Kelly; not only is she successful, but so very down to earth!” Mom is Kelly’s art coordinator for her beautifully decorated ALX Community properties. She is in charge of installing works of art by herself and other local artists. Cindy Wallace, original paintings will be available for sale. My Mom is an inspiration to us all!

 

“I am so blessed to have three amazing children, six adorable grandchildren, and (if I had to pick them myself), two beautiful daughters-in-law, and a very handsome son-in-law!"

"I was thrilled to have sung the National Anthem and God Bless America at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA, but an even bigger thrill is singing to my grandchildren!”

“Art is music, and music is art.” - Cindy Wallace

 

 

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“White Birch” a painting that was revamped to make more colorful and lively for the client.

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“Old Town Alexandrina!” – this painting was created for a realtor’s office to bring color and brightness to the space. It is the outline of the map of Alexandria.

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“Surrounded by Angels” – This is one of the works hanging at ALX Community.

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“Dancing On The Beach” - This is one of the works hanging at ALX Community.

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“Animal Mystique” - This is one of the works hanging at ALX Community.

Megan Podolsky

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Owner | 529 Kid’s Consign
Co-Owner | Mint Condition and Mint Collective

Megan's career in retail/merchandising began in the mid-nineties standing in front of a woodsy smelling Abercrombie and Fitch. Sporting an oversized plaid flannel and bootcut jeans she said hello to every customer that eagerly walked into the popular retailer.  Little did Megan know that, while creating a perfect "denim wall" and dressing in all of the latest fashion that the lifestyle brand offered she was building the foundation for her fun and exciting career! 

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, Megan managed multiple A&F stores before she moved on to an assistant buyer position in contemporary dresses at the local Arlington-based retailer Hecht's (now Macy's). She gained an immeasurable amount of knowledge before moving onto a different facet of the business at Calvin Klein Jeans. Megan worked her way from retail coordinator to East-Coast regional manager helping to create the Calvin Klein aesthetic in department stores from Boston to Miami. 

After her first son, Ethan was born, her position at CKJ was eliminated, due to the harsh economic conditions at the time. 

This is how 529 was born! Megan quickly began to see how fast Ethan was growing out of his clothing. She knew other moms had the same amount of adorable "gently worn" clothing piling up. Combining her love of retail and her obsession with dressing Ethan gave her the idea to try and sell this clothing. 529 became a popular "pop-up" shop in the Alexandria area and once the following was big enough, a brick and mortar store in historic Old Town. 529 Kids Consign exemplifies who Megan is and what she has learned throughout her career. It's a warm, well-organized, well-edited boutique that attracts moms from all over the DC metro area. 

On any given visit to the store you may be greeted by three boys dressed to the nines..they too have the passion.

We are an upscale children's and maternity consignment boutique specializing in the latest trends. Quality is important to us, which is why we are particular about our brands. Offering not only consignment items but also the freshest and most trendy must-haves for hip moms and cool kids makes us the place to shop!

529 Kids Consign

122A South Royal Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703.567.4518

Monday - Saturday: 10am - 5pm

Sunday: 12pm - 5pm

www.529kidsconsign.com

Mint Condition stocks an ever-changing inventory of current women’s clothing, handbags, shoes and jewelry by top designers – all in a fresh boutique atmosphere. Come see why we've been named the DC Metro’s Best Consignment Store by Washingtonian, Northern Virginia, Virginia Living Magazines and the Washington Post Express and featured in Southern Living Magazine as one of Old Town's best boutiques. 

Visit our fabulous 2,000 square foot location along the brick-lined streets of charming, historic Old Town, Alexandria.

www.shopmintcondition.com

Mint Condition                       

103 S. Saint Asaph Street

Alexandria, VA 22314             

703.836.6468                          

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