We had the good fortune of connecting with Terry Morgan Norwood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Terry Morgan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Repurposing. Too many items are filling up our landfill. People need a place to buy repurposed items. They can do this through social media yet many people still love to shop in person. A shopping center full of thrift stores in our area closed in 2019, yet the need for economical retail and a place to belong was still desired. In 2021, I formed a non-profit, The Rise Concept, capitalizing on the opportunity to revitalize the sense of community that was missing. The main focus of this non-profit right now is its resale store, Rise Resale. It is not just about shopping for a bargain. It is giving back to your community. The store is operated like the previous stores were, by many volunteers who sort, tag, stage, and sell the donated items.

Rise Resale provides a LOT of merchandise for me and other thrifty shoppers. I have another business featured in SD Voyager magazine-The Evolving Company. The aspect that links to this store is the specialty baskets I like to make. While this is not a new concept, the difference is, my containers are filled with repurposed items. The flower pot you have no use for now becomes the container filled with garden tools and an apron all which can be purchased at resale stores. To complete a theme, I might add one or two newly purchased items. The main point is to repurpose items and keep them out of the landfill.
The best part of my job at The Rise Resale Shop though is connecting with people-the volunteers, the donors, the customers.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My work focuses around empowerment. Everyone has at least one gift. It is finding these gifts or skills and integrating them into the business at R.I.S.E. Our acronym stands for Resources In Support of Empowerment. Consequently, volunteers are placed in areas where they can best serve our mission allowing them to utilize their strengths. This empowerment creates ownership in the organization. In less than a year, there are over 35 volunteers that help R.I.S.E. achieve its mission. Many of these volunteers are affiliated with a group that want to strengthen our community. This is why I am excited and proud of my latest endeavor. What I want people to know about this shop is the mission. It’s not just a resale shop, it’s a place to belong. Our motto is cause over cash. Our donations and sales continue to increase each month because of the wonderful people. Whether you donate items, make a sale, or chat with customers, you make a difference by being a part of the cycle.

What sets our resale store apart from others is the connections. I have made many friends while living in Rancho Bernardo for over twenty years. It has helped me reach out to many organizations to partner with this cause. R.I.S.E. has a solid foundation and is doing phenomenally well for its inaugural year. It took a leap of faith, a lot of hard work, and commitment to accomplish what I believe is a worthwhile endeavor.

You can make a difference. Together we can make a change. Shop. Sip. Share. (Oh yea. We have a coffee and cookie bar on Friday’s and Saturday’s!!)
#RiseResale #nonprofit #empowerment #coffee #cookies

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first place I’d take my girlfriend to once I picked her up from the airport is the Hotel Del in Coronado. She will be able to see much of the city as she lands but from another perspective as we cross the Coronado Bridge. We then drive north up the 163 going under the old aqueduct in Balboa Park. The next morning we go to the Poway farmer’s market and eat breakfast. Then we are off to Claire’s in Solana Beach and shopping along Cedros Avenue. Day two is a morning walk at Solana Beach followed up with breakfast at The Naked Cafe. Yes. I love Solana Beach. It’s not too busy, not too small, but just right! The next few days we will visit traditional attractions like Balboa Park and Old Town. Since I live in Rancho Bernardo, I can’t leave out Escondido. We will walk Grand Avenue ending the day at a few wineries in Highland Valley Wine Country.

The last day will be with my friends at Koi Zen Cellars close to home. It doesn’t get any better than this and it’s why I stay in San Diego!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband John! He supports my endeavors because he knows they stem from the heart. While he is hesitant at the beginning, knowing I am compassionate, his intention is to protect my boundaries. John appreciates that I include my girlfriends quite a lot so he can enjoy his passions. Rocking climbing in his Jeep and helping Team Rubicon. When participating in one another’s endeavors, we utilize our unique skills.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/RiseResaleShop

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theriseconcept/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/concept_rise

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RiseResaleShop

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rise-resale-shop-san-diego

Image Credits
Photo credit Terry Norwood

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