Exploring Life & Business with Karen Gruver of Serendipity Consignment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Gruver.

Hi Karen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our Story – How Serendipity Began

Serendipity Consignment was born out of both passion and purpose. As a Christian-based women’s designer consignment boutique, we set out to create more than just a place to shop — we dreamed of building a community. Located in Mandarin at 10092 San Jose Blvd, directly across from Five Guys. Serendipity offers carefully curated women’s fashion at exceptional prices. Every piece is chosen with love and intention, making fashion not only accessible but meaningful.

The heart behind Serendipity comes from our founder’s own journey. As an artist and a breast cancer survivor, she knows firsthand how important it is to embrace beauty, faith, and resilience in everyday life. With a love for treasure hunting, creativity, and connection, she envisioned a space where women could shop stylishly while also finding fellowship, encouragement, and even prayer when they need it most.

What started as a simple idea — to combine quality fashion with faith and friendship — has grown into a thriving boutique where women discover not only timeless pieces but also a welcoming atmosphere. At Serendipity, every rack tells a story, every purchase supports community, and every visit feels like finding a little piece of joy.

Karen, is supported not only from the community but has a wonderful husband of 30 yrs and 3 beautiful children. When she is finished helping women in the community her spare time is spent doing art, spending time with her family, her 2 Goldens, 3 cats and serving her God.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We opened up right after Covid. It was a challenge, people were just getting back to the offices. Some were still working form home. Driving traffic to our store has always been a challenge. Consignment stores often are destination trips not a walk by scenario so making it a place people remember is our daily goal at Serendipity.

We’ve been impressed with Serendipity Consignment , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Set Apart
At Serendipity, we go beyond consignment. From designer fashion to unique artisan gifts, every visit feels personal — we remember our customers, celebrate their return, and make shopping a special experience in a warm, faith-filled boutique.
We offer fun events after hours such as mini business seminars, to creative craft events a way for the community to get together.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I do have a team of network girls! I met Lisa at Fifi’s in St Augustine along with Angie at Fantastique Fashions in Merrit Island. We have a strong connection. We FaceTime, we have a group text and there isn’t anything we wouldn’t do for each other. We often laugh and say we are the Consignment Queens from the East Coast to the Space Coast. I do have a few others that we reach out and ask questions. I love to meet the ones I follow on social media when I come into their state or city I recently just met a lady in Concord, North Carolina, whom I follow. I find it very inspiring..

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.serendipityjax.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serendipity_of_mandarin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17LP7MGBno/