VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A News 3 crew walked into a Virginia Beach thrift shop/boutique to honor our latest News 3 Everyday Hero, who started a nonprofit with a special mission.
With our News 3 cameras rolling, we found Veronica McMillan, the driving force behind MNPN Lady's Boutique & More. The acronym stands for Micro Non-Profit Network.
The boutique is unique in its mission to help others: The nonprofit thrift store offers new or gently used women's clothing $20 or less. The store started in McMillan's home, then relocated to a church before establishing its permanent home this past spring at a strip mall near Holland Road and Windsor Oaks Boulevard.
Lisa Savage says she nominated McMillan for the award, noting her desire to provide women affordable, high-quality clothing, keeping everything at $20 or less.
"She ensures that style and confidence are accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances," said Savage, also noting, "Miss Veronica is truly an everyday hero. What makes Veronica extraordinary is her pure heart and genuine intentions. She doesn't seek recognition."
We spoke with Ginnile, a first-time shopper at the store: "I recently gave birth, I'm trying to find, like, bigger clothes, so I'm finding a lot of options here. I personally am trying to find some clothes for church. I'm seeing a lot of, like, cute church dresses here."
In addition to the helping with the storefront, McMillan also holds health and wellness classes at the store.
"She holds classes that help women heal from trauma, find their voice, and embrace their worth," said Savage. "She also selflessly dedicates six months at a time through her Strategy Cafe program to teach women, free of charge, how to start their own nonprofit organization by equipping women with tools to launch their own visions of service."
Veronica was nearly speechless when we presented her with a News 3 Everyday Hero award, along with a $300 gift card from our community partner Southern Bank.
"Wow! I'm trying to hold my tears, please tears, don't fall down! Thank you so much. Lisa, I appreciate you so much," said McMillan. "It's just, it's overwhelming. It's overwhelming to know that you impact someone that way."
The boutique is hosting a Health is Wealth Festival on October 18. They're going to be talking about healthy eating, meditation, financial literacy and so much more. For more information on that event and MNPN Lady's Boutique & More, click here.
