38 NOVEMBER 2018 By Megan Forrester There’s something special about a new beginning, a fresh start, clean slate or a blank canvas. That’s exactly what Erika Natori established at Let’s Begin Again, a non- profit resale boutique at 2322 E. Indian School Road. The shop, which focuses on selling gently used clothing and household items, gives its proceeds to organizations that assist survivors of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), which is something very close to Erika’s heart. Erika is a TBI survivor as a result of oxygen deprivation at birth, which has also caused cognitive shor t-ter m memor y difficulty. It can be challenging for Erika, or any TBI survivor, to retain a job. So, she presented the idea of opening a boutique to her mom, Kim, to express not only their shared love for fashion but also their mission to empower other TBI survivors. “We couldn’t find a job that was a good fit for me for my strengths and weaknesses,” Erika said. “We opened Let’s Begin Again to help those other survivors who were told the same thing that they weren’t employable.” The inventory sold at Let’s Begin Again is a wide variety of items, but mainly focuses on anything that women might like to shop for—including purses, shoes, hats, scarves and sunglasses. The store also offers a small selection of men’s and children’s clothing along with houseware including mugs, plates and more. The shop’s mission is driven by Erika and Kim’s ever-growing passion to help others. Proceeds made via donations or sales go towards organizations like We’re Moving Forward, which plans monthly social events for TBI survivors, and Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona, which is a resource for survivors, their families, and caregivers. “There’s so much more that we offer than other resale shops,” Erika said. Let’s Begin Again allows TBI survivors to volunteer at the shop in order to slowly re-immerse themselves back into the working routine after rehabilitation. The shop employs three TBI survivors, one volunteer, and hopes to open its arms to many more in the future. “We’re able to provide opportunities for people that wouldn’t otherwise be able to work,” Kim said. The role of owning this boutique has greatly helped Erika, as she is also working a second job now at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Center. Since opening Let’s Begin Again, she has developed a strong sense of confidence and hopes to enlighten other survivors in search of their own self- assurance. “I grew up never thinking I could be a leader,” Erika said. “I’ve really learned how to be a leader here to the survivors and it has taught me a lot about communications skills.” While Let’s Begin Again has only been open since May, Kim and Erika hope that through social media and other promotions, their boutique will be not only be a place to donate, but more importantly a place to feel welcomed regardless of disability. “This is a very supportive environment and it’s meant to teach anyone with a disability to work on their skills,” Erika said. “We want people to feel comfortable here and just have a fun experience.” For more: goo.gl/KRTGNZ. Local boutique aims to help brain trauma survivors Erika and Kim Natori opened Let’s Begin Again to help empower TBI survivors. We want people to feel comfortable here and just have a fun experience.” SCOTTSDALE 15705 N. Hayden Rd. #125 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 378.0107 AHWATUKEE/CHANDLER 4729 E. Ray Rd. #2 Phoenix, AZ 85044 (480) 374.3167 More than 25 styles to choose from AN EXTRA ROOM WITHOUT THE CONTRACTOR ✱ Arizona’s Largest Wallbed Selection ✱ USA Designed, Crafted and Built ✱ Create and Save Space ✱ All REAL Hardwoods (NO MDF or Particle Board) ✱ Multiple Finishes and Hardware ✱ Customize Your Space! MURPHY WALLBEDS DESKBEDS TABLE BEDS BEDS WITH SIDE DESK LIBRARY BEDS OFF 20% YOUR ENTIRE ORDER! Black Friday Every Day in November!

Please join us for the Arcadia Dad’s Club Fundraiser Sunday, November 11 starting at 11am.