By Jesse Kelber, special to the Blog. Photo courtesy of Labels.
The Iorio sisters, Nicole and Shayla, co-owners of Labels Consignment at 7220 Greenwood Ave, embody the concept of “Think Globally, Act Locally” by emphasizing the importance of the circular economy for the future of both the fashion industry and the local economy. They’re also demonstrating an inclusive idea of what it means to be a good neighbor. Says Nicole, “We truly believe that a more sustainable fashion economy includes less overall consumption, starting with the thoughtful purchases of ethically sourced and sustainably made garments—locally when possible—and focusing on buying second-hand items from local businesses before searching out new items. Still, we find ourselves with an excess of items that we cannot sell, but could be used by folks in need.”
Labels Consignment has been operating in Phinney Ridge since 1989, first in the space now occupied by Nutty Squirrel Gelato before moving to their current space at the other end of the same building in 2015. Labels is a family affair, having been founded by the sisters’ mom, Paula Iorio-Rosato, who still contributes to the shop here and there despite having passed on the business to Nicole and Shayla several years ago.
“Intentionality matters, and we strive to be hyper-local in everything we do. This includes passing down gently used clothing and shoes to neighbors in need in our local community. We’re grateful that Aurora Commons provides essential services just down the street,” shared Labels Co-Owner Nicole Iorio,
For the past 7+ years, Labels has expanded their role in the circular economy by donating unsold items to Aurora Commons for distribution to the less fortunate of our neighbors through their third space, known as The Neighborhood Living Room, located at 8914 Aurora Ave N. Open since 2011, Aurora Commons found their services became dramatically more sought after starting with the COVID pandemic in mid-2020.
Commons Development and Communications Manager, Christina Smith tells us, “Before COVID, our annual attendance was 6,376 visits. In 2020, that increased to 16,145 visits. In our fiscal year ending 6/30/24, attendance was 25,536, and year over year July – Dec 2024 we’ve had an 86% increase in attendance.” They have also greatly expanded their offerings beyond resources that help neighbors meet their basic needs including hosting co-located, continuity clinics in partnership with UW Harborview and one-on-one meeting and conference rooms for trainings and workshops in the newly opened Commons Connection Center in the former ProSki space next door.
This recent expansion is thanks in part to Aurora Commons having the opportunity in 2022 to purchase their space, along with two adjoining buildings and a separate private residence at the back of the property. With continuing support from the Greenwood and Phinney communities, Aurora Commons hopes to expand their ability to connect our neighbors to pathways toward health and healing.
Smith shared that “The Commons’ mission is to cultivate belonging and community to foster health and healing among our neighbors experiencing homelessness and poverty. We do this by living out our values:”
- Hospitality—welcoming ALL people to belong and collectively cultivating a healing community that moves away from our socioeconomic differences and towards our shared stories of humanity.
- Connection—building trusted relationships over transactional ones with our neighbors.
- Empowerment—restoring agency by making choice accessible.
In helping the Commons reach their goals and expand their reach within the community via in-kind donations, the Iorio sisters, Labels Consignment, and Aurora Commons are living the ideal of an inclusive, circular, and local economy. To help with their efforts to reach out to and assist more of our neighbors, you can contact Labels via their Instagram or website. Aurora Commons is having their 11th annual Aurora Means Dawn event on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at Hangar 30 at Magnuson Park. Details on the event are available here.
Jesse Kelber is a writer based in Seattle, WA. Jesse specializes in creating content custom tailored to help you stand out and succeed in your industry. With a focus on detail and storytelling, complex ideas are transformed into narratives that engage and convert. Whether it’s a blog post, article, or strategic content planning, the aim is to support your brand’s growth and success through quality, thoughtful content.
