Ambiance Boutique Lends Support to Homeless Women

Kelly Pezze is making a difference in the lives of homeless women through vintage flair and one of a kind accessories at Ambiance Boutique, a consignment shop where all of the funds are directed to Bethlehem Haven.

Pezze of Penn Township is the director of retail operations for Bethlehem Haven, an organization based in Uptown Pittsburgh with a mission to lead homeless women to better and more self-sufficient lives. Ambiance has two locations—one in Oakmont  and another in Regent Square.

“It’s very rewarding,” Pezze said. “I think our staff (members) are really good champions of getting our mission out to our customers. We have wonderful clientele and we do get a lot of very fun things here.”

Clothing from all decades line the racks at Ambiance, with unforgettable blazers with 1970s patterns to bedazzled sweaters and ponchos. Vintage dresses, skirts and colorful shirts of all styles also are available. Each year, $30,000 to $70,000 goes straight into Bethlehem Haven’s budget as a result of the stores.

In the last fiscal year, the Haven provided shelter, health and supportive services to more than 1,500 people in Pittsburgh, primarily women. Every night, 96 women have shelter and housing at Bethlehem Haven rather than sleeping on the streets.

The Regent Square Ambiance opened more than 20 years ago, but was purchased by the nonprofit about seven years ago, which is when Pezze joined the effort.

Because funding for nonprofits had been on the decline, Bethlehem Haven decided to find a new way to generate more revenue.

“At the time, foundations and funders were really pushing for that to offset costs, and now with the economy, it’s more important now for nonprofits to be doing well,” Pezze said. “They don’t have the funding they had before whether it’s the state or county government and it’s really tough.”

Two and half years after opening the Regent Square store, Ambiance expanded to the Oakmont location.

Pezze grew up in a family where her mother and aunt owned a consignment shop. After pursuing a career in journalism, she decided she wanted to make a change.

“I was looking to do something different—something where I knew I was going to be helping people but something I really enjoyed,” she said.

In addition to fulfilling a mission that helps homeless women create stronger and more fulfilling lives, Ambiance provides high-end clothing for budgets across the board.

“I think we have the best jewelry selection of any kind of store in Pittsburgh, a lot of unique pieces and things you just cannot find anywhere else,” Pezze said. “We try to take a little bit of something for everyone. Everyone has their own tastes and budget and we want to accomodate that.”

Ambiance also hosts in-house girls night out parties.

“We ask that 10 people come and we do wine and light refreshments at no charge to our customers,” Pezze said.

A party gets the store to themselves along with a 10-percent discount off of the entire purchase.

Clothing can be donated by appointment. Info is on the website at www.ambianceboutique.org

The Oakmont location is at 428 Allegheny River Blvd. Its phone is 412-828-1946. The Regent Square store is located at 1039 S. Braddock Ave. with a phone number 412-243-5523.