In this episode, Lori chats with Rhea Lana Riner, founder of Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Events, about how she went from hosting a clothing sale in her living room to launching a nationwide franchise. They discuss building a business as a mom, creating boundaries, embracing simplicity, and the power of real-life community. Whether you’re dreaming of entrepreneurship or just want something that’s yours, this episode will inspire you to take the next right step—messy or not.
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Show Notes: From Pop-Up Sale to Franchise Empire
Hey, hey friend! Welcome to Episode #242 of The Secrets of Supermom Show!
In this episode of The Secrets of Supermom Show, host Lori Oberbroeckling chats with accidental entrepreneur and franchise founder Rhea Lana Riner about how she went from holding a children’s consignment sale in her living room to launching over 120 successful franchises nationwide.
If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a business from scratch while raising a family—or you’re craving clarity, community, and purpose in your entrepreneurial journey—this story will deeply resonate.
🎙️ Meet Rhea Lana Riner
A mom of three turned grandmother of five, Rhea Lana lives in Central Arkansas and founded Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Events over 30 years ago when her family was living on a tight ministry income. What started as a small clothing sale in her living room—complete with three racks and 11 consignors—grew into a thriving national franchise brand serving moms across the U.S.
💡 From Failure to Franchise: The Start of Something Big
Rhea Lana shares that her first event was a “huge failure”—not because of the items, but because she didn’t invite anyone. It was a hard lesson in marketing that led her to step out of her comfort zone and truly learn the skills of business-building.
She reflects, “I washed everything. I ironed it. I made it perfect. But I didn’t know how to invite people.” That early misstep became the catalyst for future growth. She began learning marketing, testing models, and reinvesting every dollar back into the next event.
🏕️ Why Pop-Up Style Was the Plan All Along
One thing Rhea Lana never wanted? A brick-and-mortar store.
From day one, she knew her model had to be seasonal and flexible—a business that allowed her to prioritize her role as a mom while still contributing financially. By sticking to pop-up, twice-a-year events, she created a business structure that worked with her life, not against it.
“I never wanted a store. I was trying to figure out how to blend being a mom and having a side gig.”
✨ Growing Without Overwhelm
Rather than take out large loans or scale too quickly, Rhea Lana bootstrapped every step of her journey. From launching a second event in Little Rock with just $5,000 in savings to developing custom software written by her husband, she and her family built their business from the ground up—one intentional decision at a time.
Her advice? Don’t get buried before you even begin. She emphasizes that slow, sustainable growth creates freedom and clarity—and prevents burnout.
🧹 Simplify and Say No: The Secret to Success
One of the most powerful takeaways from the episode is Rhea Lana’s commitment to simplicity and boundaries.
“You can’t do everything. You can’t have a cluttered life and expect to be good at something.”
Rather than saying yes to everything (PTOs, church committees, social invites), she focused on her top priorities: staying married, being a good mom, and building a strong business. She credits this clarity as a key part of her success.
👩👧👦 Encouragement for Aspiring Mom Entrepreneurs
For moms considering entrepreneurship but feeling scared, misunderstood, or alone, Rhea Lana offers this:
- Try something small. It’s okay to dabble.
- Failing is part of learning. Her tennis lesson side hustle was a bust, but taught her vital business lessons.
- Carve out something that’s just yours. Whether it’s paid or passion, having something that lights you up is essential—especially when your kids grow up.
“As women, we give our life away. At some point, you have to say—what’s mine?”
🤝 Why Community Matters
Rhea Lana is deeply passionate about building real-life community—not just online. Her consignment events foster connection, support, and friendship between moms, volunteers, and shoppers alike.
She also highlights how franchising allows her to mentor and empower other women to launch their own businesses in a supportive community of like-minded mompreneurs.
💬 Favorite Supermom Moment
When asked when she feels most like a Supermom, Rhea Lana shares:
“When I’ve had a productive day—in my business, with my family, and maybe even cleaned out a drawer! If I can do all that with joy, then I feel like a Supermom.”
🪄 One Small Step for Busy Moms
Rhea Lana’s advice for moms who want to get started?
Declutter something. Not just a space—maybe a social media account, a time-wasting activity, or a commitment that no longer serves you. Clear the clutter so you can focus on what brings you joy and fulfillment 10 years from now.
🔗 Connect with Rhea Lana
- Website + Free Gift: rhealana.com/podcast
- Instagram: @rhealanas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhealana.riner
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhea-lana-riner-84874035/
💛 Loved This Episode?
If Rhea Lana’s journey inspired you, share this episode with a fellow mom who’s considering starting something of her own. You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do the next right thing.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe to The Secrets of Supermom Show for more inspiring interviews, practical strategies, and behind-the-scenes stories from women just like you.
About Our Guest: Rhea Lana Riner
Rhea Lana Riner is a visionary entrepreneur, CEO, and founder of Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment Events, a thriving national franchising company with 120 locations across 26 states. What began as a clothing swap in her living room in 1997 for young families has now grown into a multi-million-dollar enterprise, all while keeping the values of motherhood, family, and community at its core.
Rhea Lana has empowered thousands of moms by providing affordable, high-quality children’s merchandise. Today, her company provides families with excellent products at reasonable prices, fostering a community-driven
marketplace that serves both parents and their children.
But for Rhea Lana, it was never about business, it’s about helping moms navigate the many hats they wear. She is proud to offer women a flexible path to entrepreneurship through consignment events and franchising. As a mentor and leader, she has helped countless franchise owners mature personally, professionally, spiritually, and emotionally into successful business and community leaders.
Rhea Lana lives in Conway, Arkansas with her college sweetheart Dave who she’s been married to for over 35 years. When she’s not building teams or helping women grow, Rhea Lana is spending time with her family. She has three adult children and is Nonna to four grandchildren, with one more on the way!
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About the Host: Lori Oberbroeckling
Lori Whitney Oberbroeckling is a mom of four, corporate leader, podcaster, productivity expert, and author of the book Secrets of Supermom: How Extraordinary Moms Succeed at Work and Home & How You Can Too!
She is passionate about helping parents who want fulfilling careers–or side hustles or passion projects–while also wanting to feel present and connected to their families.
