Philanthropy owner ready to slow down, sell business

Four years after opening a successful clothing store, Bridgett Kielhofner is looking to sell.

“It’s time to slow down a bit,” Kielhofner, owner of Philanthropy in Cape Girardeau, said in an email.

Since opening a branch of Philanthropy in 2012 on Broadway, Kielhofner has split her time — managing the store, assisting with the build out of other Philanthropy franchises and managing her other businesses.

Ultimately, she decided she was not spending as much time in the store and with her customers as she would like.

“A new owner will be able to not only focus on local charity work,” she said, “but also be able to love on all the friends and visitors that shop with us.”

Philanthropy is a women’s clothing and accessories boutique with a Christian message and a mission of giving back. The store offers items from not-for-profit organizations in the U.S. and around the world. Ten percent of each sale is given to charity.

The store opened at the front of the circa-1903 A.C. Vasterling building at the corner of Broadway and Fountain Street in 2012, after extensive renovations.

In 2015, the store was moved to Mount Auburn Road, between Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. and Belladona Salon. If all goes as planned, Philanthropy will have a new owner, but that person should not expect to work alone.

“Philanthropy and its franchise owners work together and help one another out,” Kielhofner said. “A perfect fit would be someone that wants to join an amazing team that is growing a business that works like a ministry.”

The new owner also should be dedicated to charity and to a higher power.

“We operate differently than profit-driven businesses and measure success on what we can accomplish for Christ,” Kielhofner said. “We are seeking someone that has a heart for people and all that we do.”

Though she is selling Philanthropy and claims to be slowing down, Kielhofner still plans to be very active, both with Philanthropy and in life.

“My husband, Brandon, and I have helped build out every new franchise store the past four years, and he is gearing up for the next build in January,” Kielhofner said.

At least three new stores are expected to open in 2017, and Kielhofner has an opportunity for a full-time position with the corporate Philanthropy office after the next round of buildouts.

Kielhofner is in no hurry to sell. She said she believes God has a plan for her, and she has been presented with opportunities that will mark a new season in her life.

“I look forward to seeing what next year holds,” she said.

bbrown@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630

Pertinent address:

201 S. Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, MO