The dream was not a long-term life goal, but an actual vision that crept into her subconscious during sleep.

It happened recently, after she was laid off from her job of 12 years in the food service industry.

"I had a dream to open one of these," she said as she sat amid a collection of used furniture, glassware, lamps, dolls and clothing in her newly opened consignment shop called Deja Vu.

The store is located at 297 Oxford Road in what used to be the town's community post office.

Once the idea got in her head, it was impossible to shake it loose.

The single mother of a ten-year-old daughter, who always has loved tag sales and bargain hunting, set forth on her mission by first doing some research.

When a friend told her about the unoccupied building on Oxford Road, she went to look at it and immediately agreed to sign a lease.

She said she was particularly impressed by the quality of the building and its location on a main thoroughfare where there was a lot of traffic.

Confident that it was the right thing to do, she emptied out her 401K to finance the venture.

In early April, after obtaining the necessary permits, she put out a banner that read, "Consignment Shop Coming, Inventory Needed."

Within a week her shop, which comprises four rooms, an office and a drop-off room, was full of merchandise that included antiques and collectibles, household items, glassware, china, crystal, lamps, dolls, clothing and accessories like handbags, jewelry and shoes.

The items are all in very good condition and include some real treasures like a hand-painted and signed Limoge pitcher from France, some Wedgewood pieces and a Lladro figurine of a bride and groom.

There is also a full set of Blue Danube china from England, valued at $1,000, but with a price tag of $150, and some Coach and Dooney and Burke handbags that sold originally for hundreds of dollars, now priced at $40 to $80.

Also available are prom dresses for under $100 and a couple of wedding dresses.

Luiza accepts items on consignment on a 50/50 basis. If it sells, she keeps 50 percent of the sales price and the client receives the other half.

She usually determines the price of the items, but in some instances allows the owner to set a minimum.

"Everything is priced to sell. I'm not looking to make a fortune," she noted. " Also, I want to be fair to the client and the customer," she said.

Luiza also offers a pickup and delivery service for larger items that consigners and customers cannot handle personally.

Items that fail to sell in three or four months are either returned to their owners or donated to charities.

Since opening on April 18, the shop has had a steady flow of business, she said.

And, best of all, said Luiza, she's doing something she loves.

"I love to come to work. I open the door and smile every morning," she said.

The hours at Deja Vu are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Consignments are accepted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Those seeking additional information may call 203-828-1600 or e-mail Luiza at Luiza@dejavu. comcastbiz.net.

Deja Vu also has a website at www.dejavu-oxford.com.