Judi Gerhardt is a firm believer in “you never get a second chance to make a first impression,” but her consignment store on Bennett Street gives business wear a second opportunity to help professionals make strong impressions.

Career Fashion Consignment will open Aug. 29 on Bennett Street in Buckhead next to Interiors Market.

The store is following the new model of niche consignment stores by offering only high-quality suits, coats and other business attire.

As a political campaign assistant for several years, Ms. Gerhardt understands the importance of maintaining a professional image.

“People need business clothes,” she said. “They’re a business tool.”

Ms. Gerhardt said her store will allow people to access high-quality clothes, shoes and accessories for business settings that can be worn longer at an affordable price.

The difference between her boutique and department stores, she said, was that her clients will receive personal attention and consultation.

The store’s target audience includes “new college graduates in their early 20s who are just entering the workforce to people in their late 40s and 50s getting back into the workforce and everybody in between,” she said.

In the spirit of the green movement, her store focuses on what she calls the “re’s”— recycling, reusing and returns.

“Sustainability is the business model of what we do in this new economy and new consumerism,” she said.

District 36 state Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, has known Ms. Gerhardt for 25 years and is one of the store’s first consigners. Ms. Orrock said she believes the economic climate will welcome the concept.

“I’ve seen a lot of response from people. They want to know immediately when [the store is] going to open,” she said.

Ms. Orrock said Ms. Gerhardt convinced her to run for office 20 years ago and advised her on her political image.

“[Judi] is an enormously creative person,” she said. “I have a lot of confidence in her taste and design. [She has] a style and flair that reflects a broad exposure to many cultures.”

Career Fashion Consignment is not Ms. Gerhardt’s first business endeavor. She founded and operated an equestrian center in New Orleans for 15 years. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed most of the property and the center was dismantled.

But from that devastation, she has risen to the challenge and presses forward with her store opening on the fourth anniversary of the hurricane.

“Katrina took away certain opportunities but offered new ones,” she said.

“[The store has] come together really nice and I’m excited about it.”