Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Shaw.
Jillian, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a mom to two amazing kids! In 2006, I left my corporate job as the visual director from The Paper Store to have my first baby. Going from 2 incomes to one, I looked for ways to save and consignment shopping was a way I could do this. Often, I found it extremely frustrating to shop children’s resale stores. My stroller wouldn’t make it through the aisles, organization was often missing and quality was hit or miss.
In 2009, I welcomed my second baby and shortly after she was born I decided to use my skills and experience in retail to open my own store. My goal was to make a stroller friendly, clean, well-organized resale shop with top brands that felt just like a retail boutique.
In Oct of 2009, Buttons and Bows opened its door in a small 1,100 sq. ft. side street location. We quickly out grew that space. In 2011, we relocated to 448 Great Rd Acton a 3,800 sq. ft. free standing location with great parking on a major road. We continue to grow, improve and serve our community.
I’m so thank for my amazing staff (many who have been with me since the beginning) and our wonderful customers. After all, I couldn’t do it without them!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I had an extensive background in retail, but owning your own business has its own set of challenges. It’s not a smooth road to travel, and it’s often a lonely road, but one I wouldn’t change.
I’ve learned to accept the things I struggle with and to hire outside professionals to handle it. I hired a payroll company, bookkeeper, accountant and when needed a plumber (that’s always fun) a handy man and computer tech.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Buttons and Bows story. Tell us more about the business.
Buttons and Bows is Boston and Metro West’s premier children’s resale boutique. With fashionable table displays, fine wooden hangers and freshly pressed garments in a stroller-friendly space, you may find yourself asking; “This is consignment, right?”
The above is our website “elevator pitch” but it certainly sums out what and who we are. I’m proud when someone walks in asks if we know where the consignment store is…it feels great to tell them they are standing in it and watch their expression and listen to their comments 🙂
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
To me luck doesn’t exist. You get out of life what you put in.
Contact Info:
- Address: 448 Great Rd.,
Acton, MA 01720 - Website: www.buttonsandbowsresale.com
- Phone: 978-263-8008
- Email: info@buttonsandbowsresale.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buttonsandbowsresale
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ButtonsAndBowsconsignmentcouture
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