Secrets of Their Success: Malena’s Vintage Boutique

Malena Martinez has always had a knack for fashion. After studying at Pratt Institute and FIT, she hunkered down and focused on vintage apparel and jewelry. Opening her shop, , in downtown West Chester in 2003, she has proven longevity even in the toughest of economic climes. Malena sat down with me to share her story and what she believes has made her shop a success.

Patch: How long has the store been in business?

M: I opened a month after turning 23, in 2003

Patch: Did you immediately jump into boutique ownership, or did you make the steps gradually, like starting with internet sales and building from there?

M: I opened the boutique first. It was much harder to run an online business back then; I don't even think PayPal existed!

Patch: How did you go about figuring out HOW to do it once you nailed down the
WHAT? Any WHOs that were a big help to you?

M: During my last two years in college I worked at a vintage boutique three blocks from my apartment in Brooklyn (Olives Very Vintage). The owner, Jen, said she regretted not opening her shop earlier in life.  So once I graduated from Pratt Institute, I went back to FIT for some business classes, wrote a business plan, and got a loan.  I always knew I would be in the fashion field and the encouragement from my parents was a huge help.  My mom still helps out
with some of the buying!

Patch: Do you have a favorite piece that's passed through your doors? Do you
have a hard time selling things, given that you must adore so many of them?  

M: I like to see the items find a good home.  Some vintage stores purchase items in bulk, literally by the pound, sight unseen.  I pick everything out one by one, in person.  I believe that being so particular is part of what has kept me in business.  I choose items that directly correlate to current trends; my buying strategy is not random.  This makes it easier for people who don't shop vintage often to feel comfortable in my shop and ensures the quality of my boutique’s selection.

Patch: Any celebrities ever call on your store?

M: Isaac Mizrahi, Juliette Lewis, have been in...and many stylists.

Patch: You recently got married and your wedding was kind of a big deal. Tell
us  a bit about it.

M:  The wedding, which was held at Terrain at Styer’s, was featured in Main Line Today Magazine, and Philly Mag did a blog about the bouquet.  My dress was new from Priscilla of Boston, I had straps added by Nilah in Drexel Hill for more of a vintage look. The bouquet was made from pins and earrings from my boutique, and assembled by florists on S. High St. (also in the Borough).

Patch:  What word of advice would you give to any aspiring boutique owners with
regards to finding longevity and success in downtown WC?

M: Identify a niche that is not yet fulfilled, determine is the customer base is there, and have total confidence in what you do.

Patch: Favorite style icons?

M: Iris Apfel, Carolina Herrera,  Eva Peron.  

Patch: What pieces/types of garments do you wish people would bring you more of?

M: Jewelry!  I always want more jewelry in the shop, it fits everyone and
is an easy gift.

Malena gets the last word: The last thing I would like to add is that vintage is great, too, because of its sustainability.  It's good for the environment to purchase things at any resale shop. Plus, items from the vintage eras were crafted so much better than things made today, so they last longer!

“Like” Malena’s Vintage Boutique on Facebook to keep updated on the newest arrivals to the store as well as local events in vintage fashion.