Malvern Small Business Spotlight: Bella Boutique & Consignment

There’s a story lurking behind the glass pane of every shop, and there’s oftentimes an innovative individual whose entrepreneurial spirit is helping to shape the town.

Our small business series shines a light on local business owners in the community.

Business name: Bella Boutique & Consignment

Owner: Lisa DeLuca

Address: 308 Gordon Drive, Exton, PA 19341

Facebook: Bella Boutique & Consignment

Website: Under construction momentarily

How did you come up with the name?

I'm Italian so I wanted to be true to my roots. Bella means beautiful in Italian. I wanted to have a beautiful boutique like setting for my consignment shop. There have been preconceived notions that consignment shops are junky and unorganized. We strive to be as neat and orderly as possible so you feel like you're shopping regular retail but w/great surprises and prices.

Why start a business in this town?

I bought the business from the previous owner 12 years ago but since I live in Chester County I obviously wanted to stay in town. I grew up in a small neighborhood in Philadelphia where everyone knew each other. I feel like parts of this community are the same. It's rural but the communities are small enough where you still know your neighbors. It's like a small town feel where we have cultivated a group of "regulars" whom we know. It's great to see people through special events in their lives and see families growing. We don't take ourselves too seriously so it's great to have fun with people we know and make feel welcome those we don't so they come back frequently.

What business are you in ?

Women's & Kid's Clothing/Accessory/Toys consignment.

What's the most difficult challenge you've face as a business owner?

There are 2: competition. I'm a small fish in a big pond of lots of similar shops in the area. The franchises are what I'm struggling to compete against the most. They have corporate backing and we are just a small mom/pop shop. This does keep us on our toes though so we are constantly striving to be the best in customer service and constantly reinventing ourselves to keep up with current trends. There are no resting on our laurels here.

My other huge challenge is juggling kids and still trying give your all to a business. Your brain doesn't shut off from either. This is the struggle with any working mom. I give kudos to all of you out there. We feel like we can never really give a 100% to either but I say if you can get close it's a victory. As women we should be there to support and lift each other up no matter what.

What's been your proudest achievement since opening?

I'm proud to be able to give back to the community and for being able to stay in business for so long. Most small businesses struggle to make it in this day and age. I'm proud when people come in and compliment the shop and tell us we're still they're favorite when there is so much competition. I'm proud to have a staff that has been through thick and thin with me for all these years and we love each other like family. To me this is not a job but a labor of love for all the customers, consigners and staff that help me get through year to year.

How does your business give back to the community?

We give a huge amount of clothes to Bible Baptist Church on (Paoli Pike in West Chester) They have clothing drives of free clothing open to the public for those who are less fortunate. We have also made donations to the SPCA and All for Paws Rescue whey they are next door (@ Pickering Valley Feed/Farm) having adoption events.