Interview: Paloma
Today’s spotlight is on the ever-famous Paloma Boutique who resides in our wonderful community at Camp Hill Marketplace… Paloma is the known spot to shop for special occasions, weddings, birthdays - you name it, they have it covered.
We caught up with the amazing lady behind Paloma, Silvana to chat about her journey on how she started her fashion business, the amazing community she has built, struggles she has faced and overcome over the years + what’s next for Paloma!
Meet Silvana!
Hi, my name is Silvana, and I am the owner of Paloma Boutique at Camp Hill Marketplace. I am also a mother to four gorgeous children and Frankie, our big puppy, who I have raised with my husband, Robert.
How did Paloma begin?
I started working in fashion when I was 21 years old when I began my career as a fashion sales agent, representing fashion labels and selling to boutiques around Queensland. After staying home with my four children for almost 19 years, I decided it was time for a new direction in my life and to enter back into the workforce. Before I knew it, I was signing a lease for the empty, cement store front I had walked past just three weeks earlier. Jumping right into the deep end, it was suddenly full steam ahead and there was no looking back.
As far as running a business, my prior experience up until this stage had been managing the bookkeeping for our family business. Although, my husband encouraged me to pursue my passion and believed I could do it. It was then that Paloma Boutique began. We opened the store in February 2018. From the very beginning, I received a warm welcome and support from other businesses in Camp Hill Marketplace and the community. I deeply value my customers and their continued support and friendship.
What do you love most about Paloma?
I am so grateful to be a small part of people’s special occasions, whether it be a birthday, wedding, hen’s night, bridal shower, graduation, girls weekend, charity or ladies lunch, a school formal and semi formal - and just because! Throughout my time at Paloma, sharing these special moments with customers, there has been so much laughter, sometimes tears, and hugs.
How long have you been in business for? Have you had any struggles?
Looking back at almost 5 years in business, I think about all the wonderful times and the challenging times. I learnt a lot in my first year about running a business and faced the confronting event of a major break in and robbery. We carried on and the business continued to grow. Then, the dreaded C word. Events were cancelled when I had a store filled with event wear. It was soul destroying. Like many businesses, we suffered. We were shut down for 8 weeks. I had no idea what we were going to do. When it was time to reopen, we had to 'pivot' our business to survive like most others and adapt as best we could.
Why do you think customers still love to visit in-store over e-commerce shopping?
My customers saved Paloma. The support from my regular customers and people shopping local was a major factor in bouncing back. Given the impact of Covid-19 on the fashion industry, supply chains and the event industry, it has taken the whole two years of the pandemic to gain stability again.
But I still look back and have loved my journey as a small business owner. I am passionate about what I do, it has made me stronger and pushed me to keep going. My greatest support has been my family and the beautiful community that we have in Camp Hill.
Most importantly, I know I have created a place where people feel comfortable. I still believe in good old fashion service. We have a selection of beautiful, wearable and carefully selected pieces for a wide range of customers. A friendly smile and a place to enjoy some retail therapy. The experiential offering of coming in store, trying clothes on, and interacting with real people is what I like to think is the real shopping experience that you can’t find online.
What’s next for Paloma?
For the future of Paloma, I hope to continue to source new and unique labels for my customers and make them feel beautiful and comfortable with effortless fashion.
What do you love most about Camp Hill Marketplace?
Camp Hill Marketplace is a buzzing, thriving centre that has everything you need - all run by small family businesses. We all work hard and support each other, and I am proud to be a part of this community.
If you haven’t visited Paloma Boutique yet - this is your sign to do so. You might find yourself a beautiful new outfit, or two!