New Chic to Chic Location Opens in Foxborough on January 1.

One of the hardest aspects of life to manage as a single mother is the balance between working and spending time with your children.  Change can be hard when you suddenly become single with children and it can be downright scary and overwhelming.  It seems there are never enough hours in the day to work, do housework, homework, cook and attempt to spend quality time with the little ones, and almost never enough money to pay the bills.

Janelle Palomba, owner of Chic to Chic and single mother of an autistic five year old faces these obstacles on a daily basis.  Palomba a graduate of UMass Amherst worked for six years doing office management before getting married and giving birth to her son.  She remained home for four years raising her son and then found herself facing divorce. While a stay at home mom, Palomba volunteered at local non-profit consignment shops and fell in love with the concept of consigning.  After her divorce she started thinking how she could support herself and her son.  She realized that finding a job that could work around his schedule and needs was almost impossible. She then began the process of making consigning a career.   “I started sacrificing and saving…I Got rid of my car, cell phone and cable, got a roommate, sold most of what I owned, and saved for almost a year… Throughout that year I would find high end boutiques going out of business in the area and I would buy their merchandise from them. At one point I had so many mannequins and fixtures in my bedroom that I could barely get to my bed to sleep…Eight months later I opened my first little shop in downtown Mansfield,” said Palomba.  That “little shop” has grew considerably and Palomba quickly outgrew the space she needed to operate.

Obviously elated about the new location in Foxboro (34 School Street, Foxboro, on the Foxboro Rotary), Palomba went on to say, “The difference between this type of business and other thrift and consignment shops in the area is that we take in only designer and high end merchandise… we have a boutique atmosphere – we only accept designer merchandise in excellent condition, and we aim to have the best consignment contract in the area."

She added, "We will carry furniture, home decor, collectibles, antiques, boys and girls clothing size infant - teen, flower girl, baptism, first communion, and holiday dresses, baby gear, toys, woman's clothing size 00-24, designer jewelry and accessories."

Boasting about their new home Palomba noted, "In addition, our 7,000 square foot facility will encompass the following amenities: a seamstress, 10 dressing rooms, 3 dress viewing platforms, a comfy waiting room, and children’s play area - Chic to Chic pays consigners 50% whereby our competitors payout anywhere from 30-40% - and one of the best features of all is that our Website (www.ILoveChic2Chic.com) allows the public to actually view select merchandise we have for sale in our boutique.”  

As any hardworking mom (single or otherwise), you want to look as good as you feel with the life you are living. A few changes to your wardrobe and beauty routine may make a world of a difference in your appearance and may give you a renewed since of confidence. To this end,"We will have a drawing for a $100 gift card. Anyone who makes a purchase during our grand opening (January 1-14th will be able to enter)," said Palomba.  Further information will be available on the day of the grand opening, January 1, 2012.

Asked what opportunities for growth she foresees, Palomba answered, “I would love to partner with local non-profits to raise money for their organizations…we currently have over 1,250 consignors and 15,000 customers. Every week we get in between 1,000 – 2,000 items, and are excited about the possibilities that the future holds for both Chic to Chic and the town of Foxboro.”

Palomba’s success is due in part to her perseverance, work ethic and vision of a better life for her and her child.  The fact that she was willing to take a chance in this economic downturn, combined with the support of the community has made her a shining example for other single moms who may not have the confidence to achieve their dreams.   She has found the balance in her life to be a business owner and caring mom who can now spend quality time with her son.   Her passion for helping women reach their goals was a skill she didn’t realize she had until she took a chance herself.