Making Avon a Little More ‘Jolie’

Brittany Vaughan has a deep love for Avon and her work. She runs a boutique consignment shop in Avon and shares her most joyful, jolie moments.

Business Name: Jolie Boutique Consignment

Contact Info: 860-678-0808, brittanyvb@me.com

Business Owner: Brittany Vaughan

Website: Jolie Boutique Consignment

Address: 25 E. Main Street, Avon

How did you come up with the name?

Jolie means "pretty" or "nice" in French. Jolie is also my eldest daughter’s name. I thought it suited our boutique-like atmosphere and our family business as well.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?

This is my second business venture on Route 44 in Avon. I previously owned Avon Jazzercise. I love Route 44 as a location, so there was no question where I was going to open my new business.  

Avon Village Marketplace (formerly known as Old Avon Village) was the perfect location for a higher end women's consignment boutique. The building that my shop is located in has amazing charm and character. The large windows in front allow great natural light and the layout allows me to display thing in creative ways.

Briefly, what business are you in?

Designer women's consignment

What's been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?

My favorite moment was the first time one of my now regular clients came in for business attire for her first "civilian" job. She and her husband had been in the military for 20+ years. It was so wonderful to be able to help her create a new work wardrobe that was affordable as she entered into a new phase of her life.

What's the most difficult moment or challenge you've faced as a business owner?

Keeping our consignors and customers happy is our number one priority, but we also need to have structure to our schedule for taking in consignments, so that we can service our shoppers as well.  Finding that happy medium where the consignors feel that they have a range of times to bring their items in, and our shoppers are well attended to has been a challenge. We added some fabulous new staff members to help with this.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?

I love this business. Being involved with fashion every day, and helping women and teens find that perfect outfit for work or prom always makes my day. I've never felt any challenge was so great that I have second guessed opening Jolie Boutique.

What's the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?

It may sound insignificant, but having matching hangers for clothing makes a huge difference in the way the clothing presents on the floor. We have certain hangers for the main area, and then different ones for gowns, etc. It helps to give the store a neat, uncluttered appearance.

How do you deal with difficult customers?

I always try to listen and remedy the situation, if possible. If their request is reasonable, I will do my best to compensate them or fix the problem.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?

Jolie Boutique donates all of the clothing left at the end of each season to local charities such as Gifts of Love, and the Second Chance Shop in Simsbury.

We also host community events at Avon Village Marketplace and donate gift certificates to local schools, and community events for auctions.