Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Fava.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my career in my teens at the Limited Corporation which eventually led me to the Assistant Store Director at Henri Bendel in Chicago. From there I went to work for Neiman Marcus and always knew this path would take me to one day owning my own business in fashion. After years in the industry for majors, I moved back to Baltimore and began working with Panache. After several years, I bought the store from the owner and have since been a small business owner. Three years ago, I opened my second location, Bellalucia, in Tampa Florida.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Retail is never a smooth road and owning your own business is extremely difficult. With Covid, everything changed in the retail industry but I have been very fortunate to have loyal clients who have carried me in difficult times. I recently opened a new Baltimore location in the newly renovated Village of Cross Keys. I have returned to my roots and my clients that I have been dressing for over 20 years. The hardest part of my career has been the explosion of online shopping. People have turned away from the experience small businesses provide. I have watched so. much of this industry change for the worse. I am hopeful people will get away from their computer screens and the online shopping and enjoy the experience of a small brick and mortar retail store. At Panache we are all about customer service, providing a wonderful shopping experience and developing relationship that will last a lifetime. We take so much pride in the relationships we have built along the way and so grateful for our clients that continue to support us. Panache has survived Covid, two hurricanes and online shopping. We are strong and I believe will continue to grown in our newest venture.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My business life consists of hours upon hours of buying, selling, managing, bookkeeping, merchandising, marketing and figuring out how to be one step ahead of all the competition. I think the thing I am most proud of is surviving as long as I have had and building the friendships I have made along the way. Panache is a one of the most know women’s designer boutique in Baltimore and has been for over 30 years. We specialize in providing the best shopping experience around town. Our customer service goes above and beyond. We have built an environment not only of fashion expertise, but also of a friendly, warm, inviting store where people mingle and meet friends. We don’t judge, we don’t push and we don’t ever want anyone leaving without feeling like that are special. I think we are truly known for our easy going atmosphere that welcomes everyone and provide a wonderful experience. Panache has never been like the other local boutiques. We specialize in unique things. International pieces that everyone around town does not have. We are also know for our small quantities of one item. I never want to walk into an event wearing something someone else has and I have never had. I also have never had one client in all my years tell me they have. That is a tough thing to accomplish. I have always stayed true to the store I started as. Yes, I have changed and grown but the roots have always remained.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Support is the biggest challenge in todays times. With the internet and online shopping all small business seem to suffer. We are constantly trying to get people back in the store. We need the community behind us each and everyday. In good weather and in bad. In tough economic times and strong ones. If you don’t support your local shops they will close and you will be stuck with malls and online shopping and forget what it’s like to touch and feel the merchandise and try it on while sipping champagne and enjoying fellowship with your friends. Shopping is an experience. It’s something you do with your friends and daughters. Small business make the world go round and we desperately need our community behind us! We provide personal shopping experiences, closet cleaning and reorganizing and private events. We are here day in and day out to make women feel empowered, special and look beautiful!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bellaluciafashion.com
- Instagram: @panachewomensboutique
- Facebook: panache women’s clothing store
