NEWTOWN – Taylor Williams has been inspired by a love of fashion and appreciation for community connection. That’s why in March she opened her first business – Taylor’s Designer Consignments Boutique.
“My goal is to build something that brings people together through fashion, community, and shared experiences,” Williams said of her shop at 3 Queen St. “I’ve always wanted to own my own business, and being able to do it with something I love, in a town I love, makes it more meaningful.”
The 1,500-square-foot women’s and children’s consignment shop carries clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, jewelry, formalwear, and fragrances. Inventory is sourced through customer consignments. It offers designer and better-brand fashion at a fraction of retail prices.
“‘Designer’ ranges from well-known department-store brands to high-end and runway labels. It doesn’t have to be exclusively luxury, but it needs need to meet a certain level of style, quality, and condition. It’s about offering pieces that feel elevated and special at an accessible price point,” said Williams, whose goal is to offer a wide variety of styles and sizes for customers who value style, quality, and feeling good in clothing.
According to John Voket, Newtown Economic & Community Development director, Williams has the right formula for success. “Taylor explained to me that she’s been an avid thrift and consignment shopper for years, and she built her business from those many experiences by drawing from the best and learning from the worst,” he said. “This makes her an ideal merchant because she’s approaching every start-up aspect from acquiring space in a high-profile heavy traffic corridor, to identifying and merchandizing her designer consignments for maximum customer appeal.”
As a new business owner, Williams is refining inventory flow, merchandising, customer experience, and operations. “The store is always evolving,” she said. “With new inventory arriving daily and seasons constantly changing, the store naturally shifts and grows in response to current trends, styles, and customer demand. That ongoing evolution keeps the business fresh and exciting.”
Through her business, Williams is creating more than a retail space. “I wanted to build a place where women can feel confident, comfortable, and inspired. I believe fashion should be accessible and sustainable, and consignment allows women to give their clothing a second life while also making designer pieces more attainable,” she said. “Style should feel good, not intimidating, and shopping should be an experience, not just a transaction.” Williams believes in the power of community.
She said she wanted to create an environment where women can walk in, feel comfortable and confident, explore their personal style, and connect with others without judgment.”
Williams has a background in fashion, attending (Fashion Institute of Technology) FIT’s pre-college program and earning a certificate in fashion merchandising. She has worked in both corporate retail and small business environments.
“I enjoy the connection that comes with smaller, community-focused businesses,” she said. “For the past few years, I worked in local consignment stores and saw how strong the demand is for this type of business. When the store I previously worked for retired, I felt like something was missing, not just for me, but for the community.”
Having lived in Newtown, Williams said the spot she chose for the shop was one of her family’s favorite places to shop together.
Voket noted the astute choice of location at the corner of Queen Street and Church Hill Road. “It not only complements that growing retail and shopping corridor, but is also enhanced by her adjoining neighbor, Sandra Rasmussen and her Sentimenti gallery, boutique, and gift shop.”
Williams hopes to host an annual fashion show for the community, featuring local women, children, businesses, and charities – something that brings people together through fashion and celebrates confidence and connection.
