Kelly Williams has been a lifelong consignment, thrift store, yard sale and flea market shopper.
After traveling around the country – and running a consignment store in Massachusetts for several years – she’s once again combining her love of fashion with her love of shopping, with Plum consignment boutique, which opened in late May.
The shop offers higher-end designs, and, although it’s only been open for a little over a month, it’s already attracted the attention of the stylish Portland crowd, including the Fore Front Fashion blog.
Her motto: Just go for what you want, because it’s better to fail than to regret not trying at all.
Q
What were your key needs in getting started with your business?
A
The most important thing was a good location. The little white brick building (that houses Plum) is at a very visible spot in Portland, and I definitely like being on the (Munjoy) Hill. The India Street neighborhood is going through major changes, and there is a lot of positive development currently under way.
Q
What factors from your upbringing gave you the courage to venture out on your own?
A
I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, and I was always told that if you wanted to do something, you should try. I am a strong believer that you seldom regret things you try, but definitely regret those things you don’t try. When I met my husband, he was just beginning a business, a successful launch and mooring company in Massachusetts, that he sold when we moved here. My oldest brother has had a successful real estate company in San Diego for over 20 years. My youngest brother has a successful yoga retreat in Bali. I also want my daughter to know that she can do anything she sets her mind to.
Q
What advice would you give an aspiring female entrepreneur?
A
Try and get experience in the field. Not only can you see if it is something you enjoy and have a realistic idea of what the business entails, but you can save yourself from making a lot of mistakes.
Q
What’s your overall outlook on life, summed up in a sentence or two?
A
I think where there’s a will, there’s a way, and life is too short to not do the things you want to do.
Kelly Williams, owner of a new high-end clothing consignment boutique in Portland, says she comes from a long line of entrepreneurs. 
