Nestled within the vibrant Newport on the Levee, PAU Boutique stands as a distinctive sanctuary for vintage enthusiasts and sustainability advocates alike. This family-run business, spearheaded by 28-year-old founder Paula Del Castillo and supported by her sister Adriana, offers an eclectic collection of vintage clothing, accessories, home décor, and preloved luxury items.

From a young age, Paula Del Castillo demonstrated a keen creative eye for fashion and a penchant for uniqueness. Originally from La Paz, Bolivia, Del Castillo relocated with her family to Newport, where her passion for distinct personal style blossomed. She pursued formal education in fashion at the University of Cincinnati’s design, architecture, art, and planning programme, graduating with a fashion design degree in 2021. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial venture.

Motivated by the environmental consequences of fast fashion, Del Castillo conceived PAU Boutique with a mission to reduce waste by giving quality secondhand pieces a new lease on life. “Though designing my own sustainable brand was always in the back of my mind, knowing how much fast fashion waste is polluting our earth is what reassured me that trying to keep things out of landfills and giving pieces a second life is my priority,” she said, reflecting on the impetus behind her business.

Establishing PAU Boutique involved thorough planning and hands-on effort. Del Castillo developed a business plan, selected a name, crafted a mission statement, and built a website along with active social media channels. The key challenge lay in curating an inventory through resourceful methods, including online auctions, charity shops, and notably, sourcing from Goodwill donation bins to rescue items destined for disposal. “Going to the Goodwill bins and sourcing through the stuff they’re about to throw away is also important to see if these are things that can be used or donated before polluting,” she explained.

The boutique thrives not only on the novelty and quality of its offerings but also on the vibrant thrift community it fosters—a network of creative individuals committed to sustainability. Del Castillo emphasises the value of mending, fixing, and upcycling garments deemed unusable to prolong their life cycle: “Part of the importance of the thrift community is mending, fixing and upcycling items that have been deemed unusable or unwearable and giving them a second life.”

Running the boutique is a demanding task for one person, prompting Paula to enlist her sister Adriana Del Castillo, an anthropology graduate from Northern Kentucky University. Adriana manages store operations a few days each week, bringing a familial dimension to the endeavour. “I enjoy the fact that, first off, I’m helping my sister and helping my family. Because to us, that’s one of the most important aspects of life—being very family-oriented. And I also enjoy having a small impact in mass production,” she shared.

The shop’s appeal extends to the wider community, cultivating a loyal customer base that appreciates local, independent businesses. Louisville resident Kasey Kirchner recently visited PAU Boutique and remarked on its distinctive atmosphere: “My first impression of the store was that it had a very unique vibe with different clothes and knick-knacks. I have never seen a store like that before, and I thought it was cool. I also think it’s nice because the prices are sometimes more reasonable from local businesses than main chain stores.” Kirchner acknowledged the vital role such boutiques play in enriching community character.

Looking ahead, Paula Del Castillo envisions PAU Boutique as an evolving project committed to expanding its influence both in Newport and beyond. She hopes to foster awareness about slow fashion and provoke thoughtful reflection on consumer habits within a capitalist framework. “I hope to impact my customers and community by speaking about slow fashion and questioning our consumption habits within this capitalist society. Of course, while also empowering women and encouraging old school glamour and quality clothing,” she stated.

Despite challenges and critics, Del Castillo feels a deep sense of authenticity and purpose in her work. “What I love most about what I do is how authentic I feel doing it. No one business is perfect & there will always be critics, but we try every day to be a bit better and do what we can to not only feel fulfilled in our society but also be true to our values,” she reflected.

PAU Boutique invites patrons seeking unique, quality secondhand treasures to explore its offerings, reinforcing the idea that one person’s discarded item can become another’s cherished possession. This boutique exemplifies how creativity, familial ties, and sustainability can unite to create a meaningful enterprise within the local retail landscape.

Source: Noah Wire Services