Three Minutes Across the Counter With: Siobhan Phelan

You may know that she owns All Chic Boutique & More on Atlantic Avenue, but did you know she can sing? Spend three minutes behind the counter with Swampscott resident and Marblehead business owner Siobhan Phelan. 

Patch: How did you get your first start in business?

Siobhan: My current business, All Chic Boutique & More.  After 22 years of owning Rags to Riches, I felt it was time for something new so I opened All Chic Boutique & More and I am enjoying every minute of it.

P: How did your parents influence you as a business owner?

S: Both of my parents had a great eye for fashion and style. I'm a lucky daughter.

P: How long have you lived here?

S: I moved to America in 1985 from Ireland and came to Marblehead in 1986 . I now live in Swampscott.

P: What's your favorite thing about living here?

S: I love the people, the beauty and the seasons living on the North Shore.

P: What's a business mistake you've made that later you were glad you did?

S: Early on I didn't take credit cards that was a big mistake. I'm so glad I changed that as no one carries cash anymore.

P: Tell us something about yourself that most of your neighbors don't know.

S: I was a singer in a band for a long time.

P: What's the best business advice you've ever received?

S: "Location, location, location" is the best advice I was ever given.

P: What advice would you give to a small business owner just starting out?

S: Stay true to yourself, respect people's advice and learn from your mistakes.

P: What do you look for when you hire?

S: I now look for someone with some experience in retail, a good sense of humor, manners - and last but not least, honesty.

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Nominate someone from your community for the Patch Park Bench interview. Send suggestions to owen.boss@patch.com.