Fashion first for CS businesswoman

October 8
Fashion first for CS businesswoman

Kelly McDonough Abington Journal Correspondent

Glitter, glitz and glamour are no stranger to Dolly’s, the boutique that caters to teenage girls looking for that perfect prom dress or semi-formal affair wear or for dressing bridesmaids who travel to the store from all over, including out of state.

Above, Colleen O’Boyle-Zwick helps Michele Pastore an Abington Heights High School junior pick out a homecoming dress.

Clarks Summit business woman, Colleen O’Boyle-Zwick, grew up in the fashion merchandising/retail business thanks to her mom, Dolly O’Boyle – the original owner of the business. And, with the help of her sister, Kathleen Payeski, Zwick’s started selling mother-of-the-bride clothing. “We do jewelry, accessories and shoes as well,” said Zwick. “When I took over the business 10 years ago, I went prom, special occasion and formal wear.”

Dolly’s Boutique has been on the 400 block of Prescott Avenue in Scranton for 24 years, although they moved down a couple of doors over the years. When Zwick’s mother opened her shop, Zwick was only nine years old and her mother started out selling sweaters and sportswear. “If my mother didn’t start this, I probably wouldn’t be doing this,” said Zwick on her position as the owner of Dolly’s Boutique. As fate would have it, Zwick grew up in the business, learned it from the bottom up and has the respect of salespeople and people behind the scenes she’s known practically all of her life.

When talking about the fashion industry and its perks, Zwick lights up. “Summer is when I’m going to the fashion shows for the next season. That could mean trips to Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta and New York City. My husband and I were flown to Cancun, and we did a cruise one year with people from all over the world attending. So it’s exciting and rewarding. I like to travel. I really like what I do, and liking it in this business…well, it shows.”

Her fashion tips to the younger set is to be different. “Personally, I’ve always liked to be different.”

When asked what she likes best about her career, Zwick said, “In the past…the travel thing. Now that I’m starting a family, I know I can bring the baby to work and count on my mom to help out.”

Her advice to budding business men or women is “if you want to do something, put your mind to it and do it. Nobody can hold you back. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. And in business, people should take chances.”

Dolly’s Boutique is open noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday; Friday from noon to 8 p.m. and Saturday from eleven to 4 p.m. As the season changes, like for prom season, hours are extended. Dolly’s Boutique carries every size from 0 to 32 in stock and often handles special orders.

For those interested in the designer names Dolly’s carries or just to get a peek at what Zwick is selling, visit dollysboutique.net.