Spotlight: Paloma Clothing

Paloma Clothing is a locally owned women’s fashion boutique in the Hillsdale neighborhood. For over fifty years, Paloma has been a place where women of all ages can come to find the latest styles. Whether you’re looking for everyday apparel, work essentials, vacation favorites or special-occasion pieces, there is something for everyone.

How do you feel Portland shapes or influences your business or work?

Traci: Portlanders have always prioritized independent small businesses over national chains. Portland’s indie business loyalty culture is something that I think we are all proud of. For this reason, we have found that Portland’s unique "Shop Local" spirit has always been one of the primary drivers for our small-sized business. When you shop locally, a large percentage of that spending really does recirculate back into our city’s neighborhoods and economy.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Traci: All the things that aren’t fun to talk about: rising cost of living, healthcare, operational costs, and high tax burdens. Right now, low foot traffic and tariffs are a challenge. Portland is a city that has always been known for its independent and unique shop-local culture, so all of these challenges really do threaten our “Keep Portland Weird” mantra that we love so much.

What is your favorite part about owning a small business?

Traci: We love the fact that we get to create the ideal workplace with amazing people while giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years. We love where we live and it shows through the community that surrounds us. Through the ups and downs, our community has always been there for us, and in return, we show up for them through supporting the arts, education, and mentoring other small local businesses.