The Power to Change the Way Women Experience Fashion

Jane Pabon is founder and owner of a luxury consignment retail fashion boutique in Geneva, Ill.

By Jane Pabon

After decades in fashion, I’ve seen firsthand how it shapes confidence, identity, and how people show up in the world. That’s why the way this industry operates matters more than people realize.

There’s a culture of overconsumption, of pushing trends people don’t need, and of telling customers everything looks good on them just to make a sale. I see the impact of that every day. People come into my boutique with items they were convinced to buy that never felt right in the first place. It creates regret, waste, and a disconnect between people and their own sense of style.

What frustrates me most is how far we’ve moved away from honesty. Fabrics have changed, quality has dropped, and many brands quietly shift to cheaper materials while customers assume they’re still buying the same thing. At the same time, fast fashion and influencer culture normalize disposable clothing that ends up in landfills.

I’ve built my business as a response to that.

In my boutique, honesty comes first. If something doesn’t look good, we say it. If a client feels unsure, we tell them not to buy it. That might sound counterintuitive in retail, but it builds trust, and that trust lasts.

My plan for change is simple, but intentional. Keep reinforcing a different standard. Focus on quality over quantity. Encourage people to invest in pieces that truly reflect who they are. And continue creating a space where women feel seen, supported, and confident in their choices.

Because when you strip everything else away, real style starts with knowing yourself and having the confidence to stand by it.

Jane Pabon is founder and owner of Jane Pabon Boutique in Geneva, Illinois. https://www.instagram.com/janepabonboutique