“Empowering women – strengthening families since 1987.”
That’s the slogan for a unique business right in the heart of Bernalillo. Nearly New Boutique is a small clothing store focused on providing clothing to women who are in transition from home or school to the workforce. The boutique also helps victims of domestic abuse who may need new clothes as they start a new chapter of their lives.
The business was started in 1987 by Fawn Dolan, who also owns Camino Real Antiques in Bernalillo. It was her observation that there weren’t a lot of options for people who needed a little help getting on their feet or who might have transportation hardships.
The clothing store provides free clothing and access to public services to 10 women a month who have been referred to them by either another person or an outside organization. “We don’t deny anybody if they say they’re in need, we don’t ask for proof of financial help,” said Dolan.
The boutique makes sure that when a referral comes into the store, it feels like any other shopping experience.
“They are treated like we would a customer that was buying stuff,” said Dolan.
Peggy Koontz has been working in the boutique since it first opened. When a referral comes in, they choose up to five items off the racks and everything is still priced and hung so they feel like they are shopping. Often, people will leave with more than $80 worth of clothing for free.
While the boutique mainly focuses on clothing for women, they do offer some jeans, boots, and work shirts for men.
Nearly New Boutique falls under the umbrella of the nonprofit organization Bond for Success. Dolan founded Bond for Success to provide women around Sandoval County with financial help and business counseling.
“We give many grants throughout the year to predominantly women who are trying to start their own business and become gainfully employed or just kind of fall into dire financial straits for just a little boost. Those are up to $500 mini-grants,” said Dolan.
Dolan says the store relies on word-of-mouth to let people know about the services offered. “We don’t write grants, we don’t get any funding from anybody, or we keep the doors open to customers coming in and purchasing the quality items that are on the racks,” said Dolan.
Nearly New Boutique is always accepting donations of clothing that is clean, new, or gently worn. They also take monetary donations. To donate clothing or money, visit the store at 836 Camino Del Pueblo.