Small Biz Spotlight: She's a Gem

She’s a Gem is located in two towns: one is located at 1 South Street (at The Rotary) in Westborough and the other is at 80 Worcester Street in Grafton.

Both stores, owned by Carole Achorn Judge, are called She’s A Gem and “offer women’s designer consignment at great prices.” She has been in business for four years in Westborough and three years in Grafton.

“My shops are known for ‘Newbury Street fashion’ at small town prices!”

Patch talked with owner Carole Achorn Judge

Why did you choose to start your business in Westborough? I was born and raised here and still reside here. Westborough has a great diversity of people and cultures but all come together as one in our community. Throughout all of our town growth we still have that hometown feel. The best representation of this can be seen by visiting all of the shops on the rotary. I invite anyone who hasn’t shopped downtown before to come on down and see how many great shops we have! She’s a Gem was born out of my dream to combine two things dear to my heart: ladies fashion both consigned and new and my love of my wonderful home town of Westborough.

What’s special about the town? Growing up in Westborough, I shopped on the very same block that She’s a Gem is located. I was lucky enough to live close to the town center and often I would walk to town with my best girlfriend. Back then penny candy was a penny and, after filling a bag of your favorite candies, you could still afford to stop and enjoy a Coke float made of sugary syrup and ice cream rich with real cream. Merchants were not only grateful to have our business…but they knew our names (they also knew our parents’ names, uh-oh!). How great (mostly) were those days!

What are some special items/attractions that would draw people to your business? Here I am many years later offering that same experience I had years ago. Those very same traditions of offering great products, shopping with a girlfriend, a pleasurable shopping environment, name recognition, customer appreciation and loyalty are found at She’s a Gem! I am very grateful for the wonderful reception the town and its residents have given me.

Know a small business that deserves the spotlight on Patch? Email charlene.arsenault@patch.com and tell us about it.