When opening Malena’s Vintage Boutique in West Chester over two decades ago as a recent college graduate, Malena Martinez still lived with her parents, writes Jeff Blumenthal for the Philadelphia Business Journal. 

Today, she is a successful business owner who recently visited the White House as part of eBay’s Small Business Ambassador Network program. 

Martinez is one of around 50 Mid-Atlantic region small business owners who were selected to attend the Business Leaders Summit at the White House. During the event, she met with legislators and U.S. Small Business Administration officials to learn more about e-commerce public policy and how to access more free resources. 

“Sometimes, being a small business owner can be a little isolating,” said Martinez. 

That is why it is important to break out of the daily grind to talk to outside groups “and maybe you’ll find a better solution to grow the business and get through those slower days,” she added. 

Martinez collects and curates vintage clothing and jewelry and has sold to fashion designers and television and film sets, as well as average people all over the world. 

Read more about the owner of Malena’s Vintage Boutique heading to the White House in the Philadelphia Business Journal. 

______