The MadLila Boutique Sells Pre-Loved Clothes for the Greater Good

Inside of the Kilburn Mills at Clark's Cove in New Bedford is a boutique who's sales are helping to do good for local women.The MadLila is a boutique and pre-loved clothing and accessories shop owned by New Bedford native KaLynne DeMelo. After years of running a successful online business via Poshmark (a digital marketplace where users buy and sell new and used fashion, accessories), KaLynne has made the jump into a brick-and-mortar operation on West Rodney French Blvd.

What started as a simple scarf business 4 years ago turned into a thriving online world of buying-selling-giving for DeMello.  Now that her shop has a home in New Bedford, she plans on using it to continue giving back to the community.

I started The MadLila by making scarves and every purchase helped me donate one scarf to people on the streets. It was like a buy one give one. My family is big into giving back to our community so I’ve always been around it. ... I originally wanted to give clothing back but it seemed like necessities were more important/needed. I think it’s important to empower other women, and sometimes all it takes is a little help to get someone to feel like they matter again.

A portion of the money from The MadLila' sales will be used to buy feminine products, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, and LOTS of socks.

Socks are the most needed items for people on the streets but they are the least donated! A percentage of my sales will go towards buying necessities for women who are trafficking victims, homeless, or that just need help at the moment. ... Anchor Ministries and I are collaborating to try and help empower these women and help them get back on their feet.

The official opening is a few weeks away but people can still shop via their MadLila Instagram or make a donation of new, every-day items like toiletries and hair products to KaLynne.  You can follow The MadLila on Facebook here