Women-Owned Spotlight: Jillian Fazioli’s Successful Boutique Empire

Featuring the owner of Malibu Friday, Palm & Sage, and Avalon

During the heart of lockdown in 2020, Jillian Fazioli was given a lot of time to think. As a URI graduate with a degree in textiles, merchandising and design, she always fantasized about owning a boutique of her own. “I realized that life is short,” Fazioli recalls, “and I wanted to go after my dream.” In July of 2021, Malibu Friday opened its doors on Thames Street, and her vision came to life.  

Malibu Friday is a manifestation of Fazioli’s feminine side. In the shop you’ll find light pink hues, an unimaginable number of adorable frills, and girly accessories that reflect the personality of not only the boutique, but Fazioli as well. When the business beside her moved, she was asked if she’d be interested in expanding.  

With Malibu Friday’s success clear, Fazioli felt confident as a businesswoman and began thinking about growing her boutique portfolio. “I had a lot of older customers tell me they loved [the store and its] colors, but they felt that the styles were too young for them,” she recalls. 

“I was doubling my rent and expenses, and I was so nervous about it,” she admits. “But it was one of the best decisions that I made in the business.”  

Across the street sat an unoccupied space that seemed destined to be Malibu Friday’s older, more sophisticated sister. In May of 2024, Fazioli opened Palm & Sage, a coastal clothing store marketed towards older women. 

But she wasn’t done yet. This past June, Fazioli opened Avalon a few doors down from her two boutiques to expand her inventory for menswear and swimwear.  

“I definitely feel like I’m done now!” she says. “Three is more than enough.” After successfully building her businesses, Fazioli is shifting focus to growing her family. She will welcome a baby boy later this year. 

The successful businesswoman and mother-to-be wants readers to know how much it means to shop small. “When you shop with a small business, you support a dream,” she explains. “No matter if it’s $2 or $100, it makes a difference.” 

Find Malibu Friday online at shopmalibufriday.com or shop in store at 182 Thames St. Fazioli’s other locations are just steps away!