Spotlight: Former Prof Dr. Katherine Perez-Rivera

The name Katherine Perez-Rivera may not strike a bell with many Rowan students. But the former Rowan psychology professor and current clinical psychologist has surely made a name for herself as the owner of My Fair Lady, a boutique consignment shop in downtown Pitman.

Perez-Rivera was born in Caracas, Venezuela, came to the United States at the age of 8 with her parents and sister and grew up in Miami Beach. To survive, her father got into the flea market business, an experience that stayed with her for a long time.

She received her pre-doctoral in the Bronx and doctoral degree at the University of Alabama. Recruited by Rowan straight out of school, Perez-Rivera began teaching psychology and was on track to tenure. But something was missing.

It all changed in the spring of 2005 when she walked into My Fair Lady. She fell in love with the store, and in the blink of an eye, it was all hers.

The owner simply asked, “If you love it so much, why don’t you buy it?”

Feeling like she needed balance in her life and that she had little time to spend with family and do things she enjoyed, she considered doing just that.

“It was almost like a dare. It kind of went along with what I had learned growing up,” Perez-Rivera said. “It felt right. It’s my playground.”

About a month later she went ahead with taking over the shop, gave Rowan her year and a half notice, and started a new life.

Her ties with the community, however, have never stopped.

The over-100-year-old building also holds her private practice that Perez-Rivera established about three years ago, South Jersey Center for Psychological Services, LLC. She mainly works with children and adolescents as well as their families. Her office hours are unique, as she is available seven days a week. 

Perez-Rivera and her husband Orlando also own real estate in the area, renting to students.

“Their dreams of living off-campus in a really beautiful, comfortable home can come true,” Perez-Rivera said.

My Fair Lady isn’t your run of the mill consignment shop. They only sell items that are two years old or younger.

“We don’t take things in good condition, but excellent condition,” Perez-Rivera said.

They sell everything including dress shoes, formal wear, jeans, jackets, purses, scarves and much more, all in a variety of sizes. My Fair Lady has also recently obtained Louis Vuitton and Prada bags, along with a brand new black Coach bag that normally sells for $250, but is being sold for $55.

“What you pay here is phenomenal,” Perez-Rivera said.

She hopes to introduce new merchandise such as handbags and jewelry sets from NYC at My Fair Lady’s grand reopening on March 8, beginning at 10 a.m. She also plans to show off the redesigned shop with brand-new hardwood flooring and displays.

My Fair Lady is located at 20 South Broadway in Pitman, N.J., across the street from the Pitman Broadway Theatre.