Meet Mallory Zaffino of Here We Grow Again Kids Consignment Sale in East Mesa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Zaffino.

Mallory, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was pregnant with my first baby, I somehow began shopping thrift stores. I quickly became floored at the deals I would find on baby items as the store I usually shopped regularly carried new with tags Carter and Polo brands for a mere couple of dollars.

That same year I saw a Facebook ad for a “kids consignment sale” and although I was curious I was also hesitant so much so that I made my husband attend with me just in case it was weird. Not only was it not weird but it was about the best thing to happen to me! I was telling all my friends about this event you could go to with thousands of nothing but kid items all at yard sale prices.

Upon consigning my kid’s items one time, I happened upon two little words that changed my life forever “franchise opportunity”. A massive light bulb went off in my head that there were people out there who could help bring my obsession for frugal shopping to other moms just like me. Because my degree is in Radiology and this would be such a drastic change for me, I committed months to research this idea. I landed among the absolute most supportive women in my franchise and we are bringing to the east valley a new way for these families to save money.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This has not been a smooth road. This has been the absolute biggest personal growth I’ve gone through to date and has changed me as a person. The first struggle would be that I have no business background since I went to school for radiology and worked in healthcare for ten years. I had to teach myself how to do all the business things like obtain licenses, figure out insurance coverage, manage contracts, and even call the IRS to answer questions. It was very humbling to ask questions to business people who I felt could tell I had no idea what I was talking about.

Secondly, It is very overrated to work from home (at least without childcare). I currently squeeze in work when I can between an extremely active four year old and a 16 month old. As a business owner, you can feel like there are 80 hours of work a week topped off by 80 hours of housework and 80 hours your kids need from you. I never feel like I’m accomplished in any one area. I rest in the idea of asking my question each night “Did I do all I could for today”?

In terms of business, my biggest struggle has been bringing a pop-up kids consignment sale to this area that is really not familiar with this business model. I’ve been working hard educating the community on our business model and the benefits of this event to our community as a whole. Families get to make money off their kid’s items they no longer need, they get to help me run the event in exchange for “grow bucks” and getting to save their families huge amounts of money by shopping with us.

Please tell us about your business.
We are a pop-up kid’s consignment sale that happens twice a year. We are known for being able to save families a lot of money when shopping for their kid’s items. We also let families make money for that special trip or Christmas spending by selling their kids items they no longer need.

What sets us apart as a business is that consignors get to set all their own selling prices. No low ball offers or worrying about meetups for sales.

As a business owner, I hope people see that I’m a mom just like all the other moms out there. I get the mom’s life! I want to connect with people and meet their needs when needed. In a world where everyone is selling, I’m most proud that I could have met someone several times and yet they don’t know what I do. I never want to lead with a business pitch. For me, it’s a connection and relationship over a business opportunity.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
For me, the connection is the most important factor in success. Us moms have to help each other. I want to connect with people and meet their needs when needed. In a world where everyone is selling, I’m most proud that I could have met someone several times and yet they don’t know what I do. I never want to lead with a business pitch. For me, it’s a connection and relationship over a business opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.HereWeGrowAgain.com/EastValley
• Phone: 330-442-5955
• Email: eastvalleyaz@herewegrowagain.com
• Instagram: @HWGAEastValley
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/herewegrowagaineastvalley

Image Credit:
Ashley Stone Photography

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