Meet Tamara Lizbeth Otero-Tovar of Trade Up Women’s Consignment in Ahwatukee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Lizbeth Otero-Tovar.

Tamara, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I had been a stay at home mom for about five years owning a business seemed like something impossible! Until my husband decided to sell our home and it became a possibility. We talked about different types of businesses we could have and we *came up with the idea of a women’s resale shop. I’m all about bargains the cheapest deal is ALWAYS the best deal right? I *was hooked about six years ago when I was pregnant with my first son I had gone to a consignment shop and purchased a brand new Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 for $125! Get this, they couldn’t tell if it was real so I took the chance and got it authenticated. Having three boys *and being a stay at home mom, we had to learn to maximize our one income. What better way than to shop at consignment stores around the valley. I was all over Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Going out became so hard once I had my second son, I had two boys under two and traveling far became such a hassle. I was always hoping a consignment shop would open nearby. So, when we got the chance to open up a business, we decided to bring a women’s consignment store to Ahwatukee where we have been living for over nine years. I wanted to stay close to home and kids school so this was a perfect area for us.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not at all! We had to renovate this place which used to be “Toy Town” an Ahwatukee staple. Renovating was a pain! Thankfully, my father knows how to do EVERYTHING! He helped us so much and we’re forever thankful, thanks dad! We also had to get special permits for the area that we’re in so we had to go through hearings and wait for the process. It took us approximately ten months before we could open our doors. Let’s not forget we were doing this while buying a new home and kids that alone was a struggle. But we’re alive & now open!

Please tell us about your business.
We are a women’s consignment shop. We make sure all items are quality instead of quantity. We specialize in high end, yet affordable clothing and accessories. I make sure to always have great customer service and build a good relationship with my customers and consignors. I absolutely despise going somewhere with bad customer service so I try my best with everyone that comes through our doors.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
For the future, we would like to of course expand and maybe add household items. We’re hopeful we will soon be able to give back to our community by fundraising and donating to veterans in need, animal rescue facilities, and homeless shelters.

Contact Info:

• Address: 12020 S Warner Elliot Loop #105 Phoenix, Arizona 85044
• Website: tradeupwc.com
• Phone: 480-590-3403
• Email: tradeupwomensconsignment@gmail.com
• Instagram: @tradeupwomensconsignment
• Facebook: Trade Up Women’s Consignment

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