Introducing Ashley Judge of Tra Tutti
July 22, 2009
I have enjoyed the emails I have exchanged with Tra Tutti owner, Ashley Judge. She is a very conscious and dedicated business owner, with a special view of how to run a business that I admire. One thing she has done to make Tra Tutti stand apart from the many shops online is her dedication to giving back. Tra Tutti donates a substantial portion of their profit to charities. With people and businesses cutting back so much these days, and charities really beginning to feel the pinch, seeing that Tra Tutti donates 20% of their profit is huge. I admire Ashley for her philanthropy and her encouragement of others to do the same – she is a great example to follow! -Mary Havlicek, Startup Princess Blog Manager
Hometown: Sharon, MA
Current Residence (City, State): Medford, MA
Education: Graduated from UMass Amherst, studied Psychology and Political Science
Professional Background: Nonprofit – fundraising and events
What you wanted to be when you grew up: Something new every week – but the only consistency was that I wanted to be the boss in every job!
What you are: Business owner, Tra Tutti
Brief Summary of your Start Up: Tra Tutti is a one-of-a kind online consignment shop, carrying high-end and vintage designer brands, with a socially responsible twist. Tra Tutti’s consignors receive 40% of the sale of their items, an industry standard; however Tra Tutti only keeps 40% of the profit, donating the remaining 20% to charities that reflect the values of Tra Tutti and our customers. We donate 20% of all sales to AIDS Action, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, Dress for Success Boston, The Home for Little Wanderers, MSPCA-Angell, and Rosie’s Place.
Tra Tutti’s rewards are fiscal, philanthropic, and green. Shoppers can purchase designer apparel for a fraction of the price; consignors can re-sell their unworn duds for cash; and all can support charitable organizations, which have seen a significant decline in contributions in these tough times. Tra Tutti is green too – customers and consignors do their part for the environment by re-using and recycling beautiful garments and accessories. See, you can have it all -
Company Website? www.TraTutti.com
What inspired you? Tra Tutti gave me an opportunity to bring together four things that drive me: fashion, a great bargain, a concern for the environment, and a passion for philanthropy. Tra Tutti is part of a new wave of businesses being created all over the country: social enterprises. The term can mean slightly different things, but ultimately a social enterprise is a business that seeks to make the world a better place: a “business for the common good”.
How long have you been in business? Since April 2009
How did you fund it? I collected inventory for nearly 2 years from friends, family, incredible bargain shopping, searching the internet far and wide, fashion stylists, and other sources. On top of inventory, all of my start-up costs were self-funded.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Absolutely. I think it’s particularly important for women to support other women!
Current Business Challenge? Sleeping! I think about Tra Tutti day and night! Additionally, connecting with a large enough audience, given that I don’t have a brick and mortar location to stumble upon. (In today’s world of social networking sites – no pun intended!)
What are you doing about it? I have wonderful relationships with other organizations as well as the charities I support. I partner with other women-owned businesses for events. This, paired with a fairly aggressive PR strategy, has helped me reach a large range of women fairly quickly.
Favorite motivational quote: “No one has ever become poor by giving” – quite fitting for the mission of Tra Tutti.
Favorite book? While I’ve read my fair share of fascinating nonfiction (such as Van Jones’ Green Collar Economy), I love getting swept up in a light summer series. My favorite series to date are Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse vampire books!
What do you do to relax? I love to entertain. I enjoy the prep work almost as much as the time with my friends, and I could spend hours surfing Food and Wine magazine online for new recipes.
What do you want to change most about your world? I wish that every single person had the same sense of mission and passion to change the world that a very special few have. I want the lines between for-profit and non-profit to be blurred so that every organization feels a sense of responsibility to help and empower those around them. It’s not all about what is and is not tax deductible or how much fun a charity golf tournament is. There are too many needs and the causes are so innumerable that it is unacceptable to not find something that touches your heart and aggressively strive to make an impact.
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud that Tra Tutti “is”. It’s magical to see something take shape that spent so many years in your mind shifting, changing, and sparking excitement.
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses?
Arm yourself with the right tools, and go for it! I took a fabulous course with the Center for Women & Enterprise – a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women start and grow their own businesses. This course allowed me to take a calculated risk.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? I have had tremendous support from women in the form of friends, graphic designers, fashion stylists, PR experts, peers, etc. They have served as my sounding board, my cheer leaders, and my experts.
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Although my boyfriend the scientist would not classify this as a precious stone, I love pearls. I think there is nothing lovelier.
Would you be interested in being a Fairy Godmother and writing articles or speaking at Startup Princess events? Absolutely!
What business subjects would you feel comfortable mentoring in?
My start-up experience, PR and design on a budget, feeling my way through the dark. Also – if it’s helpful, I facilitate etiquette workshops for anybody who like a refresher course!
