Tamara Hudson’s Konsignify boutique is the new definition of consignment creativity. It’s not just about clothes; it’s a movement helping others find their light, confidence, and inner beauty. And not surprisingly, the morals and values of family, friendship, and community are embedded in the fabric and everyday interactions at this East Falls small business located at 4237 Ridge Avenue.
“I love hearing people’s stories, and seeing their faces light up as they look in the mirror,” says Tamara. “I love being a motivator and empowering all I come in contact with.” After all, per one of her t-shirts, she is not a person, she is an experience!
Tamara first felt the power of thrifting at a young age when her grandmother took her on outings in Philly as a child. “My grandmother taught me that you didn’t have to have a lot of money to look good and feel good,” she says. “Thrifting wasn’t just something we enjoyed growing up – it also helped financially. We called it ‘Creating Beauty on a Budget.’”
Over time, she began to see the benefits of finding pre-loved clothing and giving them new life. As a result, she honors her grandmother’s teachings and values by passing them on to her current customers and clients – and her own son. Tamara wants to leave a legacy through him, as well as a spark in him the spirit, drive, and grit of entrepreneurship. He is currently involved in the store, as is her partner, DJ.
When Tamara launched Konsignify two years ago as an online consignment boutique, she gained such a following that a storefront became a logical next step. While plans for a brick-and-mortar store were underway, locating in East Falls was not on her mind. But one day she happened to drive along Ridge, and the rest is history.
Tamara says that East Falls residents and fellow business owners “hugged her business” from the start. They ask how they can help, and root for her to succeed. She is proud to be on a block with four other businesses run by Black women – Thundermug Coffee, Mabel Marie, Sweet Dreams & Fairy Tale Daycare, and BLJ Community Rowing.
Not only is Konsiginify about looking and feeling your best, Tamara sees the shop as a step towards a more sustainable world. “If my shop can help promote, in some small way, recycling and upcycling – then we are a part of the movement to minimize the amount of clothing that ends up in a landfill or an ocean. I love to educate about the environmental impacts of thrifting.”
Someday Tamara would like to open additional locations, but for now, she is grateful for her storefront on Ridge. She’s grateful for the new customers that find her every day, who open up and share their stories. Like the women’s empowerment group of fifteen new clients who visited Konsignfy recently and stepped out with more knowledge and passion about sustainability – along with some new stylish looks. And she’s grateful for DJ and her son, the support from the East Falls community, and her thrifting journey.
“I don’t know what will come next, but I know that as long as I live with purpose, I’ll be on the right path.”
Everyday East Falls is a series of monthly profiles of the people behind some of our neighborhood businesses. We hope these stories give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for the businesses that call our neighborhood home.
Have an idea of a business to nominate for Everyday East Falls? Want to interview a business owner? Send a note to michelle.feldman@eastfallspa.com to nominate a business for a future edition.
