Meet Alisia Bodrero | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alisia Bodrero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alisia, is there something you believe many others might not?
Generally, others advise new business owners to start with a detailed business plan. I don’t totally disagree with this but I also think it is wise to just hit the ground and RUN! Sometimes it is just as beneficial to start somewhere and let things fall into place. I see some entrepreneurs, including myself, getting hung up on creating the “perfect” plan. In business nothing is perfect so investing too much time in this may be unrealistic. Once substantial finances come into play then the need to refine your plan becomes more valuable. Don’t get hung up on all the little details, you can always pivot along the way and grow into the business you are creating.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
From a young age I knew I wanted a career in the fashion industry. There was something about fashion that I was instantly drawn to and the art of personal style has always been a creative outlet from me. Studying fashion in school helped me to discover the various roles in the industry and I was quickly intrigued with fashion buying. The fast pace of traveling to markets around the country while forecasting and chasing trends spoke to me and my lifestyle. After graduating from Arizona State University I decided the best move for my career would be to move to Los Angels and study at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. There I enrolled into a Merchandise Marketing postgrad program that focused on buying. While I was studying at FIDM I also interned at the California Market Center for a major brand. I quickly fell in love with the wholesale side of the business. The biggest challenge in my career came when it was just getting started. I graduated from FIDM in 2009 during the recession and was quick to feel super defeated. After all the time I dedicated to my studies I was graduating during a very difficult time in the job market especially in the fashion industry. I had to get creative and figure out something! In 2010, I landed my first buying position at a major department store. The experience I gained there launched me into other amazing buying opportunities in the industry. In the Fall of 2018, my husband and I decided that it was finally time to take the big leap and chase a new dream. With his help and support, TEAL MARKET was founded after we welcomed our first child into our family. My husband is an architect & his influence of modern architecture and clean lines is embedded in the company and helps to define the TEAL MARKET style.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First, we would have to fuel up for the day so heading to Vovomeena would be a must followed by a light hike around Papago Park. Then a little drive up to Arcosanti to explore that unique treasure. For lunch, we would head back down to Phoenix and stop at Gallo Blanco for their amazing tacos. We would have to fit in a little workout sesh at Unique Strength because her spin class is a MUST. Dinner would be at Quiessence, The Farm at South Mountain.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I couldn’t do any of this without the love and encouragement from my husband, Dusty. With his help, I was able to make the BIG decision of going out on my own. Also, there have been a few times during my career when I wanted to move on from the fashion industry all together. He helped me get through those difficult times and reminds me often that I should follow my passion. Thanks to him, and my family, I have been able to keep moving forward with confidence. Also, the community of female business owners here in the valley have been so encouraging and supportive. From time to time I check in and ask for advice from a handful of other small business owners. This resource for me is priceless especially during the ups and downs of owning a small business.

Website: https://www.tealmarket.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teal_market/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisia-bodrero-34498912/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tealmarket

Image Credits
Drawing @carolinehainescreative Images @thesocialstyle_