Our Story

Every Item Has a Story. So Do We.

The Ugly Duckling™ began with a simple belief: something does not lose its value just because it has been overlooked, forgotten, opened, returned, previously loved, imperfect, or no longer fits someone else's life.

Sometimes, it simply needs to be reimagined.

Founded by Lilia “Lily” Ruiz alongside her husband, Ivan, The Ugly Duckling™ grew from our family's belief in second chances, creativity, responsible stewardship, and recognizing possibilities where others may not.

Life does not always follow a perfect plan. Families grow, circumstances change, and sometimes what we discover along the way becomes more meaningful than what we originally imagined.

We believe merchandise can have second chances, too.

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Meet the Family Behind The Ugly Duckling™

Our family illustration represents Lily and Ivan as the grown swans, Emilee and Nick as our little ducklings, and Maggie and Kassandra, because our dogs are absolutely part of the family.

Each character is different, but each belongs. That reflects what The Ugly Duckling™ means to us: family, belonging, transformation, second chances, and recognizing value that others might overlook.

New finds. New homes. New stories.

More Than a Thrift Store

The Ugly Duckling™ is not a traditional thrift store, and not everything we sell is used.

Our ever-changing collection includes: new merchandise, new old stock, overstock, open-box items, gently loved and pre-owned pieces, vintage finds, clothing, accessories, home décor, collectibles, handcrafted creations, DIY projects, repurposed goods, and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Some things are perfect. Some have history. Some have an imperfect box. Others simply need someone to recognize their potential.

What connects them isn't whether they're new or used. It's value.

We believe useful, beautiful, interesting, and well-made things deserve another opportunity to be discovered.

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Reimagining Value

We love the thrill of finding something unexpected, but our purpose goes deeper.

We want to help families discover quality merchandise at affordable prices while extending the useful life of products that still have plenty to give.

Sustainability doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it begins by simply saying:

“There is still plenty of life left in this.”

Use what still has life. Reimagine what still has potential. Give something another opportunity to be loved.

Faith, Family & Purpose

The Ugly Duckling™ is a faith-based, family-built business rooted in Christian values of stewardship, integrity, compassion, service, generosity, and recognizing worth beyond outward appearances.

Our faith is part of who we are and inspires how we strive to conduct our business and treat others. At the same time, everyone is welcome at The Ugly Duckling™. Whatever your background, beliefs, culture, family, or walk of life, you are welcome to shop with us, discover something you love, and be part of our community. You do not have to believe as we believe to be welcomed, valued, and treated with kindness and respect.

We believe business can be about more than transactions. As we grow, we hope to create opportunities to serve our community, support families and young people in need, encourage financial literacy, create opportunities for others, and help people recognize their own potential to learn, grow, and thrive.

Faith guides us. Family grounds us. Kindness welcomes everyone. Service gives us purpose.

Welcome to Our Family

When you shop The Ugly Duckling™, you are supporting a family built business that believes in the power of community. We believe strong communities grow when people support one another, create opportunities, share resources, and find meaningful ways to give back.

For us, The Ugly Duckling™ is about more than selling merchandise. It is about building something with purpose. We want to provide value to our customers, help families discover quality products at affordable prices, give useful things another life, and grow a business that can create opportunities and make a positive difference in the community that supports us.

Some of our finds are new. Some are vintage. Some have been loved before. Some are handmade. Some are imperfect. Some are practical, unusual, or truly one of a kind.

But they all have something in common:

They deserve to be seen for what they can become, not simply for where they have been.

Thank you for visiting The Ugly Duckling™ and becoming part of our story. Whether you find something you love, give an item another life, tell a friend about us, or simply leave inspired to see something old in a new way, we are glad you are here.

The Ruiz Family
Lily, Ivan, Emilee & Nick
with Maggie & Kassandra 🐾