Scouted Architects in the West You Should Know

Originally published by THE SCOUT GUIDE on March 7th, 2023.

For those that live in the west who might be thinking about transforming their home (or business) into something more beautiful and functional—or even creating a new structure from scratch—we asked our editors in the western portion of the country to recommend professionals in their areas who can help turn clients’ dreams into a design reality. Looking for a scouted architect in your area? Find one in The Scout Guide Directory.

Photography by Carl Schultz.

ARCHITECT: Erik Peterson, PHX Architecture
LOCATION: Scottsdale, Arizona, and Los Angeles, California
WHAT THEY DO: PHX Architecture specializes in luxury residential, golf clubhouse, and hospitality design. Their team defines “Living Architecture” as a space that harmoniously combines site, form, functionality, and the human scale, creating the connective link between the surrounding environment and the client’s goals and vision.

Scouted Organizers You Should Know About

Originally published by THE SCOUT GUIDE on February 27th, 2023.We’re well into the new year, and if getting your home organized was one of your resolutions back in January, it might be time to call in a professional. For those inclined to get serious about their organizational projects, whether it’s finally making sense of your kitchen pantry, creating calm out of a chaotic children’s toys storage situation, or giving your whole home an overhaul, we asked The Scout Guide editors across the country to recommend their favorite organizational pros in the western portion of the country, many of which will do virtual consultations. With their services, your home—and life—is about to be next-level orderly. Looking for a scouted organizer in your area? Find one in The Scout Guide Directory.

ORGANIZER:  O.C.D Organize. Create. Design
LOCATION: Throughout Arizona
WHAT THEY DO:  The value of working with owner Ashley Stewart and the O.C.D team extends beyond the tidy and beautiful spaces they create in the home or office to their expertise in building organizational systems that bring clients more peace of mind. O.C.D has a flawless reputation built on trust, confidentiality, and good organizational systems that can “create” more time for her clients. It’s simple: the less time people spend looking for things, the more time they have to enjoy them.

Women's Boutiques in the West, Midwest, and Southwest You Need to Know

Originally published by THE SCOUT GUIDE on November 21st, 2022.

There’s something about a shopping trip that brightens the spirits—it’s called retail therapy for a reason. Doing so at a small business instead of a chain retailer makes it an experience you can feel good about. This collection of women’s stores across the west, midwest, and southwest are some of our owners favorites and not to be missed. On the hunt for a darling vintage frock or a flattering pair of designer denim? Read on for 14 boutiques where we’re currently filling our online carts or making plans to visit.

Photography by Carl Schultz.

SHOP: Amy Atelier
LOCATION: Scottsdale, Arizona
WHAT THEY CARRY: An owner-operated contemporary women’s boutique that carries a selection of seasonally curated clothing and accessories.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “From casual to date night, and everything in between, their seasonal selections, along with their personalized styling, make Amy Atelier a one-stop shop to elevate your wardrobe,” touts Sasha Clements, editor of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale.

Member Spotlight: In Focus Vision Solutions

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Scott Foust Photography

Meet Dr. Caitlin Morrison, a board-certified optometrist who founded the Scottsdale-based specialty contact lens practice In Focus Vision Solutions. Dr. Morrison is an Arizona native who studied optometry in Boston and New York before returning home to serve patients who haven’t had success with traditional contacts or eyeglasses. Her practice is designed to help those with vision conditions like ocular disfigurement, extreme light sensitivity, double vision, or persistent dry eye (often caused by living in the desert) to find the ability to see clearly with specialty contact lenses. 

Dr. Morrison has a highly customized concierge approach to finding specialized vision solutions for her patients. An appointment with Dr. Morrison is consultative and extremely thorough — plus, she's a busy working mom with a baby on the way—so we were thrilled to score some time on her lunch break to get to know her better.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How did you get started in optometry?
Dr. Morrison: I went to optometry school to fix my own problem! Like many of my patients, I had trouble with traditional contact lenses due to extremely dry eyes. I went from doctor to doctor and tried every type of contact lens available. I didn’t give up, and eventually found a solution with the scleral lens. It was such a relief for me to find an answer after searching for so long. I continued on with my residency program because I wanted to be an advocate for other people like me, who had been unable to find a solution but wanted to keep trying.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What aspect of your work do you find the most fulfilling?
Dr. Morrison: Some of my patients experience vision difficulties that have severely limited their quality of life, often for decades. And almost every day, I get to be a part of that incredibly special moment when they see again. I feel lucky to be a part of that.

 

“Almost every day, I get to be a part of that incredibly special moment when they see again. I feel lucky to be a part of that.”

Dr. Morrison

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How does the process of getting fitted for specialty contact lenses work at In Focus?
Dr. Morrison: The entire process is customized. We spend about three to five appointments together making and refining the lens to create the most comfortable, effective solution. Even with the latest technology, I like to take my time with each patient to evaluate how their brain and eyes will adapt to their specialized lens. Patients will have these lenses for life, so it’s essential to get them just right. Then, we check in every year to make any necessary adjustments.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Do you have any eye health tips for our readers specific to living in the drier desert climate?
Dr. Morrison: My patients are always surprised when I share that the easiest way to find relief from dry eyes is not some special medical eye drop but a wet compress. Eighty percent of dry eye is due to a lack of oil in eyelid glands, so using a wet washcloth over closed eyelids for 5 minutes twice a day is effective. However, if dry eyes are getting in the way of wearing contact lenses, a scleral lens might be the answer.

Photo by Scott Foust Photography

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Speaking of our unique environment, can you share what it’s been like returning to Arizona after so much time away? What brought you back?
Dr. Morrison: I’m so happy to be back in my hometown after almost ten years. It’s a special place, and I love the way our year-round sunshine can make you feel. From a business perspective, it’s been really encouraging, as there’s a palpable community-feel amongst small business owners. It keeps me inspired and motivated!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What are some of your favorite local spots here in the Valley?
Dr. Morrison: Postino is an all-time favorite for dining. For shopping, Regency Modern is my go-to spot for gifts, especially chic candles you can’t find anywhere else. I also love to stop by Zoolikins, especially since I have a baby at home and another on the way. My husband and I love to play golf, and when we can we’ll do a twilight golf run at The Biltmore. I usually spend my Saturday mornings at the Gilbert Farmers Market shopping for fruit and specialty treats.

If you or someone you know has struggled to find a vision solution through traditional contact lenses, you can rest easy now that Dr. Morrison is back in the Valley. She’s made it her life’s work to bring specialized, custom vision solutions to her patients and she won’t give up until you are seeing comfortably and clearly. Book your exam online or by calling 480-420-4243.

Member Spotlight: Framed Ewe

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you peruse Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Scott Foust Photography

Christy Kimball, the owner of the independent eyewear boutique Framed Ewe, is a Phoenix-born world traveler with an impeccable eye for style. Over the past ten years, her store has gained quite a reputation - both locally and across the West Coast - for its impressive list of hand-crafted, independently owned eyewear. Learn more about Christy in our Member Spotlight interview below. 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What inspired you to take the entrepreneurial leap and start Framed Ewe?
Christy Kimball: I am an avid traveler, and in my early travels throughout Europe I encountered the coolest vintage eyeglasses stores in cities like Amsterdam and Barcelona. These shops were handcrafting eyeglass frames on-site, which I found so inspiring. I knew that, one day, I wanted to bring the model to Phoenix.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What did the early years of Framed Ewe look like?
Christy Kimball: Most are really surprised to learn that, when we first started, we were essentially operating out of a closet. I mean the space was tiny. It was a 60-square-foot room in The Union at the Biltmore Fashion Park Mall. From there, we’ve just grown. After three years in the tiny space, we opened at our big shop on Seventh Street, and we’ve also grown with two locations in LA.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: To what do you attribute that growth?
Christy Kimball: What makes us unique is that we only carry independent eyewear brands. So the glasses you find in our store are hand-crafted by artisans from around the world. What I love to remind my customers is that when you shop at Framed Ewe you’re not only supporting our local store, you are also supporting small businesses from around the world. We source eyeglasses from artisans and creators who are doing what they love to do and expressing their own personal style and perspective.

Photo courtesy of Framed Ewe.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What are some of the most sought-after eyewear brands available in your store?
Christy Kimball: I am thrilled to offer Jacques Marie Mage. Framed Ewe is the only place in Arizona where you can find this very special line. The designer is French, but the glasses are hand-crafted in Japan. Each style is a limited run, never repeated, so you’ll be one of the handful of people in the world with a pair. My other in-store favorite is Vada, another Japanese brand. This is a more feminine line beloved for its fun bright colors and interesting shapes.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You seem to favor Japanese eyewear, is this intentional?
Christy Kimball: I like to say, you buy your champagne from France, your olive oil from Italy and your eyewear from Japan. Japan has a reputation for making the best eyeglasses in the world. Of course, other countries also are making gorgeous hand-crafted eyewear, but Japan is known for having some of the leading artisans in the trade.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Clearly, Framed Ewe offers exceptional expertise, in addition to truly fabulous eyewear. What else can someone in the market for new optical or sunglass frames expect from the Framed Ewe?
Christy Kimball: We offer a huge variety of shapes, styles, and sizes, so be prepared for many unique options. We take drop-ins, but we also offer appointments for customers who would like to be paired with the same person from the start to finish and have a truly personalized experience.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you walk us through what an in-store appointment looks like?
Christy Kimball: First, we work with our customers to identify fit based on their preferences and style. Next, we use our latest and greatest tech to identify the correct lenses and protective applications. This includes chatting with our customers to understand their lifestyles. Most don’t realize that there are different types of lenses suited for different lifestyles. For example, we opt for a different lens for customers in front of the computer all day than we do for customers who lead more active lifestyles.

Photo by Scott Foust Photography

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Earlier you mentioned your expansion to LA. Share with us a bit about how you grew your business to another market?
Christy Kimball: Growth has always been serendipitous for Framed Ewe. I was approached to run the eyewear department for Fred Segal through word of mouth. Ready for the challenge, I jumped at the opportunity. At Fred Segal, I curate the ready-to-wear glasses sold in the boutique. What I was curating became so successful that we opened a Framed Ewe location in Los Feliz to expand on those offerings in a new, hungry market.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Eyewear is so clearly a passion. Is there a certain aspect of your work in the industry or as a small business owner that is most fulfilling?
Christy Kimball: I love creating the spaces in my stores, and strive to curate a comfortable, modern, laid-back space that feels like a boutique hotel lobby. I like to include bright and happy vibes in our stores. I also draw inspiration from the Arizona desert. So, we have one big crystal in each store, which I picked up at the Gem and Mineral Show in Tucson. They are beautiful and they help set an intention for an open, welcoming place. We have a big neon sign that says “Only Love.” We also have an art gallery in our Phoenix store where we feature local artists and love to host events.

Photo by Scott Foust Photography

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Speaking of Arizona, can you share a few of your favorite experiences unique to the Valley?

Christy Kimball: I love so many places in Phoenix it’s hard to list them all, but some of my favorites are Local Nomad, For the People, Now or Never, Phoenix General, IVOL, MANOR, The Vintage Arizona, Modern Manor, The Fred, Camelback Flowershop, and Heaven’s Closet.

My favorite activities include visiting Liberty Wildlife and The Farm South Mountain, hiking in the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, walking on the canal, or tubing the salt river. I can’t forget the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum. I’ve also been dying to take a ceramics class at PIP Coffee and Clay.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Finally, any recommendations for drinking and dining like a local?
Christy Kimball: Absolutely! For drinks, I opt for First Place Coffee, The Dirty Drummer, Durants, and Parlor. For dining, Bacanora, Glai Baan, Anything Bianco.

Stop by The Colony (5538 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85012) for a peek at their collection of independent eyeware and sunglasses. Or, make an appointment for a more personalized full-service experience to snag a limited edition frame for yourself!

Contributor Spotlight: Leslie Lehr

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. We’re thrilled to welcome a lineup of contributors to this installation of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale, including Leslie Lehr, who will serve as our Lifestyle Contributor. Throughout the year, Leslie will share her expertise and insights, providing a unique lens through which to deepen your connection with our equally unique community.

By trade, Leslie is a lifestyle expert with a passion for refined style. Leslie’s business, Leslie Lehr Living, is dedicated to living more with less. With each client, she aims to help them marry joy and creativity to realize a healthy relationship with design that’s stylish and functional, to appreciate that which fills your lives with positivity, and to help let go of what doesn’t. And as a small business owner herself, Leslie is well-positioned to help us tell the Valley’s stories - especially those in the lifestyle space. 

While most lifestyle experts teach clients that “more is more,” Leslie knows the value of living with less, which also means buying with intention. To us here at the Scout Guide, that means choosing to live a locally focused lifestyle. And so her upcoming pieces will be imbued with that ethos. She will be sharing her take on curating collections with meaning and investing in quality products that can all be found right here in our community.

As she does with her work as a lifestyle expert, Leslie will seek to honor your life, celebrate what you have, and introduce you to local resources. We’re thrilled to welcome Leslie to the team and look forward to her “less is more” sensibilities that will undoubtedly, help you live a more beautiful life, locally.

Stay tuned for Leslie’s first piece and follow along with her at @leslielehrliving in the meantime.

Member Spotlight: Hydrate IV Bar

Integral to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale’s mission is telling the stories behind the small businesses Scouted in each Volume. The story begins in print and continues online, after all. As you collect Volume 2, we are thrilled to continue our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Carl Schultz.

Meet Danielle Withycombe and Mary Butterfield, the Co-Founders behind Hydrate IV Bar, a wellness spa dedicated to keeping the Valley healthy and hydrated. After opening their first Arizona location in Arcadia, Danielle and Mary launched a Scottsdale location in short order. The demand for their health-boosting IV Therapy is high and their experience is unsurpassed.

Hydrate IV Bar eschews desert-chic vibes that defy the sterile aesthetic so common in the industry, and clients are met with equally warm - and deeply knowledgeable - staff. In short, it’s a place to unwind and invest in their health.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Danielle and Mary, we are thrilled you’ve joined us for Volume 2. To kick off our chat, can you share what inspired you to take the entrepreneurial leap?
Danielle & Mary: Danielle started to toy with the idea pre-Covid. After teaching yoga in the Valley for 13 years, Danielle reached out to the Denver-based founder of Hydrate IV, Katie Wafer, about bringing the concept to Arizona. Then, Covid hit. Danielle and Mary connected through yoga and during a yoga private, Mary rolled over after savasana and said, “this sounds like a fun idea, and I want to be your partner! Let’s bring Hydrate to Arizona.” The rest of 2020 was spent in full-blown creation mode!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What has been the best part about bringing Hydrate to Arizona?
Danielle & Mary: The health and wellness industry is thriving here in Phoenix and Scottsdale. We love being a part of that growth and creating a little sanctuary for people to step out of the hustle and into Hydrate.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Your presence in the Valley is expanding, and you recently opened a second location. Can you share more about the new Scottsdale location and what this means for Hydrate?
Danielle & Mary: Thank you, we are thrilled! It’s a beautiful, inviting space conveniently located to the Quarter’s shopping and dining options. Not only does this location introduce us to a whole new market, but it also allows us to connect with and bring wellness to more people.

Photo by Carl Schultz.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk about wellness… What are the benefits of IV therapy?
Danielle & Mary: Intravenous (IV) Therapy bypasses the gastrointestinal tract enabling 100% absorption of the included vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This method quickly and effectively hydrates your body, offering a more energized, healthy you!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What types of IV Therapy do you provide?
Danielle & Mary: From immunity to athletic recovery, anti-aging to fatigue, we pride ourselves on serving a variety of health and wellness needs - including preventative and NAD+ IV Therapies. We also can customize our IV Therapy and Injections to each client, whether they’re experiencing symptoms of a cold or over-indulgence.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How often are IV Therapies recommended?
Danielle & Mary: Everyone is different and has unique needs, and factors like physical activity, nutrition, quality of sleep, and stress can all impact frequency. However, we’ve seen that consistency is key in experiencing the full-benefits of IV Therapy and have created membership options for those interested in incorporating IV Therapy into their wellness routines.

Photo by Carl Schultz.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What can clients expect from a Hydrate IV experience?
Danielle & Mary: From the moment you walk into the spa you’ll feel the Zen vibes. Our friendly and professional team will help you identify the right services for your needs and help you settle into our relaxing loungers and start your treatment. Treatments take about 45 minutes. While we have many clients who use the opportunity to read or take a nap, we have plenty who make friends with fellow members!

 

“The desert is a constant reminder to stay resilient.”

-Danielle Withycombe & Mary Butterfield

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What is the best part of your work?
Danielle & Mary: The opportunity to work with an amazing group of women and meet some of the nicest people around. We truly love what we do at Hydrate IV Bar, and we believe that this positivity radiates throughout the space into our guest’s experiences.

Photo by Carl Schultz.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: As we head into the hot summer months, do you have any tips to staying hydrated and healthy?
Danielle & Mary: When temps rise, our bodies are in a constant battle to stay hydrated. In addition to desert temps, we suffer from drinking a lot of filtered water, which is stripped of the salts and minerals that our bodies need to stay hydrated. Luckily, we specialize in hydration! Our hydration go-to starts with 1-liter saline with a selection of vitamins and “Cocktails” unique to Hydrate IV Bar. Come in and let us help you stay hydrated!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: In addition to the need for Hydrate IV’s, how does the Valley influence you and your business?
Danielle & Mary: The desert is a constant reminder to stay resilient!

Photo by Khristina Saint.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk more about the Valley. Or, more specifically, your Valley. What are your favorite local spots and experiences?
Danielle & Mary: There are so many! From shopping at urbAna to dinner at The Jade Bar at The Sanctuary, visiting the Musical Instrument Museum to attending Barrett Jackson Car Show!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How do you give back to the community? Are there any local charities or organizations near and dear to your hearts?
Danielle & Mary: Again, there are so many philanthropic organizations doing important work in the Valley. To support them, we have a charity component built into our Katie Cocktail. $5 of every “Katie” goes to a cause we identify each quarter.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Finally, we’d like to end our chat by looking ahead. Is there anything on the radar for Hydrate IV Bar that our readers should know about?
Danielle & Mary: Yes! We’re planning our third location - stay tuned!

Whether you’re interested in a Shot Pass or Myers Cocktail, visit Hydrate IV Bar Scottsdale or Arcadia to relax, recharge, and refresh your routine. Just don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!

Photo by Carl Schultz.