Member Spotlight: O.C.D Organize. Create. Design

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. And so, as we prepare to launch Volume 2, we are thrilled to kick off our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Carrie Evans

We are thrilled to welcome Ashley Stewart of O.C.D Organize. Create. Design, Arizona’s top organizing company, to The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale Volume 2! With a flawless reputation built on trust and confidentiality, O.C.D delivers systems that stay organized, offering more time and peace of mind to clients. In fact, after nearly seven years, Stewart and her team have helped bring order to hundreds of homes and offices. Read on for our Q+A to get to know Ashley, her business, and their community…

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Ashley, we are thrilled to welcome you to Volume 2! Let’s kick off our chat by delving into what inspired you to start O.C.D…
Ashley Stewart:I have always loved seeing things transform into beautiful spaces. After planning weddings and events for 15 years, I knew there was something else out there for me to do, and when I realized there was a demand for organizing experts, it was only natural for me to start a business that would meet that need. 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How did you choose the name for your organizing business? How does it translate to the work you do with your clients?
Ashley Stewart: I love a good play on words. The name came to me within minutes when I decided to start the company. I thought of what organizing means to me, and my OCD came to mind. About 99% of the time, people comment on how much they love the name, but there is that 1% who comment that it is disrespectful, believing it makes fun of people who struggle with OCD. I am quick to explain that the name stands for Organize. Create. Design, and it is in no way an attempt to minimize people with OCD. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to use my obsessiveness to help people get organized, which in turn, helps me too.

 

“I love that there is trust established from the time we walk in. It is an automatically personal relationship right from the start.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What would you hope every potential client knows about O.C.D?
Ashley Stewart: We are judgment-free and trustworthy. What we hear and see in our clients' homes stays there. We pride ourselves on respecting the privacy of our clients. Plus, we have FUN!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Of course, the benefits of organizing are infinite. Can you share the one benefit that stands out to you?
Ashley Stewart: If you know what you have and where to find it, you will not only be able to enjoy it but also, appreciate it.

 

“If you know what you have and where to find it, you will not only be able to enjoy it but also appreciate it.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What’s the best part about your work?
Ashley Stewart: My favorite part of this business is the experience of helping my clients reclaim their time. It’s a process I cherish for myself. The older I get, the busier my life gets. But, I’ve experienced firsthand that good organizational systems can “create” more time. It’s simple: the less time people spend looking for things, the more time they have to enjoy them.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Before we dive into local-centric questions, we need to know: what’s on the horizon for O.C.D?
Ashley Stewart: Expansion!  We are currently expanding in Tucson and are looking at more cities to introduce O.C.D. Stay tuned!

Photo courtesy of O.C.D

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Now, onto Valley-centric questions. What do you love about living and working in the Valley?
Ashley Stewart: I am a second-generation native who loves Arizona and those who call it home. The best part about working in the Valley is the opportunity O.C.D affords me to connect with new people. From the start, organizing facilitates a personal relationship because there's something so vulnerable about inviting someone into your home and personal effects.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: If you could plan your “perfect day” to experience the Valley like a local, what would you do and where would you go?
Ashley Stewart: Most definitely a day at the Spa! We have so many great ones here in the Valley. Spending a day at the spa always makes me feel like I’m on vacation. 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: The Valley, like other communities, are deeply and positively impacted by small business owners like yourself. And not just for the skills and services you offer. So many small business owners are engaged in giving back to the community. Do you have a particular local organization or charity that’s close to your heart?
Ashley Stewart: Absolutely. The Sherman Home Hospice of the Valley holds a special place in my heart as my grandmother, Evelyn Feffer, gifted the Sherman Home in honor of her parents, Minnie and Armond Sherman. Before kids, I volunteered there every week and am looking forward to continuing my volunteer work there again. I also love to support Make A Wish Arizona! I have been on the Wish Ball Committee for five years and a Wish Granter for two years!

For organization tips and inspiration, make sure to follow along with O.C.D Organize Create Design on Instagram. And to learn more about Ashley Stewart and the O.C.D Organize Create Design team or schedule a consultation, visit them online.

Member Spotlight: Denver Agency

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. And so, as we prepare to launch Volume 2, we are thrilled to kick off our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Carl Schultz.

Undoubtedly, you’ll recognize Denver Agency from Volume 1, and we are thrilled to welcome the agency back for Volume 2. Last year, we delved into Denver Agency’s rich history of supporting clients. This year, they’ll celebrate 90 years in business. Ahead of this massive accomplishment, we chatted with Tierney Aldridge, one of their talented Personal Insurance Advisors, about how Denver Agency’s approach has cemented them as industry leaders for nine decades.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’d like to start by congratulating the Denver Agency on its upcoming anniversary. What has allowed the Denver Agency to maintain its status as an industry leader for nine decades? 
Tierney Aldridge: Our belief in challenging the status quo and our ability to do things differently.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you share with us your path to Denver Agency?
Tierney Aldridge: Fourteen years ago, I got my start in commercial insurance markets. I quickly realized I preferred working with small business owners because of the relationships I developed, which made for an easy transition to specializing in high-net-worth insurance with the Denver Agency. I’ve been sharpening my saw ever since, and have a deep understanding of the lifestyles of the families I represent.

Photo by Carl Schultz.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Denver Agency is known for the personal approach you mentioned. What can a client expect from working with you and the Denver Agency?
Tierney Aldridge: Our clients will never call a 1-800 number. Instead, clients will have access to my team and myself, never a voice recording. We recognize that we provide insurance solutions but view ourselves as being in the hospitality industry. So, we work hard to create a positive experience throughout the relationship.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: In addition to working with an ultra-personalized agency, what advice would you give to someone about ensuring that everything that should be protected is protected?  
Tierney Aldridge: This is a great question. In my experience, the biggest opportunity to better protect high-net-worth families is in excess liability policies (a.k.a umbrella policies). Typically, families in the high-net-worth space are severely underinsured because their previous advisors didn’t educate them about the value of increasing their limits to a more appropriate value.

 

“We recognize that we provide insurance solutions but view ourselves as being in the hospitality industry.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What else should high net worth individuals consider when assessing personal insurance? 
Tierney Aldridge: There are five big items… Relationships: how strong are the agency’s relationships with its partner carriers? Specialization: does the agency understand and appreciate the complexities of the high net worth lifestyle? Education: what is the experience, tenure, and credentials of the personal lines team? Stewardship: is the agency’s annual review process thorough and easy to understand? And finally, counsel: does the agency provide ongoing advice that extends to claims, appraisals, and general housekeeping that’s common within the high net worth segment?

 

“We believe in challenging the status quo and our ability to do things differently.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: In many ways, you and Denver Agency make it possible for clients to enjoy the best in life. We’d love to know what you enjoy about your life in the Valley!
Tierney Aldridge: While I'm newer to the community, I am naturally curious and ready to explore and experience Café Monarch, Taliesin West, Musical Instrument Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, and Scottsdale Quarter.

To learn more about Denver Agency and the coverage they provide, reach out to Tierney at tierney@denveragency.com or via phone at 720.257.7947 - and don’t forget to tell her Scout sent you!

Member Spotlight: Beauty & Propaganda

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. And so, as we prepare to launch Volume 2, we are thrilled to kick off our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Michael Franco

Meet Beauty & Propaganda, the Volume 2 Member and lifestyle salon offering a whole new approach to beauty. To simplify self-care, sister duo Karla Zaragoza and Zuleika Zaragoza established Beauty & Propaganda with a specific mission: to bring all forms of beauty services under one roof and, most importantly, celebrate all forms of beauty - no matter its shape, size, or color. Read on for our Q+A to get to know the sisters, their business, and their Scottsdale…

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Karla, Zuleika, we are so thrilled to welcome you to Volume 2 of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale! Let’s start by sharing a little more about what inspired you two to create Beauty & Propaganda.
Beauty & Propaganda: Thank you! Beauty & Propaganda was inspired by the frustration we experienced as we jumped trying to get from appointment to appointment for beauty services. We wanted to solve that pain-point and time-suck of driving all over town. We also loved the idea of incorporating Latin American flair by bringing different beauty services together under one roof for the ultimate pampering experience! And, finally, we wanted to celebrate all forms of beauty.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you tell us more about bringing different beauty services under one roof?
Beauty & Propaganda: At Beauty & Propaganda, we pride ourselves on our New Way to Beauty. By this, we mean that our services are all done simultaneously. Get a mani and a blowout, a dry style, and glam sesh - all at the same time. We strive to bring impeccable services without ever compromising convenience or quality. It sets us apart in the industry. We love the experience - and our clients love it, too!

Photo by Michael Franco

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let's backtrack to part of your origin story. More specifically, your beliefs about beauty. Can you share more about this?
Beauty & Propaganda: We believe beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. And Beauty & Propaganda is our way of celebrating that and sharing it with other women. We want our clients to come as they are and to feel beautiful and connected. Whether it’s through a fun, chic environment or stylists versed in all types of hair, it’s our mission to create a welcoming experience.

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’re truly so lucky you two started Beauty & Propaganda in our community. Can you tell us what you love about living and working in the Valley?
Beauty & Propaganda: Scottsdale is such a wonderful town. It’s gorgeous, has great restaurants, events, and - certainly not least - the best winters. We love that, as a tourist destination, we get to meet people from all over, but also develop connections with our locals.

 

“We believe beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. And Beauty & Propaganda is our way of celebrating that and sharing it with other women.”

 

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: While we’re on the subject of the Valley, will you share your local favorites?
Beauty & Propaganda: Absolutely! For eats, Fàme Caffe, Francine, Zinc Bistro, Café Monarch, and AZ88 are can’t-miss spots for us both. As for lifestyle, Amy Atelier and Camelback Flowershop are favorites. And when it comes to giving back to our wonderful community, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Hope Women’s Center are dear to our hearts.

Photo by Michael Franco

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: Some of our favorites too… Speaking of favorites, what’s your favorite part of your work?
Beauty & Propaganda: Helping women feel beautiful. It is so rewarding to connect with clients and witness their reactions to hair and makeup. Of course, we have to mention the joy of helping tweens get ready for their first school dance. So fun!

TSG Phoenix & Scottsdale: As industry experts, can you leave our beauty-loving readers with one insider tip?
Beauty & Propaganda: Of course! Don't be afraid to try new things. And don’t be intimidated! The beauty industry is here to guide you to feeling your best. That said, we don’t recommend trying something brand new on the day of a big event. Instead, use dinner with girlfriends as an excuse to try out a new style!

To learn more about Beauty & Propaganda - from their services to their next available appointment - head over to beautyandpropaganda.com - and don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!

Member Spotlight: Phoenix Comprehensive Dentistry

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. And so, as we prepare to launch Volume 2, we are thrilled to kick off our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Carl Schultz of Schultz Digital

Meet Phoenix Comprehensive Dentistry, a high-tech, relationship-based practice committed to listening to patients and delivering quality dentistry. Boasting over 60 combined years of experience, the husband wife duo, Dr. Diana Deidan and Dr. Gregg Monterosso are bringing big, beautiful smiles to the Valley.

The Scout Phoenix & Scottsdale: We are thrilled to welcome you to Volume 2 of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale. To start, let’s chat about what inspired you both to pursue dentistry…
Phoenix Comprehensive Dental: We became dentists to provide the same kind of excellent care we received as patients long before we went to dental school. It's so rewarding to enhance the lives of our patients, empowering them to smile with confidence.

The Scout Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you share a little bit about the journey of opening a practice in the Valley?
Phoenix Comprehensive Dental: In 2019, we moved to the Valley from New York City. While in NYC, we operated cosmetic practices favored by high-profile clients like actors, celebrities, and politicians. These types of clients demanded and required excellence, as they appeared in front of cameras regularly. Our move to the Valley was born from a desire for warmer climates and an eagerness to translate our cosmetic dentistry to new parts of our country.

The Scout Phoenix & Scottsdale: Phoenix Comprehensive Dentistry is a fabulous cosmetic practice. In what other areas do you specialize?
Phoenix Comprehensive Dental: Our practice includes all areas of dentistry. From dental implants to Invisalign, preventive care to restorative dentistry, Phoenix Comprehensive Dentistry is, well, a comprehensive dental practice. We also offer Botox and cosmetic facial fillers that enhance all of your facial and dental cosmetic needs.

Photo by Carl Schultz of Schultz Digital

Photo by Carl Schultz of Schultz Digital

The Scout Phoenix & Scottsdale: How would you best describe your approach to patient care?
Phoenix Comprehensive Dental: At Phoenix Comprehensive Dentistry, we strive to make the dental experience a comfortable and happy one. We are informed by the desire to treat our patients as we would like to be treated. Our goal is to hear our patients tell us that coming to our office is the best dental experience that they have ever had.

The Scout Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you share some advice for those looking for a cosmetic or restorative dentist? What should they look for in a provider?
Phoenix Comprehensive Dental: We would encourage clients to consider the following: Am I going to be treated differently than I have ever been treated before? Is my provider going to listen to me and my concerns? So many have negative dental experiences and it’s our priority to ensure our patients only have positive experiences. Because of this common experience, we prioritize patient-doctor communication.

 

“Our goal is to hear our patients tell us that coming to our office is the best dental experience that they have ever had.”

 

The Scout Phoenix & Scottsdale: It’s clear that our community is lucky to have a resource such as Phoenix Comprehensive Dental. Can you share what you love about living and working in the Valley.
Phoenix Comprehensive Dental: We love living so close to our office. In New York, we would commute into the City by train. And as much as we loved the City, it made life very challenging. We love living so close, as it allows us to see patients all day and get home quickly to home our 12 year old.

The Scout Phoenix & Scottsdale: We’re so thrilled to welcome you two! Do you have any local favorites?
Phoenix Comprehensive Dental: Absolutely! We love eating Tarbell’s and Buck & Rider, playing golf at Phoenix Country Club, and hiking Camelback and Piestewa Peak!

The Scout Phoenix & Scottsdale: Finally, we always love to ask our Members about the organizations near and dear to their hearts. Can you share yours?
Phoenix Comprehensive Dental: We love supporting the Phoenix Heart Ball and ASPCA

We are so thrilled that Phoenix Comprehensive Dentistry has joined Volume 2 of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale. Learn more about Dr. Deidan and Dr. Monterosso, their practice, and their services here. And don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!

Member Spotlight: Juliet Burgess of The Burgess Law Group

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. And so, as we prepare to launch Volume 2, we are thrilled to kick off our story-telling mission with Member Spotlights…

Photo by Leland Gebhardt Photography

Ahead of co-chairing the Arizona Foundation for Women's Silver Soirée, Juliet Burgess, founding attorney of The Burgess Law Group, chats with The Scout Guide Phoenix. The Burgess Law Group is a boutique law firm providing specialized legal advice on corporate restructuring, commercial bankruptcy, loan enforcement, and employment law matters. A wonderful local business resource, The Burgess Law Group works with businesses of all sizes across all industries to help tackle daily and large-scale issues. Read on to learn about their founder, Juliet Burgess, and their unique approach. 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: We're thrilled to welcome you to Volume 2 of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale! To kick off our chat, we’d like to hear what inspired you to take the entrepreneurial leap…
Member: response in italics

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale:
Juliet Burgess: Thrilled to be a part of the community! Before starting The Burgess Law Group, I practiced at leading international law firms, representing employers from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups. But, when my daughter was born, it was important to me to leave the security of large law firms to find a meaningful balance. And so, The Burgess Law Group was born.

Photo by Leland Gebhardt Photography

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: The Burgess Law Group is truly a modern enterprise. Can you share some of the ways in which your practice continues to evolve with your clients and your community?
Juliet Burgess: Our niche practice allows us to learn how our clients operate and then tailor creative, realistic legal solutions specific to their needs. Because of our size, we are accessible, trusted members of their team, available to help them navigate day-to-day and long-term legal issues. Ultimately, our goal of developing meaningful collaborations with local businesses informs the way we practice and operate.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What informs your work as the founding attorney of The Burgess Law Group?
Juliet Burgess: Growing up, I was a competitive rhythmic gymnast. After a particularly difficult competition, my dad said, “Jules, keep working hard, and your time will come.” He was right. I worked harder than anyone in my gym and eventually won gold medals at the state, regional, and national levels. Following that advice in the practice of law and life has served me well. I firmly believe that no matter the goal, believing in yourself, working hard, and being ambitious will always help you succeed. I also embrace the motto, “have courage and be kind.” To me, having the courage to take risks and always treating others (and yourself) with kindness are invaluable skills in the ever-changing fast past world we live in. I’m proud that the hard work I have put into building The Burgess Law Group has helped the firm evolve into what it is today. And I know that if we keep working hard and being kind and courageous members of the Phoenix and Scottsdale community, we will continue to do amazing things together.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What is the most fulfilling part of leading The Burgess Law Group?
Juliet Burgess: I love collaborating with leadership and human resources during their strategy sessions. I know my clients appreciate that I'm a business owner like them, and can therefore provide advice grounded in the law, as well as personal experience of operating a Phoenix-based business. I find that using this personal experience to help clients navigate and solve delicate workplace issues from a legal and human standpoint is deeply meaningful.

 

“Phoenix is one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in the country and it’s exciting to shape the business community together from the ground up.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: There’s definitely a level of understanding that fellow small businesses owners share, even more so when they work in the same community. Can you share what you love about working in the Valley community?
Juliet Burgess: Phoenix is one of the most dynamic metropolitan areas in the country and it’s exciting to shape the business community together from the ground up. And there are so many entrepreneurs and artists bringing fresh, creative ideas to our community!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s talk more about Phoenix & Scottsdale. What do you love about living in the Valley?
Juliet Burgess: All of the entrepreneurs and artists bringing fresh, creative ideas to our community!

 

“When women support each other - whether it is in law, business, or life - we can all accomplish more than we can alone.”

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What is the best way to show off the Valley to an out-of-town visitor?
Juliet Burgess: Great question! I’d start by taking them to one of the many unique natural features of the Valley, like Camelback Mountain, Sedona, or the Desert Botanical Garden. After refueling with a Havana Latte from La Grande Orange in Arcadia, we’d visit the Farmer’s Market in Old Town, as well as a few of my favorite local businesses around town: urbAna, Mae & Marie, The Paper Place, and Silver & Sage Jewelry to name a few! Following our shopping, we’d explore the Phoenix Art Museum and take a drive to view the iconic architecture of the Burton Barr Central Library, stopping by our offices at 32nd & Camelback. To finish the day: happy hour at the Jade Bar at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley! 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You’ve named some of our favorites, too! Speaking of favorites, are there any local charities near and dear to your heart?
Juliet Burgess: So many!! We are proud to support many non-profit organizations throughout the valley including New Song Center for Grieving Children, The Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project, and The Scottsdale Charros Foundation. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for The Arizona Foundation for Women, The Arizona Women Lawyers Association, and the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library. I am also a proud member of the Arizona Costume Institute and Co-Leader of my daughter’s Girl Scouts troop at Phoenix Country Day School.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: We understand you are Co-Chairing a special event celebrating 25 years of support for Arizona & women. Tell us how you got involved with Arizona Foundation for Women and details about this upcoming celebration.
Juliet Burgess: When I reflect on each chapter in my personal life and professional career, I am grateful for the support, connections, and inspiration other women showed me. I firmly believe that when women support each other - whether it's in law, business, or life - we can all accomplish more than we can alone. When I learned about the Arizona Foundation for Women, I was drawn to its mission, which is rooted in improving safety, health, and economic independence for Arizona women. I am incredibly proud to serve on their Board of Directors and as a Champion for their SheLeads® program. I am also honored to be co-chairing the organization’s 25th Anniversary Silver Soiree with the incredible Brooke Levy and renowned philanthropist Billy Jo Herberger. On Thursday, March 17th, we will enjoy a spectacular evening of live music, dancing, and cocktails in honor of champions for women. Arizona Foundation for Women’s Silver Soirée will feature some of the most iconic names in music, art, and philanthropy– including four-time Grammy award winner and Queen of Percussion Sheila E. is this year’s Sandra Day O’Connor Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. Best of all, every dollar raised will go directly to the women in our state who need it most.

Want to attend or sponsor? Know someone else who would enjoy a night of celebration and entertainment while improving the lives of Arizona’s women? Click here for more information and to purchase tickets, tables and sponsorships.