Member Spotlight: Benedict's Catering

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…

Photography by Scott Foust Studios.

With the approaching holiday season, celebrations and entertaining are top of mind. Which is an opportune time to catch up with one of Scottsdale’s favorite corporate and private catering + event planning companies - and one we keep on speed dial - Benedict’s Catering. Known for a commitment to providing award-winning service, inviting presentations, and detailed event planning,  Benedict’s is a tried and true TSG favorite. In fact, we’ve partnered with owner Dawn Kennington-Bejar for TSG events, including our Volume 1 and Volume 2 Launch Parties. And for each, the Benedict’s team exceeded our every expectation. 

True creatives, Benedict’s is known for collaborating with the best to create the most delicious culinary, cocktail, and event experience for clients. And whether you’re planning an over-the-top soirée to impress the in-laws for Thanksgiving or simply loathe to cook, Benedict’s is a must-tap. Here, we chat about Thanksgiving plans, building a business in the Valley, and, of course, favorite meals. 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Before diving into the delicious, let’s chat business. Specifically, how Benedicts got started…
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: I spent two decades as an executive director in the luxury cosmetics industry, a job that included ample event planning. Yet, even after planning countless events, I never found a caterer that matched the level of service my industry demanded. So I started Benedict’s out of my kitchen in 2003. Developing menus and service staff that clients could rely on helped the business grow. We quickly became the go-to caterer for high-end retail events and luxury weddings. Almost twenty years later, we’re still at it!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Twenty Years is an incredible milestone. How do you define your success across two decades?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: Twenty years ago, Benedict’s was basically a solo show. Today, we have an amazing, loyal staff, which is a rarity - and gift - in this industry. We also work with some of the same clients I started with in 2003, which is an amazing honor.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next twenty years?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: Full-steam ahead! We look forward to serving many more clients with creative menus and lovely events.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Service is at the heart of Benedict’s ethos. Certainly, it inspired your Volume 2 feature, which echoed the mantra, “At your service.” Can you speak to this client-centricity?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: We love, love our clients. There’s no greater privilege (or indicator of success) than having clients return year after year and refer new friends! We love using our expertise to bring their vision to life, which we often develop together. And we love watching their events unfold in real-time. We relish their joy!

Photography courtesy of Benedict’s.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: As the holiday season approaches, what advice would you give to clients who are planning to host a holiday soirée?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: Whether you’re hosting for 500, 50, or 15: plan ahead and book in advance. We are a one-stop shop and eager to collaborate with you on your holiday affairs, from menu creation to bartending, florals to rentals. Before starting the conversation, we recommend knowing your guest count and any menu considerations. We also encourage clients to have a budget in mind, as it’s our guideline in developing menus and the scope of the event.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: For our readers who don’t relish cooking, we have to ask: will you be offering Thanksgiving catering this year?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: Of course! Benedict’s is here to make Thanksgiving meals simple - right down to the clean-up. Our favorite sides are prepped into a disposable aluminum foil pans for warming and our turkey comes with herb butter, ready to be popped into the oven. In short, all you have to worry about is picking up your order and setting the table!

Photography courtesy of Benedict’s.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: To wrap up, we’d like to turn our conversation back to local. What do you love about living and working in the Valley?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: With amazing weather and landscapes, the Valley is uniquely beautiful. We have a close community of folks who help and support one another.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you share a few of your favorite places and experiences around town?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: Our city is filled with amazing, colorful, and energetic people from all over the world who have created fabulous local experiences. From happy hour on the patio at El Chorro to dinner at Tarbell’s, I have so many favorites. But The Gladly, Hidden Track Bottle Shop, and Gallo Blanco definitely top my list.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You mentioned a few restaurants. As a caterer, what is your favorite meal around town?
Dawn Kennington-Bejar: Any meal I get to share with my family, friends, and loved ones.

Photography by Scott Foust Studios.

Benedict's is making Thanksgiving simple. All of their delightful sides are prepped and put into aluminum foil pans and only need to be warmed (read: no pots or pans to wash!). Their turkeys are also prepped in a disposable aluminum foil pan, rubbed with herb butter and ready to go straight into the oven. Pick up your fully prepped meal with heating instructions Wednesday, November 23rd from 10AM - 6PM at Benedict's Café, located at 5555 E Bell Rd. #6 Scottsdale, Arizona. Don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you! 

Member Spotlight: The Brokery

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…

Photography by Carrie Evans Photography.

In 2012, seasoned real estate experts Oleg Bortman and Tucker Blalock teamed up to found The Brokery, a boutique real estate company with a vision to be experts in community’s they serve. That vision - later translated into their company’s motto, “Relentlessly Local" - has allowed the duo to develop a team of top-performing agents. Once focused in Biltmore and Arcadia, The Brokery now works with residents of Central Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and beyond. Leveraging their growing team's local expertise, The Brokery delivers the same relentlessly local experience that inspired Blalock and Bortman over a decade ago.

While you’ll recall Brokery agent, Lara Sperber’s feature from Volume 1 and have previewed The Brokery's luxury listings in our monthly Scouted Listings series, we’re thrilled to highlight the boutique real estate company in Volume 2 and chat with entrepreneurs and Founders, Bortman and Blalock the about their ethos and expansion.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What motivated your partnership and founding of The Brokery?
Bortman & Blalock: We saw a need for a nimble, locally knowledgeable brokerage that could provide exceptional value to residents of our communities.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: From your motto to your origin story, the ethos of The Brokery is hyperlocal. Can you elaborate on the importance of being “Relentlessly Local” in the real estate business?
Bortman & Blalock: We believe in the power of finding your niche and being an expert in a particular area within real estate. Living and breathing a neighborhood affords real estate agents a competitive advantage in securing clients top dollar and emerging as the go-to expert on the area's lifestyle and amenities. In short, being relentlessly local is best for our agents and our clients.

Photography by Carrie Evans Photography.

Photography by Carrie Evans Photography.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How does your motto translate into how The Brokery, as a business, is operated?
Bortman & Blalock: Our motto informs everything The Brokery does. It’s why we have a brick-and-mortar office in the heart of each neighborhood we serve, including Arcadia, Biltmore, Central Phoenix, and, most recently, Scottsdale. We believe in having an approachable, neighborhood-friendly presence to become a part of the fabric of the community. *Watch the video below to take a virtual tour of their offices with Tucker.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What is the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Oleg Bortman: I love being able to help my clients bring their real estate dreams to life, and I deeply enjoy coaching the agents on my team. It’s rewarding to watch my colleagues grow, build wealth for their families, and achieve their professional goals.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: It’s easy to see why The Brokery was voted one of the Top 100 Places to Work in Arizona. Can you share the distinctive elements of The Brokery’s culture that earned you this esteemed accolade?
Bortman & Blalock: We’ve created a culture of collaboration to ensure our agents feel supported and poised for success in their work. Mentorship is a part of The Brokery's identity. And, as leaders, we set an example of sharing resources, vicarious experiences, and knowledge with one another - and encourage others to do the same. We also have talented support staff that assists agents with everything from sales coaching to marketing design and transaction file management.

 

“As a native of Arcadia, it brings me joy to serve the residents of the community that raised me.”

Tucker Blalock, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of The Brokery

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Over the past few years, the Valley has been one of the hottest markets in the country. But this seems to be changing as the real estate market cools across the nation. What - in your expert opinion - does this mean for homeowners in our community?
Bortman & Blalock: As the market continues to evolve, sellers and buyers will need to temper their expectations, understanding that past results are not indicative of future returns. In this uncertain time of Federal Reserve tightening and increasing inventory, homes will not continue to offer returns of 10+ percent. Rather than yelling, “Fire!” we see this as a healthy break as the market digests the extreme conditions that infused volatility into housing prices over the past couple of years. The housing market will feel slower in the interim, which is totally okay. We expect Phoenix real estate to remain resilient and continue to appreciate, albeit with lower single-digit gains.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What does this mean for The Brokery?
Bortman & Blalock: The next phase will call for increased workload for real estate agents. Agents will need dynamic marketing power and deep relationships to help their clients’ homes stand out in a more crowded marketplace. We were in this business before the Phoenix metropolitan real estate market boomed, so we understand the time, patience, and tactics required to sell a property in a slower, more balanced market. We have also established a reputation within the local community and our clients trust in the consistent results we’ve provided over the years.

 

“We were in this business before the Phoenix metropolitan real estate market boomed, so we understand the time, patience, and tactics required to sell a property in a slower, more balanced market.”

Oleg Bortman, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of The Brokery

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Undoubtedly, community runs deep in the heart of The Brokery. Switching gears slightly, are there any local organizations or charities important to you?
Bortman & Blalock: We’ve both served on the board of Fresh Start Women’s Organization.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: And, finally, we have to ask. You are local experts, after all. What are a few of your favorite local spots and experiences you recommend to clients?
Bortman & Blalock: Great question! For dining, we love to recommend Postino, LGO, and Sushi 32. For wine, Tarbell’s Wine Store. For shopping, we frequent Jade & Clover and urbAna. To get outside, we love to explore Castle Hot Springs or head to Herberger Park for Pickleball. And we always look forward to Fresh Start’s Annual Charity Golf Classic.

Selling or buying, The Brokery is one of Phoenix & Scottsdale’s premier brokerages. To learn more about working with The Brokery or view their available listings, reach out to Oleg (602-402-2296 | oleg@thebrokery.com) or Tucker (602-561-0445 | tucker@thebrokery.com) directly via phone or email. Don’t forget to follow along with our Scouted Listings series for the best of The Brokery’s real estate offerings. And, as always, tell them Scout sent you!

Member Spotlight: artstudio 1.0.1

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…

Photography by Scott Foust Studios.

In 2000, Faye Urlacher capitalized on her background in art and interior design to launch artstudio 101. A full-service art consulting firm with a decidedly personalized, collaborative approach, artstudio 101 has developed relationships with galleries, artists, and dealers both locally and across the country, emerging as a leading consultancy with a loyal following. It should be noted that the artstudio 101 team itself is a loyal group, with an all-woman team boasting decades of work together.

Recently, we chatted with Faye and the artstudio 101 team about art, small business ownership, the community, and what’s on the walls…

Editor’s Note: Hemingway, debuts as Faye’s co-star in artstudio 101's Volume 2 feature. While he’s been a part of the artstudio 101 team since 2014, he’s often caught sleeping on the job.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Artstudio 101 has a storied history in Phoenix. Can you take us back to the year 2000 and share what inspired you to take the entrepreneurial leap?
Faye Urlacher: I opened artstudio 101 when I realized that I could apply years of experience in the design field, my passion for art, and my natural organizational skills to a specialized business that takes a truly personal approach with every client.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: You recently celebrated 20 years in business. What has been your favorite part of being a small business owner?
Faye Urlacher: I am blessed to have amazing co-workers and a beautiful bright space to work in every day. We work with great clients on special projects. It’s truly a pleasure being able to do what I do.... 20 years have gone by in a blink!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Do you have a favorite project or client?
Faye Urlacher: All are unique, which makes it impossible to select one standout project or client. Recently, we had the privileged to work with CALA, a new boutique hotel in Old Town Scottsdale. And we were thrilled with the results on our collaboration with Creighton School of Medicine, which called for specialized custom pieces from local and national artists with thrilling results.

Photography by Scott Foust Studios.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Over two decades, artstudio 101 has worked on a vast number of projects across a variety of industries. What has been the guiding pricinple? The vision that has charted artstudio 101’s course?
Faye Urlacher: Our philosophy is based on accessibility and simplicity.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Let’s break that down. What do you mean by accessibility?
Faye Urlacher: We work with clients of every size, budget, concept, and space, offering a fresh take from our highly-skilled consultants.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How does artstudio 101 simplify the process?
Faye Urlacher: We serve as the single point of contact for artwork requirements, collaborating with clients on every step of the project, from initial conceptualization and budgeting to final installation.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you explain your decision to operate as a consultancy rather than a traditional gallery.
Faye Urlacher: By operating as consultants our team has been able to nurtured an unparalleled network of galleries, collections, vendors, and artists. This decision has also allowed us to develop the highest standards in affordable custom framing, as well as artwork handling, installation, and storage. In short, we can offer a comprehensive experience for our clients.

 

“Our philosophy is based on simplicity.”

Faye Urlacher, Owner of artstudio 101.

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: We know that artstudio 101 collaborates with corporate and healthcare clients, but understand that the demand from residential clients is increasing dramatically. What does art consulting for a residential project look like?
Faye Urlacher: First, it’s important to note that many homeowners think hiring an art consultant is out of their budget. However, we work with designers and homeowners on projects and budgets of every size. Artstudio 101 collaborates on everything from one statement piece to outfitting the whole house.

Photography by Scott Foust Studios.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What else should Arizonans know about artstudio 101?
Faye Urlacher: We are open for in-person visits. With an ever-changing space filled with a collection of ready-to-purchase art pieces, as well as framing and design services, we’re a wonderful resource for interior designers, homeowners, and art lovers.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: As an industry expert, what advice would you give to art collectors?
Faye Urlacher: Don’t underestimate the impact of a great frame!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: As a longtime local and art expert, do you have any recommendations for those interested in immersing themselves in the art scene?
Faye Urlacher: First Friday’s Art Walk is a great way to discover Downtown Phoenix artists!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Aside from our vibrant art scene, what do you love about living and working in the Valley?
Faye Urlacher: I love the ease of living in the Valley – it’s a big growing city that maintains a small-town feel. It helps that we have so many great neighborhoods in which hosting a block party or community movie night is still a “thing.”

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Can you share a few of your local favorites?
Faye Urlacher: I’m a regular at The Henry, LGO, and The Lola. Steak 44 is my spot for a great cocktail.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: And finally, are there any local charities or organizations close to your heart? Given your Volume 2 co-star, we have an inkling…
Faye Urlacher: We are animal lovers, as you can tell by our resident cat, Hemingway! So, we are drawn to organizations that assist them, including Arizona Humane Society and HALO Animal Rescue. Additionally, given our frequent work with health care organizations, we proudly donate to the Ronald McDonald House of Charities.

To learn more about artstudio 101, their services, expertise, and process, head to artstudio-101.com. And don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!

Member Spotlight: Morph Aesthetics

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…

Meet Morph Aesthetics, the full-service aesthetics cosmetics firm headquartered in Scottsdale. Led by founder Brandie Henderson, Morph is one of the Valley’s most-beloved cosmetic aesthetic companies, with over 600+ clients boasting - often quite literally - glowing reviews.

Morph is also one of Scottsdale’s few aesthetic firms led by a former medical professional with over a decade of experience. The Morph team includes other skincare experts, like Danny Farquhar founder of Solo Skin Co. as a complement to Brandie’s services. To welcome Morph to Volume 2, we chatted with Brandie about her background, mission, and thriving new business.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Before diving into the entrepreneurial leap you took in starting Morph Aesthetics, can you share a little bit about your background that is, undoubtedly, the foundation of your business?
Brandie Henderson: My professional life began in nursing, specifically pediatric nursing, fostering the health and wellness of children in acute and private sectors. In 2017, I transitioned into Aesthetic Nursing, training as an apprentice under Jennifer Prince, RN, BSN.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Your decision to take the entrepreneurial leap was born from a difficult season. Can you share how this influenced the name of your business and ultimately inspired your Volume 2 spread?
Brandie Henderson: In 2020, my path changed unexpectedly due to a life event. I took that time to look at the blessings from a tragedy and recreate my destiny. It was like the metamorphosis of a butterfly, which is the perfect symbol of how beauty can emerge from darkness. I was also inspired by the quote “Alis Volat Propriis,” which means “she flies with her own wings.” Hence the name, Morph Aesthetics.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What else informs you as a business owner?
Brandie Henderson: I firmly believe that beauty starts within and should be reflected on the outside. My mission is to enhance natural beauty.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What aspect of your work have you found to be the most fulfilling?
Brandie Henderson: The bond I create with my clients. Many have been with me on my journey, and I feel blessed to be a part of theirs. My clients are like a family to me. I view the client-provider relationship as more than transactional, and believe that every client is meant to be in my chair. They are the reason I do what I do.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: In addition to a deeper relationship, what can clients expect at Morph Aesthetics?
Brandie Henderson: We strive to offer a breadth of aesthetic services, including injectables (Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau), fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, RHA Collection, micro-needling, PRP Hair & Injections, Kybella, Sculptra, Hydrafacials, peels. Basically, all things skincare.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: As an expert, what do you hope clients know about skincare?
Brandie Henderson: The skin is your largest organ and should be treated properly. We can inject clients with HA fillers all day, but if you’re not taking care of yourself out of the chair - through diet, exercise, and skincare - you won’t achieve optimal results. In short, invest in and take care of yourself. We only get one body and it’s our vessel, so treat it with grace.”

 

“Invest in and take care of yourself. We only get one body and it’s our vessel, so treat it with grace.”

Brandie Henderson, Founder of Morph Aesthtics

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: How do you stay on the cutting edge of skincare?
Brandie Henderson: When I’m not working with clients, I provide work with aspiring aestheticians, providing training and apprenticeship. I train nationally for Galderma and provide New Injector Immersion Trainings and an Apprenticeship Program. Continuing to learn is so important - both personally and professionally.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Your work training other aestheticians and Morph apprenticeships seem like an extension of your mantra, “Alis Volat Propriis.” Or, in other words, an invitation for others to learn how to fly by their own wings. Can you share more about your apprenticeship and training programs?
Brandie Henderson: Absolutely. Morph Aesthetics offers a comprehensive 2-day course under myself and Catherine Marine, RN. It includes didactic and hands-on training for those interested in entering the aesthetics field. I also offer an apprenticeship program - G.A.A.P. - inviting trainees to shadow me for 10 days. It’s a wonderful opportunity for hands-on experience. And I’ve loved working with each and every one of my 21 apprentices!

 

“We are all continuously learning. You cannot take away education, nor can you grow if you’re not learning.”

Brandie Henderson, Founder of Morph Aesthetics

 

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: What a wonderful way to give back to your industry. Outside of aesthetics, is there a charity or organization that’s close to your heart?
Brandie Henderson: With a background in nursing - I was actually a Pediatric Nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital - I’m passionate about supporting Mom’s Pantry and PANDA.

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Both are fabulous charities doing important work locally. Let’s chat more about local. Can you walk us through a perfect day in the Valley?
Brandie Henderson: Wake up to an amazing cup of coffee, followed by a hike, pilates, or time at the gym. A visit to the Farmer’s Market, then brunch at LON’S at The Hermosa Inn with the people I love. In the afternoon, I’d head to The Phoenician for an amazing spa treatment followed by lunch at the rooftop pool or lounging at the Montelucia. Finally, dinner reservations at Sanctuary!

The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale: Sounds fabulous! Any other local favorites we need to know?
Brandie Henderson: There are so many! The Valley is a fantastic place to eat, drink, shop, and explore. My current favorites for the above include… Vecina, Chelsea Kitchen, SEL, Pomo, Clever Koi, and Marigold Maison for dining. Thirsty Camel, and MercBar for drinks. Wunderkind, Vida Moulin, and Busted 2 Bangin for shopping. Form Floral, Luckystar Jewels, and urbAna for gifting. And Sedona, RoRo Street Art Tour, Desert Botanical Gardens, and Heard Museum for exploring!

Brandie and Morph Aesthetics are invaluable local resources for skincare. In addition to offering a full-range of skincare services, they offer vetted products (Face Reality, IS Clinical, Latisse, Upneeq), and unparalleled expertise. Recently, Morph Aesthetics introduced a loyalty program to offer 10% off all services, a free monthly B12 shot, and access to their amazing promotions, giveaways, and social events. To learn more or schedule your service, head over to morphaesthetics.com. And don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!

What’s New In Volume 2 | An Update with Ana & Brian Wells of urbAna

Since first Scouting urbAna and sharing their story in our Volume 1 Member Spotlight, we’ve anticipated exciting things from owners Ana and Brian Wells. Their sophisticated yet accessible boutique features a fabulously-curated selection of home goods, gifts, and furnishings. A visit to urbAna leaves you inspired and well prepared for all of life’s special occasions. Ana and Brian’s newest venture, Arcadia Toys, follows in a similar fashion. Located adjacent to the Phoenix location, Arcadia Toys brings the quintessential fun of a classic toy store to local families. 

Photos by Carrie Evans Photography

In addition to expanding into the East Valley with a third urbAna later this year, the warmly received Arcadia Toys paves the way for further extensions of their offerings. To get the full scoop, we caught up with Ana and Brian and learned how staying true to core principles guides this busy duo when opportunity is presented.

Arcadia Toys is quickly becoming a neighborhood staple for parents and children alike, especially as summer break sets in. Following urbAna’s mission to bring curated items to the market, the store inspires awe in little ones and offers parents the opportunity to find traditional birthday gifts and unique items. “We call ourselves a celebrations shop, no matter the occasion we have you covered.”Ana shares. With Arcadia Toys Birthday Club, littles can create a birthday registry list while parents stock up on one-of-a-kind party decor. 

 

“The focus will always be on specialty,”

 

Ana and Brian’s expansion is not just limited to delights for children. Their offerings at urbAna have grown to include design-inclined favorites like Four Hands Furniture, Hudson Valley Lighting, Chilewich rugs, and - perhaps most popular - Farrow & Ball paint. And while urbAna’s offerings are incredibly vast, Ana assures us the philosophy informing their curation process is simple. “Regardless of trends, we buy items that speak to us.” 

Ana and Brian’s uncanny knack for sourcing items and exceptional ability to speak to a range of shoppers, occasions, and aesthetics has grown the clientele of this local favorite far beyond Scottsdale and Phoenix. Naturally, this positioned them well for thoughtful growth.

Driving urbAna’s expansion to the East Valley was the opportunity to open a third location in Epicenter at Agritopia. The eagerly anticipated mixed-use center being developed by Gilbert’s own Johnston & Co spoke to Ana and Brian’s commitment to being connected to the community they serve in a meaningful way.

“Joe Johnston has been instrumental in the success of Gilbert,” says Ana. “He and his family have a vision for a community with heart, which aligns with urbAna’s ethos of giving the community a safe space. When Joe approached us with his plans, we hit it off right away and knew we had to be a part of his vision.” 

We’re eagerly awaiting the opening of urbAna’s East Valley location this fall. But, in the meantime, you’ll find us stopping into the Scottsdale store to shop for a complimentary consultation with their in-store designer. And on Wednesdays, we’ll be bringing our little ones along to the Arcadia location to let them enjoy the summer programming at Arcadia Toys, which will feature storytime, craft events, and curated playdates, and keep kiddos entertained while we shop!

To keep up with the latest updates, offerings, and events, make sure to follow along with urbAna on Instagram (@urbanaphoenix and @arcadiatoyshop). And when you stop in, don’t forget to tell them Scout sent you!

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.