Arizona Business Feature: Bellapia Designs

Well here in the valley of the sun, the temps have already been in the 80s and my son has been swimming a few times, and it's not even March! (Does that mean it's time to start caring about my arms and belly?!). Well for all you Phoenicians who are ready for bathing suit season, we have you covered!

Today we feature Tricia of Bellapia Designs. I first met her at Phoenix Flea when I owned a design company (Paper Patch Design Co. & Tiny Lemon Design --- no longer in service ;) ). We traded a few items and I got my son the cutest little baby shoes.  Well she has since branched out and has started designing swimwear! The cutest swimwear out there I think! Her pieces are reversible and not too revealing but not granny-ish either. I have the problem of having the same Target suit as everyone at the resort pool so you will be one-of-a-kind in her pieces.

Tricia loves the desert and is inspired by it when she designs her pieces. She also carries a variety of clothing in her shop!

Tricia shared some of favorite locals:

What are some of your favorite local businesses?

I love Letter Craft, The Yellow Bungalow Shop, The Banner Shoppe, Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market, Phoenix Flea, Madalyn Nault Handbags, Beth Allen Art. There are so many I can go on and on. 

What impact do you think keeping our money local have not only on the economy but the community and culture of Arizona?

I believe that when you keep things local, and shopping small through out the country even, you are allowing people to live their right to the "American dream" We need to be self sustainable in the USA and not worry so much about the dollar but care about the quality and relationships.

Any other comments?

I think phoenix has such a wonderful small business community and everyone genuinely wants to support each other. I am proud to have many many local companies represented in my home décor and clothing my family wears. Very Proud.  

Thank you Tricia for being part of Curate Arizona. Keep on designing beautiful pieces!

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Arizona Business Feature: Arizona Craft Co.

Hi guys! We've been undergoing some house projects which has made life a little messy and unorganized, but we're in the final stretch! Without further adieu, the next business we're excited to feature is Arizona Craft Co. Samantha and her business focus on state signs (fitting, right?!) as well as custom wood signs.

Cutest Samantha and her handmade sign

Arizona Craft Co. started out as a hobby while Samantha was unemployed and wedding planning. She shares her love with the state of Arizona with her husband and her signs will add a little "home" to your house.

Arizona String Art

Home Is Wherever I'm With You Sign

Samantha shared her thoughts on local with us!

What are some of your favorite local Arizona small businesses? 

Phoenix's food scene is amazing!!! Next to sign making my favorite hobby is eating. Crepe Bar, Pomo, and Short Leash are some of my faves!

What's your "hidden Arizona gem" business that more people should know about?

Bunky Boutique is an adorable little shop tucked away in a local coffee shop, Giant. Both are definite musts.  

What impact do you think keeping our money local has not only on the economy, but on the culture and community of Arizona?

I believe it's incredibly important to support local businesses. Keeping money local keeps jobs in your backyard while simultaneously helping build someone's dreams. I believe it's important to build roots in your community in order for it to thrive. Supporting local businesses or beginning your own to benefit the community is the perfect way to do that.

We hope you head on over to visit Samantha and her shop and that you find some Arizona love for your own home! Thank you so much for being a part of Curate Arizona, Samantha!

Find Samantha and Arizona Craft Co:

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March Features

It's almost springtime here in Arizona (ok, it's actually 90 degrees here today!) and that means it's a busy time for festivals, craft shows, and tons of fun around the state. I like to call this time patio weather because what's better than relaxing at your favorite local restaurant with a cold one before it gets too hot?

If you have a small business, whether it's handmade or a new restaurant, we'd love to feature you! We loved sharing a few of our favorites in February and we hope you discovered some new places to keep your money local. Head over to our website and click apply now!

Arizona Business Feature: Zion Baby and Home

Ok, if you have an upcoming baby or baby shower, stop what you're doing! You must check out the adorable mobiles from our next feature!

Seriously, a one-of-a-kind timeless gift!

Meet Kate of Zion Baby and Home:

Frustrated with her choices of mobiles from other baby brands, she decided to design one on her own. Kate's background in interior design has given her an eye to create these sophisticated and special pieces. The original Little Black Rain Cloud was born using Liberty of London fabric from her mom's stash from the actual shop in London (so cool!). When her son was born Kate designed the mountain mobile for his nursery.

What makes these pieces even more special is that each fabric is a limited edition, purchased in small amounts. Truly unique!

Kate share some of her favorite local places from coffee to baby goods. Enjoy!

What are some of your favorite local Arizona small businesses? 

Twigs and Twine / Draftwood Design. This husband and wife team has a beautiful showroom of vintage furniture pieces and home accents. They also have a custom furniture line that offers gorgeous mid-century inspired pieces.

Baby Lux. An adorable baby boutique in North Scottsdale. This is the best place to go if you are looking to spoil the baby in your life absolutely rotten.

McDowell Mountain Cycles. Jake and Rob at MMC are awesome guys and extremely knowledgeable. Anyone looking for a new bike, accessories, or a group to ride with on Saturdays should take the trip out to Fountain Hills to visit this shop.

Press Coffee Roasters. This mama of "two under two" lives on caffeine and they have the best chai latte in town.  

What's your "hidden Arizona gem" business that more people should know about?

For anyone who shares my slight obsession with fabric, Modern Quilting in Phoenix is a must. I recently stopped in and was greeted by the warmest staff and amazing selection. It really felt like I was back home in the quaint New Hampshire shop that I am used to. I have been back several times and am currently taking an 8-week quilting class in the store on Saturdays. For anyone looking for new and interesting fabrics and a wealth of sewing/quilting knowledge, this is the place.  

What impact do you think keeping our money local has not only on the economy, but on the culture and community of Arizona?

I love Target as much as the next person, but there is something really special about sourcing locally our morning coffee, our furniture, or even the soap we use. When we shop local we are positively impacting people just like ourselves, some who without their businesses may not be about to pursue their dreams or even take part in the hustle and bustle of a traditional 9-5 corporate job. More specifically, after I had my daughter I discovered this amazing network of "mom makers"- women who are raising their kids and using their gifts by starting their own small business. We should never underestimate the power of shopping locally with our kids and showing them the faces and heart behind the products they buy.

Thank you Kate for sharing your talents with us! You have a bright future ahead, that's for sure and we wish you all the success in the world!

Find Zion Baby and Home:

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Arizona Business Feature: Sonia Gracia Handmade

Today we get to dive into the world of handmade jewelry with Sonia Gracia Handmade.

Sonia designs beautiful and modern clay jewelry including big statement necklaces, earrings, and rings. She lives in the Valley and sells online but you will be able to check out her work in person at a few upcoming markets!

Sonia and her husband moved to Arizona from New York City. She used her previous background in architecture to help her design her jewelry and it turned out to be a much more gratifying way to use her skills.

Sonia shared her favorite local establishments with us:

What are some of your favorite local Arizona small businesses?

The Brickyard which just opened up in Downtown Chandler, The Beauty Garden in Downtown Gilbert for a cut and style, and for a great cocktail, The Ostrich located behind the San Marcos Hotel in Downtown Chandler.

What's your "hidden Arizona gem" business that more people should know about?

Being an avid coffee drinker I have to say Peixoto Coffee is my gem in the Valley. It is such a welcoming and wonderful place to just sit, relax, and enjoy an excellent cup of coffee. Julia and Jeff are also supportive in the local community having local food and gifts from local businesses. 

What impact do you think keeping our money local has not only on the economy, but on the culture and community of Arizona?

I think it has a huge impact in the economy and the viability of our communities. It encourages creativity in keeping diversity in the products created. You won't find the care, the love for something locally handmade in a big corporation. It makes us more connected, more responsible for local decisions that in the end impact all of us.
 To me personally, having the experience and knowledge in architecture has made me realize how important it is to support local businesses; It provides for environmental sustainability. As a mother to two precious daughters that means so much to me and their future.

Thank you so much, Sonia, for sharing your creativity with us and the whole state! We're glad you have been able to use your skills in such a positive way!

Find more of Sonia Garcia handmade:

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Arizona Business Feature: Ünika Collections

Hey-o! We're back with another Arizona Business Feature, this time with the beautiful Mackenzie from Ünika Collections!

You'll get a little of everything for your walls from her work - hand-painted wood signs, chalkboard decor, and prints - all hand lettered. She also has incorporated super cute wrapping paper (which I totally needed for Christmas!). Kenzie's goal is to use the 26 letters of the alphabet in a way that is not only artistic, but also brings life to the message conveyed. I'd say she does a beautiful job!

Wood Collection

Chalk Collection

Paper Collection

Kenzie recently moved from Oregon to Arizona so she is still discovering all Arizona has to offer. However I think she has done a pretty good job finding some amazing businesses to spend her money. Some of her favorites include Camelback Flowershop, Frances Vintage, Twigs & Twine, and Biltmore Pro Print. Her "hidden gem" is one of my new favorites, Sip Coffee & Beer Garage (I like your style - we must live in the same neighborhood!).

Kenzie shared some thoughts on being a local artisan and what it means to her:

Tell us a bit about your business and how you represent local.

I am so very thankful that "supporting local" has become a hot topic recently. What a powerful thing to start a movement fully based on supporting our neighbors! One of my favorite parts of running my business is being able to participate in local festivals and markets and getting to meet others who also live here – people just have the coolest stories! I always leave these events inspired. Being on this end of a small business has been incredibly eye-opening to me. Prices of handmade items are easy to scoff at when you are unaware of all the time, cost, and labor that goes into each piece. Now, it is important to me to spend my paychecks on other product that is also made locally... I know how much work went into it and I want to support the person behind it! We are all in this together!

What impact do you think keeping our money local has not only on the economy, but on the culture and community of Arizona? 

 I found this quote over the holidays, and fell in love with it: "When you buy from a mom-and-pop business, you are not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mom or dad put food on the table, a family pay a mortgage, or a student pay for college." I can honestly say from experience that choosing to buy local is choosing to help fulfill someone's dream. It is as simple as that. I am so grateful for Ünika Collections because it has given me such a fresh perspective on what supporting local looks like.

Kenzie, we are so glad you are now part of the Arizona small business community. Thank you for your contributions to supporting local! Get in touch with Kenzie and Ünika Collections here:

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Arizona Business Feature: Bears Eat Berries

I was lucky enough to meet Laura of Bears Eat Berries when we did a West Elm Pop-Up shop a while back.

Bears Eat Berries is an independent design studio that not only collaborates with other brands but creates beautiful designs and illustrations for her shop.

Recipe Cards

Citrus Thank You Cards

Letterpress Woodland Animal Cards

 I love the simplicity and elegance of all of her work. I was excited to hear more about her stance on the importance of keeping our business local.

Tell us a bit about how you represent local:

When I first moved three years ago, I sought out local businesses and creatives that give Phoenix and the valley its own identity. You have to look for it in Arizona, but once you do, you realize there is so much creative energy. To me, being a local means everything from meeting your neighbors and shopping at independent businesses rather than big box stores, to seeking out local businesses and creatives to collaborate on work. Though my clients can be from anywhere, I love the projects that allow me to work with creative businesses here at home. I take pride in those projects and they have helped me feel like an adopted Arizonian.

What are some of your favorite Arizona small businesses?

My husband and I love the local coffee culture, so places like Lux and Giant in downtown Phoenix are great spots. We live right around the corner from Changing Hands, so I drop in there almost weekly to peruse books and find inspiration. For a happy hour, I love what the guys at Arizona Wilderness Brewery are doing, and for a weekend morning, picking citrus at Agritopia Farm in Gilbert is a fun way to get outside.

What is your favorite Arizona hidden gem business more people should know about?

Crepe Bar! It's in a non-descript strip mall neighborhood but it's one of my favorite places to eat. Jeff Kraus, the owner and chef, is just brilliant in his creativity of dishes and also understands the importance of supporting the local community by purchasing many of his ingredients from other local food businesses, like my favorite farm, Steadfast Farm.

What impact do you think keeping our money local has on the economy of Arizona, as well as the culture and community?

We get to invest in people we know. We get to support the young chef who has taken a risk and set up a restaurant in our community. He's helping to make my quality of life better, so eating at his restaurant is a way to thank him for being here. It makes the community more friendly, more tight knit, and overall much more desirable. If local businesses support independent designers like me in projects like branding or graphic design, they get a partner who is not just concerned with the bottom line, but instead someone who really cares about the success of their business. 

(Laura! Your answers were so solid I couldn't really narrow them down!) You can really feel the passion Laura has for local and the impact it has on our community.

If you're looking for a local designer to partner with or some adorable paper products Bears Eat Berries is your place.

Thank you Laura for helping support small Arizona businesses!

Bears Eat Berries

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