< Previousboov 2023 I COMPANIES & PROFESSIONALS I BEST OF OUR VALLEY WINNERS BEST BOUTIQUE PUBLIC RELATIONS OR MARKETING FIRM Mack Media Relations > Mack Media Relations is an award- winning boutique public relations firm elevating brand awareness for Arizona businesses and entrepreneurs. Founded in 2016, MMR offers an integrated approach to PR campaigns that elevate awareness and drive interest in local and national brands. mackmediarelations.com BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY/BROKERAGE Christie’s International Real Estate christiesrealestate.com BEST REAL ESTATE LAW FIRM tie among Rose Law Group (roselawgroup.com), Tiffany & Bosco PA (tblaw.com) & Udall Sh umway & Lyons (udallshumway.com) BEST REAL ESTATE TEAM Private Client Group > The team at Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty Private Client Group understands that partnerships are essential to building long-lasting relationships. They pride themselves on their proven track record of 75- plus years of local excellence, and their association with the Sotheby’s Auction House, which boasts over 280 years of pride. Their expertise in global real estate services has allowed them to provide clients with tailored representation and white glove exposure, leading to year after year of exceptional results. With over a billion dollars worth of real estate sales managed just within Arizona, they are confident in their ability to manage clients’ global real estate needs with pride. Associate partners from all over the world continue to refer their friends and family to Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty Private Client Group because they have earned their faith and trust through the “test of time.” They invite potential clients to personally get to know them better and experience the level of care they bring to all of their projects. Managing a real estate transaction is a simple task when you’re a master in marketing. Interested parties can schedule a discreet appointment with them today to explore their options. privateclientgroupagents.com BEST ROOFING tie between Brown Roofing (brownroofingaz.com) & *KY-KO Roofing (kykoroofing.com) BEST TATTOO ARTIST / STUDIO Kevin Bradley Jr. Sea of Ink Tattoo Studio seaofinktattoo.com FAVORITE REALTOR Justin Caputo Real Estate Broker > Justin Caputo and his team focus on service first and pride themselves on honesty, communication and market knowledge. With years of experience, the Caputo Group brings an extensive background in marketing, design and sales to ensure clients get the most for their home and put more money in their pocket! From first-time buyers and sellers to luxury, investment and commercial opportunities, the Caputo Group works with all types of clients, both big and small, throughout the Valley. caputorealty.com n BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER Mack Media Relations Frank Aazami BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER * 50 AZFOOTHILLS.COM , SARAH HO A G PHO T OGRAPHY , THE JUS TIN C APUT O GROUP , PRIV A TE CLIENT GROUP BEST OF OUR VALLEY WINNERS I COMPANIES & PROFESSIONALS I boov 2023 Lerner and Rowe is an Arizona legal powerhouse that has secured billions of dollars in settlements for over 150,000 injured clients in Phoenix and beyond since it opened for business in 1991. Lerner and Rowe is also a strong advocate for bringing positive changes to the lives of vulnerable community members that are often overlooked and mistreated in cities throughout the state. “Kevin and I lead by example, which is why we strongly encourage our legal team and family members alike to be empathetic and aware of the needs of others. We don’t just fight for the little guys against big corporate bullies. We also fight to protect the best interests of local communities facing unexpected hardships caused by negligent and reckless acts,” stated Glen Lerner. The law firm’s legal team has in fact been repeatedly recognized for its love of community in AZ Foothills Magazine’s annual independent reader polls. From 2016–2023, Lerner and Rowe has been voted Best Personal Injury Law Firm, Best Criminal Defense Law Firm and Best Bankruptcy Law Firm in the Valley. Its nonprofit, Lerner and Rowe Gives Back, has also won year after year the most votes for Most Philanthropic Company from 2017–2023. And new for 2023, Kevin Rowe won Most Influential in Valley Nonprofit. Kevin Rowe shared his gratitude for the annual recognition from local community members: “Our team knows that without you there would be no us. For that, we are grateful to repeatedly earn your votes. At work and at leisure, we are committed to giving back to our neighbors and doing what we can to uplift and support those in need.” And even though that dedication to give back has been part of Lerner and Rowe’s mission since the beginning, Kevin Rowe decided in 2012 to establish the Rowe Family Charitable Foundation under the DBA Lerner & Rowe Gives Back. Three years later, Kevin saw the opportunity to have an even greater impact by establishing Lerner and Rowe Gives Back as a formal 501(c)( 3) nonprofit foundation. With much gratitude toward community colleagues and individuals, Lerner and Rowe Gives Back has succeeded in raising over $2.48 million to directly relieve the burdens and darkness of those struggling across Arizona in the past six years alone. Even more notable is the over $600,000 donated to local charities in 2022 that provide food and support for local families, children and other vulnerable populations. Fast forward to present day, Lerner and Rowe continues to push the status quo by bringing on Jordan Moreno to serve as director of charitable giving for Arizona. One of her first major projects was to implement the creation and launch of Lerner and Rowe Gives Back’s charitable grant cycle during Q1 of 2023. During the open-application period, qualifying Arizona nonprofits were asked to submit requests for grant funds between $5,000 to $50,000. Kevin, Glen and team invite others to join their community-focused mission to give back locally by visiting LernerAndRoweGivesBack.com. n MOST PHILANTHROPIC COMPANY Lerner & Rowe—More Than Just a Law Firm BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER @AZFOOTHILLS #AZFOOTHILLS 51 , LERNER AND RO WE GIVES BA CK BEST ARIZONA LAKE ESCAPE Canyon Lake visitarizona.com/places/parks- monuments/canyon-lake BEST ARIZONA SKI RESORT Sunrise Park Resort > Sunrise Park Resort is Arizona’s ultimate mountain adventure, offering the most ski runs and acreage in the state. Located on the White Mountain Apache Reservation, Sunrise offers skiing, snowboarding and ski bikes. In the summer, enjoy downhill mountain biking, 3D archery, zip lining, disc golf and more! sunrise.ski BEST LUXURY SEDONA VACATION RENTALS I Love Sedona ilovesedona.com BEST MEXICO RESORT tie among Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection (aubergeresorts.com/esperanza); W Punta de Mita (wpuntademita.com); Banyan Tree Mayakoba (banyantree.com/mexico/mayakoba); Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita (fourseasons.com/puntamita); W Punta de Mita (wpuntademita.com); Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort (pueblobonito.com/resorts/pacifica) > Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort is an enchanting oasis of natural beauty and relaxation, located on a 1.2- mile stretch of pristine beach on the Pacific Ocean in Mexico and just a 10- minute ride from lively downtown Cabo San Lucas. This tranquil and romantic retreat for adults is an award- winning resort and spa destination that offers full-service amenities and facilities, including four restaurants, a wellness-inspired spa, ocean view accommodations, meetings and event space and private beach privileges. pueblobonito.com/resorts/pacifica BEST NORTHERN ARIZONA ADVENTURE Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course > Flagstaff Extreme (FLG X) is a treetop adventure and zipline course that provides a safe, fun, physical and unique outdoor experience in the trees! FLG X challenges guests to push their limits and overcome their fears in a supportive environment. Through shared experience, FLG X creates an opportunity to build relationships with friends and family and to leave feeling a sense of accomplishment. It’s perfect for large or small groups, parties, team building or spending time with friends and family! flagstaffextreme.com BEST NORTHERN ARIZONA WINERY tie between Pillsbury Wine Country (pillsburywine.com), & Passion Cellars Jerome (passioncellars.com) > Passion Cellars began out of an abundance of love for Arizona wine and a true passion to be part of the exciting wine industry. Specializing in fruit-forward, crisp white wines and artistically blended and complex red wines, Passion Cellars latest award- winning wines are at locations in Jerome, Scottsdale, Bisbee and Elgin/Sonoita. passioncellars.com boov 2023 I ES C APES I BEST OF OUR VALLEY WINNERS BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort Canyon Lake 52 AZFOOTHILLS.COM , PUEBL O BONIT O P A CIFIC A GOLF & SP A RESOR T , GET T Y IMA GESBEST SEDONA RESORT OR HOTEL The Strawberry Inn > Run by husband-and-wife team Carson and Amber Eilers, The Strawberry Inn takes pride in being a unique destination in Arizona’s scenic Rim Country, providing guests with an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, indulge in delicious cuisine, enjoy distinctive lodging options and receive exceptional service. thestrawberryinn.com BEST SEDONA SPA Mii amo > Situated within Sedona’s magnificent Boynton Canyon, Mii amo, a destination spa, sits in a striking natural landscape of towering buttes, desert greenery and signature red rocks. For the last 20 years, Mii amo has been inspiring guests to Journey within, find connection with nature and immerse themselves in well-being. Newly reopened following a $40- million refresh, the destination spa offers a new minimum treatment length of 75 minutes, as well as a new 10-night Journey alongside its traditional three-, four- and seven- night Journey offerings. The extensive renovation sets the stage for a new and even more powerful Mii amo experience, including truly one-of-a- kind spa services—from massages, facials and meditations based on the Celestial Cycles to “Energy and Spirit” programming, such as Aura Photography and Astrology readings. miiamo.com BEST SOUTHERN ARIZONA ADVENTURE Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum desertmuseum.org BEST SOUTHERN ARIZONA ANNUAL EVENT Pima County Fair pimacountyfair.com BEST SOUTHERN ARIZONA WINERY The Village Of Elgin Winery > This family-run winery has been producing extraordinary wines from grapes grown in Southern Arizona since the post-Prohibition winemaking resurgence in the Sonoran Desert. As one of the largest wine producers in the Sonoita American Viticultural Area, The Village of Elgin Winery welcomes wine enthusiasts for on-site tastings from its wide range of varieties that are aged in fine European wood and reflect the subtle grace of the Arizona terroir. Fun fact: The winery uses an automatic bottling line that’s capable of running from 250 to 750 cases of wine per hour. elginwines.com BEST TUCSON RESORT OR HOTEL Arizona Inn arizonainn.com BEST TUCSON SPA Spa at Canyon Ranch canyonranch.com/tucson n BEST OF OUR VALLEY WINNERS I ES C APES I boov 2023 Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER @AZFOOTHILLS #AZFOOTHILLS 53 , DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN , P A UL MARK O W , FLA GS T AFF EXTREME AD VENTURE C OURSEBEST ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE LifeScape Premier lifescapepremier.com BEST BARBERSHOP V’s Barbershop vbarbershop.com BEST BARRE STUDIO & BEST YOGA STUDIO CA Yoga Barre > CA Yoga Barre was created with intention and the simple core intentions of kindness to all; freedom of heart, mind and body; and growth of breath, physical limits and emotional and spiritual depth. Having a healthy studio setting in life is a gift, and that is what CA Yoga Barre commits to providing. This studio is built on love, experience and a strong foundation. CA Yoga Barre is all about welcoming students with compassion, courtesy, community, commitment and connection. This is a place where everyone is welcomed with respect and open hearts and minds. cayogabarre.com BEST BLOW DRY BAR Drybar drybar.com BEST BOARDCERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON Dr. Aldo Guerra Guerra Plastic Surgery Center azbreasts.com BEST BODY CONTOURING & BEST LASER HAIR REMOVAL Noelle Cesario, LME, CLT LifeScape Premier > Noelle Cesario is an accredited Licensed Clinical Aesthetician and Certified Laser Technician. Cesario’s 18-year experience in the medical aesthetics industry makes her one of the most sought-after experts. When not treating patients at Lifescape Aesthetics in North Scottsdale, she is traveling North America as a clinical laser specialist, sharing her advanced knowledge and techniques in the aesthetics industry with other medical facilities. When asked why she is so passionate about what she does, Noelle explained, “The ‘why’ is pretty simple—I get to make people feel good about themselves. When you look good, you feel good. And that translates into confidence, self-esteem and ultimately living your best life and achieving goals you might not have had the confidence to accomplish.” You can follow all her adventures on Instagram at @scottsdaleskinexpert. lifescapeaesthetics.com BEST BOTOX DermaCrush Medical Aesthetics > Most people are afraid of trying Botox, filler or lasers either because they don’t know what treatment is right for them or they do not want to look fake. What if there was a place that could help you find a way to look refreshed and feel better? Restore not only the look of a younger you but the confidence, too? DermaCrush uses boov 2023 I HEALTH & SELF I BEST OF OUR VALLEY WINNERS CA Yoga Barre BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER Noelle Cesario 54 AZFOOTHILLS.COM , C A Y O G A BARRE , NOELLE CESARIO , DERMA CRUSHskilled one-on-one consultation and collaborative assessment coupled with injectables and laser technology to erase signs of aging on the face and body and to provide facial rejuvenation while maintaining your natural look. Men and women may look years younger from an easy treatment with little to no downtime. Look good, look natural and feel even better. Fresh, not fake. dermacrush.com BEST CBD Nature’s Bloom CBD naturesbloom.net BEST CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Matt Tanneberg DC, CSCS Body Check Chiropractic & Sports Rehabilitation azbodycheck.com BEST COSMETIC DENTIST Dr. Scott Harris Harris Dental harrisdental.com BEST SPA MD Skin Lounge > MD Skin Lounge is a luxury skin health-brand experience promoting a lifestyle commitment around “skin fitness.” Their skin clinics focus on changing the skincare experience— offering custom skin routines, injectables and optimized in-home daily routines that are created and curated by plastic surgeons and founded upon the combination of clinical excellence. “My vision has always been to grow nonsurgical aesthetic skin care centers that are founded on the same premise as my plastic surgery practice—clinical excellence integrated with an unsurpassed overall client experience.”—Bryan Gawley, M.D. mdskinlounge.com BEST DENTAL HYGIENIST Katie Jamison swissbiologic.com BEST DENTIST OR DENTAL TEAM Dr. Sara Vizcarra Pinnacle Peak Family Dentistry ppfdental.com BEST DERMATOLOGIST Dr. Adriana Holy mddermsolutions.com BEST DISPENSARY The Flower Shop theflowershopusa.com BEST EYELASH EXTENSIONS Let’s Lash > The Scottsdale-based eyelash extension studio has a team of experts ready to make your lash dreams come true. Make your eyes pop and save time in front of the mirror every morning with Let’s Lash. letslash.com BEST FACIAL The Tox > The Tox Scottsdale is the first studio in Scottsdale to offer specialized massages and facials that target your lymphatic and digestive system to bring your body a complete reset. It’s the cheat meal, the week of no sleep, last winter’s never-ending virus, the six margaritas with your girls, the fast food runs, the stress hormones, the hydrogenated oils, the allergens, the unavoidable chemicals that pollute our lives and the residual metabolic waste weighing us down. The Tox Technique is a unique blend of body work that works to get that $h!# out. Benefits of The Tox Technique include improved circulation, reduced inflammation, puffiness and water retention, boosted immune system, stress and anxiety release and improved digestion. thetoxtechnique.com/the-tox- scottsdale BEST FAMILY DOCTOR Leila King Peterson, M.D. prescribedhealth.org BEST FERTILITY DOCTOR Dr. John Couvaras M.D., FACOG > IVF Phoenix™ integrates the entire spectrum of diagnostic fertility evaluation including on-site radiology services as well as fully CAP accredited onsite reproductive laboratory. IVF Phoenix™ offers a patient-friendly environment with a mission of building families in a competent and cost-effective fashion. The team has training, expertise and extensive experience in all areas of reproductive medicine, including IVF, embryo and sperm cryopreservation, preimplantation genetic testing (PGTa/PGTm) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). “I am passionate about educating and empowering all persons with the desire to conceive and bringing the best of treatments tomorrow, today,” says Dr. Couvaras. ivfphoenix.com BEST OF OUR VALLEY WINNERS I HEALTH & SELF I boov 2023 BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER Dr. John Couvaras M.D., FACOG @AZFOOTHILLS #AZFOOTHILLS 55 , THE T O X , IVF PHOENIXBEST GYM BODI > With the goal to bring out your inner athlete and push you to continually be your best, the team at BODI will make you feel strong, empowered and unstoppable. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or professional athlete, BODI has created an environment where everyone can succeed and feel like part of a team. A variety of equipment and training methods are used to provide innovative, effective and efficient workouts to put you to the test each and every day. While members may have different goals, the BODI team will work toward a common end: continuous improvement! scottsdalebodi.com BEST HAIR STYLIST Cindy Wade of Millenium Day Spa and Salon mdssalon.com BEST HOSPITAL GROUP HonorHealth honorhealth.com BEST IV DRIP Hydrate IV Bar > Hydrate IV Bar specializes in vitamin infusions and injections, where all services are administered by registered nurses in a calming spa-like environment. IV therapy is known to boost overall hydration levels while adding water soluble vitamins directly to the bloodstream. hydrateivbar.com/arizona BEST MASSAGE Movement Restoration movementrestoration.com BEST MEDICAL MARIJUANA CLINIC Hana Dispensaries hanadispensaries.com BEST MICROBLADING Bella Browzz by Shauna @bella_browzz_by_shauna BEST NEW GYM/FITNESS STUDIO OHM Fitness > OHM Fitness is one of the first franchises to deliver small group workouts using electro-muscle stimulation (EMS) through the use of wireless, wearable technology called the EMPower Bodysuit. The high-tech fitness experience packs the benefits of an intense two-hour workout into a low-intensity 25-minute session through the use of EMS. ohmfitness.com boov 2023 I HEALTH & SELF I BEST OF OUR VALLEY WINNERS BEST FILLERS OR FILLER INJECTOR Allison Woodworth, RN, MSN, FNP-C Moderne Medical Aesthetics > Moderne Medical Aesthetics, founded in 2016 by board-certified nurse practitioner Allison Woodworth, RN, MSN, FNP-C, is a multi-award-winning practice located in Scottsdale. The fourth-year Best of Our Valley winner is known for their expertise in nonsurgical treatments and aesthetic injectables, constantly expanding their services to offer the latest techniques for optimal results. Woodworth and her team of certified injectors have developed a loyal following, offering patients a concierge environment built on professionalism, integrity and a desire to cultivate long- term, trusting relationships. In addition to traditional treatments such as Botox, Dysport and dermal fillers, Moderne Medical Aesthetics is on the forefront of cutting-edge options, including Radiesse, Sculptra, PDO threads, lasers and more. modernemedical.com BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER Allison Woodworth, center, with the Moderne Medical Aesthetics team 56 AZFOOTHILLS.COM , MODERNE MEDIC AL AES THETICS , OHM FITNESSBEST OB/GYN Dr. Russell Bartels Vitality MDs vitalitymds.com BEST ORTHODONTIST Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics (Dr. Bruce Goldstein, Dr. Michael Feinberg and Dr. Tal Masserman) smilesbyapdo.com BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST Ignite Physical Therapy igniteptaz.com BEST PILATES STUDIO The Firm Body Pilates > The Firm Body Pilates studio in Scottsdale is a beautiful, warm and comforting place to be. The team trains and employs only top-qualified instructors and offers a superior line of various types of Pilates equipment. Small group classes allow for instructors to give individual attention to detail and form. The Firm Body Pilates also offers private and duet classes, private small group training and private online training. thefirmbodypilates.com BEST PSYCHIATRIST/ PSYCHOLOGIST Brook Choulet, M.D. > Brook Choulet, M.D., is a board- certified concierge psychiatrist, founder of Choulet Wellness in Scottsdale, and co-founder of La Jolla Concierge Psychiatry in La Jolla, Calif. Choulet Wellness is a concierge mental health and wellness clinic located in Paradise Valley where a multitude of services are offered, including psychiatry, psychology and therapy. brookchouletmd.com BEST RESORT SPA Aji Spa at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass > In the heart of the Sonoran Desert is Aji Spa, a Forbes Five-Star therapeutic oasis designed with the physical and spiritual needs of its guests in mind. The spa brings together contemporary treatments with the sacred doctrines of the Pima and Maricopa tribes who have inhabited the land for centuries. ajispa.com BEST SALON Madison Avenue Salon and Day Spa spamadison.com BEST SPIN CLASS The Madison Improvement Club > You never realize how boring your life is until someone asks you what you do for fun. That’s where The Madison comes in to bring together a community of people who value being healthy, fun and connected by forming local friendships through their award-winning entertainment fitness classes. themadisonvibe.com BEST SPRAY TAN The Bronzed Bungalow > With a mission to provide a personalized, all-natural and elevated boutique-style spray tanning experience, The Bronzed Bungalow brings hours of continued education and quality products that are natural, safe, effective and 100% customizable. thebronzedbungalow.com BEST TRAINER Jenna Homsey GoFigure Personal Training > GoFigure Training is a female- owned personal training business that offers online coaching programs for women worldwide, in-person training in Peoria, Ariz., as well as six-week transformation challenges with cash and sponsor prizes for “best transformation.” GoFigure trainers are extremely passionate and love helping others reach their fitness and health goals. gofiguretraining.com BEST VETERINARIAN Dr. Jason Kanarish Phoenix Mountain Animal Hospital phoenixmountainah.com BEST WAXING Olga Brow Studio > Olga Brow Studio in Scottsdale offers exceptional brow shaping and lash extensions services. The team, led by Olga Zelek, a highly sought-after brow artist, is passionate about helping clients feel fabulous. With an expert and artistic touch, they specialize in achieving the perfect brow shape that complements clients’ bone structure. In addition to their services, they offer tips and tricks on how to maintain sculpted brows between visits. From pampering facials that illuminate skin to precise microblading for a fierce look, prepare for the ultimate beauty experience. olgabrowstudio.com n BEST OF OUR VALLEY WINNERS I HEALTH & SELF I boov 2023 BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER BEST OF OUR VALLEY 2022 WINNER Olga Zelek, Owner of Olga Brow Studio @AZFOOTHILLS #AZFOOTHILLS 57 , OL G A BRO W S TUDIO , A JI SP AGreta Brandt doesn’t blame you if there’s a misconception about her line of work. After all, it was just a few short years ago that she felt similarly: “My perception was that it’s just a lot of stoners,” says Brandt. “But now, my view on it has done a complete 180.” Before becoming president of The Flower Shop—which recently won the title of Best Dispensary for the AZ Foothills 2023 Best of Our Valley contest—Brandt was a corporate lawyer. She was looking for an opportunity to explore different career aspirations, specifically in operations. As luck would have it, an opportunity soon presented itself in 2017 with Sky Dispensaries, a former client of the law firm Brandt was employed at. After two years at Sky Dispensaries as their in-house counsel, the owner expressed a need for an operations manager. Brandt enthusiastically jumped at the chance, quickly learning the intricacies of each department, from finance and sales to cultivation and packaging. “I took the time to understand this industry to ensure I could make the right decisions for our business,” says Brandt. It was during this time that she began to see cannabis in a new light, coming to understand its medicinal properties, specifically for mental health and women’s health. As part of Brandt’s comprehensive industry immersion, she spent a significant amount of time at the company’s cultivation centers, speaking to pharmacists and chemists about the benefits of different strains. She also found it reassuring that every product came with a certificate of analysis, a far cry from the mystery cannabis she was accustomed to seeing in her college days. “It’s been helpful for me to see the process from start to finish,” says Brandt. “You can confidently say that the products sold today [in dispensaries] are pure and certified. You know exactly what you’re consuming.” Brandt knew the items they were selling could help women on their overall health and wellness journey, but understood that a rebrand was necessary to engage a new customer base. “Sky Dispensaries was a very masculine brand,” says Brandt. “If we’re trying to attract 50% of the population to explore medical cannabis, we had to create an environment my mom or grandma would feel comfortable in.” The dimly-lit shops with blaring reggae music were replaced with prototype builds that feel more like a high-end department store: open floor plans, neon signs and hanging planters full of colorful flowers. And just like that, Sky Dispensaries became The Flower Shop, another intentional move on Brandt’s part. “I didn’t want ‘dispensaries’ in our name, as that holds a negative connotation for many,” says Brandt. “I wanted to eliminate the stigma and create something neutral-sounding.” The rebrand was well-received and helped attract new clients (and more women) to the store. While the boost in sales is a plus, Brandt is most excited about having a relaxing, safe space for the cannabis-curious to start their wellness or medical journey. Understanding how vital education is for first-time users, the shop’s aesthetics are just one part of helping people feel comfortable exploring treatment options. Each location has dedicated wellness experts to help answer questions and recommend the right products (there are also ordering iPads, for guests who prefer a solo shopping trip). And they take customer feedback seriously, often re-evaluating and adding new inventory. “We’re always tweaking and dialing in on the customer experience so that people leave with a really good impression,” says Brandt. After the rebrand, Brandt turned her attention to filling gaps in the market. The Flower Shop has many bespoke product lines— referred to as the House of Brands—that Brandt and her team produce themselves. The most popular line, Ladylike, consists of discreet edibles and vapes formulated to alleviate medical issues that disproportionately affect women. “The Flower Shop is trying to attract women into this industry, and we didn't have any brands to address issues that women have,” says Brandt. “Ladylike is tailored to our unique health needs.” Other product lines in the House of Brands include High Tide, a cannabis-infused seltzer; Shorties, mini pre-rolls in a variety of strains; and High Variety, hand-crafted cannabis goods for specific desired effects. The success of The Flower Shop is not something Brandt takes for granted. In a primarily male-dominated industry (women comprise approximately 22% of all executives in the cannabis industry), she is determined to use her influence to help empower demographics traditionally left on the sidelines. “I feel a personal responsibility to create opportunities for more women and minorities and foster an environment conducive to working families,” says Brandt. Her executive team is 50% women and people of color, and she has worked hard to foster a company culture where both men and women can experience proper work-life balance. She’s also launched a mentoring program to help women hoping to work in the cannabis industry. With so much already under her belt, it’s hard to think of what else Brandt could do for the brand. But for her, there’s always more. Aside from expanding into new markets, her main focus for the future is bringing awareness to mental health. In the wake of COVID-driven isolation, Brandt has seen an uptick in guests looking for ways to manage anxiety and depression. Through community events, she’s hoping to help others feel less alone. “I’m trying to destigmatize mental health as it relates to cannabis and educate consumers on what medical cannabis can do for them,” says Brandt. To learn more about The Flower Shop, visit www.theflowershopusa.com or their Instagram page, @theflowershoparizona. n BEST DISPENSARY FIVE YEARS AGO, GRETA BRANDT LEFT HER CAREER AS A CORPORATE LAWYER TO MANAGE OPERATIONS FOR A LOCAL DISPENSARY, NOW KNOWN AS THE FLOWER SHOP. AS THE COMPANY’S PRESIDENT, SHE’S HELPING RESHAPE THE INDUSTRY WHILE PAVING A PATH FOR WOMEN AND MINORITIES. BY CASSIE BRUCCI The Flower Shop boov 2023 I HEALTH & SELF I BEST OF OUR VALLEY WINNERS Greta Brandt 58 AZFOOTHILLS.COM , AHW A TUKEE REMODEL IMA GES BEST OF OUR VALLEY WINNERS I HEALTH & SELF I boov 2023 @AZFOOTHILLS #AZFOOTHILLS 59 , AHW A TUKEE REMODEL IMA GES Next >