Spotlight // local business

Happy Monday, stylish girls and guys! 

Today, we're spotlighting a cool local girl and her unique online business - an online consignment and fashion exchange where you can sell your luxury clothing and accessories as well as purchase designer items at a serious discount. You might recognize her website from a $10 gift card included in the swag bag if you attended the AZ Blogger Conference! A huge part of our focus in the Phoenix Style Collective is showcasing our local talent, especially talent that can spread worldwide.

Say hey to Mandy from Klury.com!

1) Tell us who you are! What's your name/your business's name? What part of town do you live in? 
My name is Mandy Russell. I am the founder of Klury.com - an online luxury fashion exchange. I live in the East Valley. I couldn’t think of a better place to live! My contribution to the creative community of Phoenix is through fashion…particularly making high-end fashion available to those on any budget and reviving the fun in getting dressed every morning. After all, fashion really is a form of art!

2) What is your education/background/experience related to your work? I have always been into fashion and all things creative. I began college thinking I wanted to be an interior designer and decided to go to Auburn University in Alabama to peruse this area of study. Two years into the program, I realized I was much more passionate about business, so I transferred to ASU and studied Marketing at WP Carey and continued to feed my creativity by also pursuing a degree in Design from the Herberger Institute at ASU. My goal was to find a career that combined my hobbies, passion for business, and creativity. After a dreadful closet cleaning experience, I came up with the concept for Klury and decided this was the perfect outlet and time to create my dream job and business.

3) What services do you offer and how can people get a hold of you? We offer on online buying service to purchase gently used designer clothes, handbags, and accessories. Our site also boasts an inventory of fabulous designer pieces for up to 90% off retail. We buy everything from contemporary brands like Tory Burch & Kate Spade to high-end designers like Oscar de la Renta and Balenciaga. In the Phoenix area we have also launched a Closet Sweep service for fashionistas with 10+ designer items. We come to their home and help weed through their closet for things to resell for them or donate to local charities.

4) What are your rates? Our closet sweep service for locals is free of charge if they have 10+ designer items meeting our criteria. For those with items to sell to Klury on our Klury.com, we pay a competitive price for the items, typically more than they would receive from consignment.

5) How can people get connected? Provide your contact info - email, Twitter, blog, website, whatever you like! I always love hearing from locals! My email address is mandy@klury.com …it’s the easiest way to reach me, we’re on twitter @klurydotcom, our blog is www.klury.com/blog , website www.klury.com , Facebook.com/klurydotcom and Instagram @klurydotcom (which I am obsessed with). We're always looking to partner with bloggers!

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Thank so much, Mandy! I'm off to browse...

Spotlight // stylists for hire

Hi guys! Happy Monday!

Today we're doing sort of a double whammy - we're featuring a styling duo AND their fabulous style blog. We love Jennifer and Kristy because they're extremely sweet, budget-conscious and super successful women to boot! Their tagline is "Real people. Real budgets. Real style" and it couldn't be truer - both ladies work in the education field in addition to their fashionable contributions to Phoenix. (Seriously, how do you have the time?!)

Say hey to Jennifer and Kristy of StyleTutor.net.

1) Tell us who you are! What's your name/your business's name? What part of town do you live in? What is your contribution to the creative community of Phoenix? Kristy Roschke and Jennifer Woolsey/Style Tutor. Kristy lives in Phoenix, while Jennifer lives in Surprise. Our contribution to the creative community is to offer style solutions for women in Phoenix. We also like to bring awareness to local creative minds who are working to breathe life into the Phoenix fashion scene.

2) What is your education/background/experience related to your work? Kristy is a Ph.D student and faculty associate at the Walter Conkrite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU. She has extensive experience in PR. Jennifer is a high school Design and Merchandising teacher. She is obsessed with all things fashion and loves to find a good bargain! (Seriously, she spends an insane amount of time digging through the bins at Last Chance!) 

3) What services do you offer and how can people get a hold of you? We offer a variety of personal styling options such as meeting to discuss style and image goals, closet visits to help edit your current wardrobe and create a strategy to update your closet through restyling existing looks and suggesting pieces to purchase to fill in the gaps, personal shopping to help you select pieces that are appropriate for your body type, career, and lifestyle, and e-consulting for individuals who need some quick style advice for an upcoming event! For further information about services and pricing please visit Style Tutor or email us at styletutors@gmail.com

4) What are your rates? See rates of our services here: http://styletutor.net/personal-tutoring/

5) How can people get connected?
styletutors@gmail.com
@styletutor (twitter)
Styletutor.net 

Styletutor.tumblr.com
@styletutor (instagram)

Five Examples of Our Work:
Weekly feature: Five for Friday (budget friendly finds!): http://styletutor.net/five-for-fri-ladylike-finds-35-and-under/
Monthly feature: Color of the Month: http://styletutor.net/may-color-of-the-month-coral/
Style Advice: (readers email us w/ a style question and we offer solutions): http://styletutor.net/the-blushing-bridesmaid/
Personal Shopping: http://styletutor.net/shopping-with-friends/
Personal Style: http://styletutor.net/pops-of-color/

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Thanks, StyleTutor! We're excited to continue seeing your work flourish!

Spotlight // Makeup artist for hire!

Hey, stylish people!


Spotlight posts are officially BACK as of today and we're excited to bring you a fresh group of local small business owners and creative folks. We have some exciting spotlights scheduled for the next few weeks so keep checking back on Mondays! See past spotlight posts here.


Today, we're spotlighting a Tempe-based makeup artist whose passion for her work radiates from her website. It doesn't hurt that she's absolutely gorgeous! She's got a diverse resume of beauty freelance experience (we're talking everything from zombies to brides!) and we're excited to showcase some of her work here on the Phoenix Style Collective blog.


Without further ado, say hey to Stephanie!

1) Tell us who you are! What's your name/your business's name? What part of town do you live in? What is your contribution to the creative community of Phoenix? My name is Stephanie Neiheisel and I write the beauty/fashion/lifestyle blog Bloom in Saturation. On my blog I highlight my favorite local business, Makeup trends, Makeup techniques, Makeup tutorial videos, Fashion/Styling posts, and over all lifestyle posts of my random adventures and the things in life that (large or small) put a smile on my face. I currently live in Tempe Arizona but I've fallen in love with the Central Phoenix area as well as the Roosevelt area. I've noticed in my small adventures how close the Phoenix community is and how many artistic and inspiring souls reside there. I badly want to be a part of it! I hope to contribute to the Phoenix community by offering a fun and inspiring outlet for my readers via my blog, highlighting my favorite Phoenix local spots, and socializing/volunteering as much as I can to become a part of the community.

2) What is your education/background/experience related to your work? I started my Associates Degree at Salt Lake Community College in Fall of 2005 and dropped out of college in 2007 due to family issues and life in general. I went back to SLCC in Fall of 2009 taking 4 classes full time and planned on at least finishing my Associate of Arts Degree. Life had another plan. I landed an amazing job with a department store doing makeup and my personal freelance makeup career was really taking off. I found my talent and my niche. I work great with others, I have a strong passion for makeup and fashion and turns out...I'm pretty good at both. I have worked full time in department stores for two prestigious makeup lines and blogging full time (because I love it) on top of it all. I moved here to Phoenix 9 months ago and started teaching an Advanced Makeup Course at a Cosmetology School in Mesa as well as a full time makeup artist at a makeup counter in a department store. I am currently a Media Manager for an up coming sustainable fashion line located right here in Scottsdale, AZ. I still teach my class for two weeks once a month and blog as much as possible. 

3) What services do you offer and how can people get a hold of you? I offer many different services involved with makeup and would love to start branching off into full styling. I would love to help style someone from head to toe no matter what the occasion is! Cosmetic and skincare suggestions, makeup application, personal shopping, styling, etc... I would love to be someone's personal stylist. You can visit my blog at www.bloominsaturation.com and visit the Freelance section.

4) What are your rates? My most popular requests are for makeup application for events, weddings, and over all cosmetic/skincare consultations. On my blog anyone can reference my Freelance section to contact me for prices! I'm not a flat rate kind of person. I understand that times are tough, everyone's circumstance is different, and as long as my experience and help is being valued I'm willing to negotiate pricing. 

5) How can people get connected? You can contact me at:

 Website: www.bloominsaturation.com

 Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloominsaturation

 Twitter: www.twitter.com/bloomsaturation

 Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/bloomsaturation

 Google+: Bloom in Saturation

 Lookbook.nu: http://lookbook.nu/sneiheisel

 Bloglovin: Bloom in Saturation

We love that Stephanie is so well versed in social media and so willing to find a price that meets your needs. Let us know if you get in touch with her to help you look beautiful for a special event, photo shoot or just every day life!


*for spotlight submissions, please contact kara@sunshine-cupcakes.com*

spotlight // coffee caterer for hire

Hey, stylish people. Thanks for stopping by for this week's Spotlight Post!


Today we're featuring a cheerful guy who has dedicated his days to pursuing the realm of coffee, espresso and latte art. He's inspiring because he is passionate about what he loves...and who wouldn't love a great cup of joe? I think the Phoenix Style Collective singlehandedly keeps the local coffee business in the green.


Without further ado...

1) Tell us who you are! What's your name? What part of town do you live in? What is your contribution to the creative community of Phoenix? My name is Perry Czopp. Born in Israel and brought to Arizona as a one year old; my culture and family play a huge role in my aspirations. Currently, I live in midtown Phoenix and absolutely love the vibe. It is a city that has given so much to me and that I plan to give back to in a big way. I contribute to the creative community by pushing the limits of business/entrepreneurship and more specifically the coffee trade. Many see coffee as an art manifested within a porcelain cup, especially when thinking about latte, cappuccino, or macchiato designs. I specialize in espresso and espresso based drinks which leads to an obsession with foam designs. For most, it is easy to observe my creativeness in a latte design, but I put it to use even more so behind the scenes.

2) What is your education/background/experience related to your work? Currently, I am a student at the W.P. Carey School of Business at ASU.  I am studying Communication and Entrepreneurship/management.  My first job in the coffee industry was when I was sixteen in an entry level Starbucks position. Here I unconsciously learned the fundamentals of the business including the common drinks and the idea of customer service. Before that, my parents bathed me in coffee culture mainly coming from the middle east. My mother never missed her morning coffee and always asked me if I needed a cup. My father was interested in the business and the art and always appreciated a good cup of joe. Finally in 2009, I started working at Urban Beans and fell in love with the trade. Ever since I have been studying the process behind the scenes of coffee growers, roasters, brewers, and profit as well as pursuing the perfect cup of coffee.

3) What services do you offer and how can people get a hold of you? My favorite service is catering events. I truly enjoy the actual making of the coffee, handing the product to the consumer, and watching their positive reaction.

I also consult coffee shops and companies; which I love to do because I get to share my knowledge, help others in their dream of owning a successful coffee bar, and further the coffee industry and education.

Another fun thing I do is providing tours of Arizona's stores, roasters, and eateries. I learned early on that everyone does coffee their own way and there is no right or wrong, it only depends on the consumers pallet. It is important to explore different tastes and preparation styles as well as the inspirations of other store owners.  The coffee business is also very friendly and welcoming and as such I like to spread the love and visit with everyone in the industry.  It is a great way to educate people on coffee and is a fun way to spend the day. 

I also train anyone interested in how to make coffee or run a bar as a barista, one on one or as a group.  

I highly encourage people interested in coffee to check out my website, thecoffeechop.com, or follow me through social media on Facebook, twitter, or instagram.

4) What are your rates?

For catering events I have a minimum fee of $350 for 50 people.

My tours have a day option for $500 or a half day for $350

For consulting as well as training I charge $75 per hour

Every customer and situation is different so in some cases my prices aren't concrete.

5) How can people get connected? 

thecoffeechop.com

Cell phone: (480)250-2544

Life is too short for bad coffee

Thanks for sharing your story, Perry! We can't wait to see you in action soon.

Spotlight // Artist/Designer For Hire

*Every Monday, we feature a local creative and his or her business or work. It is our hope that we can work together to create a virtual phone book of resources to have at our fingertips, including models, designers, business owners, stylists, artists, and more. Spotlight submissions may be submitted to kara@sunshine-cupcakes.com*

Welcome to part 2 of our husband/wife spotlight! Today we get to meet Josh, the designer half of Arrow & Apple. This is one super talented dude. A painter, builder, graphic designer, and amateur pro breakfast maker? Sign us up.

1) Tell us who you are! What's your name/your business's name? What part of town do you live in? What is your contribution to the creative community of Phoenix? My name is Joshua Rhodes, I run Arrow and Apple (arrowandapple.com) with my wife Sarah, but am thinking about branching off and developing my own identity/website soon. We live pretty close to central phoenix about 10 minutes from downtown when there isnt traffic :) We just moved here so we havent gotten too involved yet, I work at co+hoots (cohoots.com) which allows me to get involved way more that I might have otherwise. We (Co+hoots) have a industrial design contest/event in the works that is going to bring a lot of local folks together. Stay tuned for that!

2) What is your education/background/experience related to your work? I went to the Art Insitute of Phoenix a long time ago, and have done free lance here and there since then.

3) What services do you offer and how can people get a hold of you? I do graphic design, build furniture, paint pictures, and cook a pretty decent breakfast dish called root cake. I will do any of those things for you for the right price. People can get a hold of me through the internets. joshuaprhodes.com.



4) What are your rates? Everything I do takes a varying amount of time-the amount of time dictates the cost. I also hate figuring out what to charge, so we can cross that bridge when we come to it.

5) How can people get connected? Provide your contact info - email, Twitter, blog, website, whatever you like! I love to network/ collaborate. drop me an email or we can be fb friends (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=774145191) or check out arrowandapple.com.



Thanks Josh! We are gonna hit you up for some of that root cake.

Spotlight // Photographer For Hire

*Every Monday, we feature a local creative and his or her business or work. It is our hope that we can work together to create a virtual phone book of resources to have at our fingertips, including models, designers, business owners, stylists, artists, and more. Spotlight submissions may be submitted to kara@sunshine-cupcakes.com*

Happy Monday, and welcome to part 1 of 2 of a fun husband/wife team we're spotlighting on the Phoenix Style Collective blog. You may have already heard of this talented duo in the blogosphere - it's hard not to sit and scroll through their amazing collection of work. We are selfishly happy that they are now full time Phoenicians!

Without further ado, let's welcome Sarah! Next week we'll learn a bit more about her husband Josh. 

photo courtesy of Ulmer Studios Photography

1) Tell us who you are! What's your name/your business's name? What part of town do you live in? What is your contribution to the creative community of Phoenix? We are Arrow & Apple! I'm a wedding and editorial photographer and my husband Josh does the behind-the-scenes work including design, second-shooting, and keeping his nuts-o wife in line. We live in central-ish phx closer to the Glendale side. We're pretty new here so I seriously have no idea what part of town that is! West? West Central? We're newbs, it's fine. We're so pumped to get plugged into the creative community here - I see so much growth and it's exciting!

2) What is your education/background/experience related to your work? I received my Associates of Art in Commercial Photography - I didn't plan on photographing weddings, ever. I apprenticed with a high-end wedding photography duo straight out of school and the rest sort of wrote itself. :) I believe my background in commercial photography gives me such an advantage to the editorial style of photography that is so popular today, and it turns out I'm really passionate about photographing weddings, especially couples that make their wedding day totally unique to THEM.

3) What services do you offer and how can people get a hold of you? I photograph weddings, bridals, bride & groom sessions, engagements, love sessions, and for small families we offer "at home" sessions - personal day-in-the-life type sessions all in black & white. They're so fun! If you have more questions about our packages you can send us an email at hello@arrowandapple.com! 

4) What are your rates? We have a set package but we make it super flexible. Our wedding package includes an engagement session as well as total wedding day coverage and a disc of all of the carefully-edited images! Our wedding package is $3000 with the option of adding-on or taking away to fit your budget uniquely. Our photo sessions range from $300 to $400 depending on the type of session. 

5) How can people get connected? Provide your contact info - email, Twitter, blog, website, whatever you like! We LOVE connecting with people and even making new friends, regardless of if you want your photo taken or not! We're new here and we want to hang out. (Editor's note - so true! And they're a blast to hang out with too!)

Email: hello@arrowandapple.com
Twitter: @arrowandapple
blog: http://www.arrowandapple.com/blog 
website: http://www.arrowandapple.com 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ArrowApple 
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sarahrhodes 

6) Please feel free to add anything else you think is important for people to know about you and your work! Something that is super close to my heart is that brides find a photographer whose personality and style matches theirs closely. Remember you are going to be hanging out with this person ALL DAY on the most important day of your life! It's in everyone's best interest to make sure that this is a relationship that works, and not just someone who you can hire to take photos. It's so much more than that! If you don't feel comfortable with who's behind the camera, it's certainly going to show in the photographs. :)

Thank you, Sarah! Your passion for your work is infectious. We can't wait to see it take off here in Phoenix!

Spotlight // graphic designer for hire

Happy Monday!

Today we're spotlighting a graphic designer with such a great sense of humor and whimsy, it couldn't possibly not come out in her work. She's a jack of all trades and she plays a big role in the local creative field. Welcome to the Collective, Marissa!

1) Tell us who you are! What's your name? What part of town do you live in? What is your contribution to the creative community of Phoenix? I am Marissa Groom, a born-and-raised Arizonan. I currently live just outside downtown Phoenix, and I am the new Production Designer for the Heard Museum. 

2) What is your education/background/experience related to your work? I graduated from ASU in 2009 with a degree in Design Management. 

3) What services do you offer? Prior to working at the Heard, I did freelance work and worked for a vintage jewelry store. I am also a crafter and singer. Let me know if you need someone to fold you an origami swan or sing you some opera. 

4) How can people get connected? I am currently working full time, but feel free to contact me with any design queries and I can at least recommend you to a good colleague or talk (or text?) your ear off with random facts about Milton Glaser. If you’d like to see my work, feel free to check out www.groomcreative.com, or send me an e-mail at marissargroom@gmail.com.

Spotlight // interior designer for hire

Welcome to our second spotlight feature! This time, we're spotlighting a spunky, chipper downtowner who'd love nothing more than to get her hands dirty and spruce up your homestead. Read on, stylish people.

1) Tell us who you are! What's your name? What part of town do you live in? What is your contribution to the creative community of Phoenix? Lindsay Michelle (L’chelle). Downtown Phoenix. I am an interior designer, and professional artist/ muralist.

Hi there!! I am L’chelle and I am a gregarious girly girl with a passion for design but who isn't scared of getting their hands dirty! :) Even before receiving my degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, I have had a LOVE for Design, Art, Computer Programming, DYI and Architecture since I was a youngster. I am an outgoing, self motivated and cheerful professional with a pleasant personality and a sense of humor to boot! My entire life has revolved around art, creativity and using the good old imagination and for most of my life, I’ve been working diligently in design to perfect my creative/ artistic knowledge and challenge my thinking within the industry. *Anything can be accomplished with a thought and some drive! :)

2) What is your education/background/experience related to your work?I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (F.I.D.M) in 2002 with an interior design degree. I teeter-totter between my full-time position as a commercial designer and lead photoshop specialist in the north valley and a part time budget conscious interior artist & ‘transformationist,’ helping my clients attain the biggest bang for their buck (*as well as coaching them on their d.i.y. projects).

I enjoy working with my clients to style their personal spaces and make their rooms POP with incredible ‘pizzazzment’ and unique wow factors!!

3) What services do you offer?

Home staging, Interior Design, artist & Muralist, and d.i.y-ing :) (*Colorizing [ie- paint, wood, tile selection], re-upholstery, manufacturing drapes, creating pillows & personalized art).

4) How can people get connected? Feel free to contact me for questions or a free consultations via: chateaulchellestudio@yahoo.com or through my blog: chateaulchelle.blogspot.com

Check out some of L'Chelle's beautiful, creative work:

Hand painted "brick wall" and "window"

DIY curtains, DIY upholstery, paint and trim by L'Chelle

Let us know if you contact L'Chelle to help make your home beautiful!

*Submissions for Spotlight Features can be directed to kara@sunshine-cupcakes.com*

Spotlight // photographer for hire

As part of a new feature on the Phoenix Style Collective blog, we'll be featuring a local creative and his or her business or work every Monday. It is our hope that we can work together to create a virtual phone book of resources to have at our fingertips, including models, designers, business owners, stylists, artists, and more. Today we'll begin with a local photographer and filmmaker who never fails to transform a creative whim into a magical piece of art.

Name and title // Efrain Robles: photographer, cinematographer, designer
Get in touch // email: efro@me.com, website: http://www.efrainrobles.com/, model mayhem profile: http://www.modelmayhem.com/2237803
Examples of Efrain's work // photo, video

Look for the "spotlight" label on each post, as well as the signifier of the creative (e.g. "photographer", "designer", etc).