“I just want to say thank you for this good life!” This is how Jill Divine finished her acceptance speech after winning the Literature Award on March 2 in the Flagstaff Cultural Partners Fifth Annual Viola Awards. “I have lots of loves – I love art, poetry, wine and people.” In fact, it is the … [Read more...] about Divine Calling Serves Inmates and Artists
Community Profile
Nourishing Skin in the High Desert
Most people believe the desert is a hot, rough, tough, indestructible environment, but Connie Birkland knows better. She knows that the high desert environment has cryptobiotic soils that are very fragile and are made largely of micro living organisms. “You don’t want to step on and destroy … [Read more...] about Nourishing Skin in the High Desert
Discovering Sustainability on the Vine
Sit down and enjoy a glass of Kind Vines wine. And relax. You’re actually reducing your own carbon footprint. This is a sustainable wine for eco-imbibers because of its zero waste reusable bottles and reduced transportation costs to get that glass into your hand. If it sounds too good to be true, … [Read more...] about Discovering Sustainability on the Vine
Entrepreneur Garnering Accolades
There are few things more annoying – come to think of it, more ridiculous – than being on terminal hold with a computer. Aaron Dragushan was having that experience while waiting for a service provider. His wife, Evgenya, had already been on hold for so long that she handed the phone over to him … [Read more...] about Entrepreneur Garnering Accolades
A Born Entrepreneur
Mike Funk, owner of Fire Creek Coffee, has had a lot of careers. “I was that kid who banged his head against the wall wanting to be an entrepreneur,” he said. “I had many different companies, like futon stores. I built and sold futons. I built coffee carts. I had a promotional company that had … [Read more...] about A Born Entrepreneur
The Business of Beauty
At least half of the due diligence is complete when you have been a happy client of a business you decide to buy. That is how it happened for Leona Bix, the owner of Flagstaff Face & Body. “I had been a client of the company,” Bix said. “I told them if they ever considered selling, to talk … [Read more...] about The Business of Beauty
Celebrating a Local Staple
For Jon Schulman, relaxing is overrated. He would rather be overseeing operations at his restaurant, Buster’s, or along the water’s edge at Oak Creek, fly fishing rod in hand. His choices seem to be working out well. It has been 30 years since Schulman and several partners started Buster’s … [Read more...] about Celebrating a Local Staple
Family Owned Business Earning Loyalty
Many of the customers who return year after year to Garland’s Oak Creek Lodge consider it upscale camping. Nestled in the gorgeous Oak Creek Canyon, it’s just the place to unplug from civilization and just relax in a homey little log cabin. And summer is one of the best times to go to the … [Read more...] about Family Owned Business Earning Loyalty
Securing Affordable Homes in Flagstaff
Sometimes life does not go as planned. Sometimes, that is a very good thing. Take the case of Devonna McLaughlin, the executive director of BOTHANDS. Her plan was to become a journalist, which she did for a while, but found her real niche a little later. Initially, McLaughlin, mother of Riley, … [Read more...] about Securing Affordable Homes in Flagstaff
Serving Arizonans in Several Capacities
Kurt Davis views each of his jobs as a learning experience. He then takes that knowledge with him to his next job and begins learning all over again. “Everywhere I’ve gone, I tried to learn and use those lessons,” he said. Some of the jobs he has held over the years include working for two … [Read more...] about Serving Arizonans in Several Capacities