Jewels Livingstone’s start as owner of the Morning Glory Café was rough. She had worked there part-time for 15 years with Maria Ruiz, the woman who established the restaurant, known locally for its organic plant-based options. When Ruiz died unexpectedly in 2009, Livingstone found herself with the café and no recipes to go with it. “It was horrible losing her. I had just taken her to the doctor the day before she passed,” said Livingstone. “Maria’s daughter, Angelica, immediately flew in … [Read more...] about Jewels Livingstone Maintains Plant-Based Focus at Morning Glory Café
Women In Business
Stepping It Up with DancEvolution
At DancEvolution (DE), owner/instructor Jesica Barker takes dance a few steps further by teaching life lessons, such as: “It’s OK if you mess up, it’s what you do after that matters. It’s also OK to be scared, because those tough times will help to obtain your goals.” Teaching patience and endurance is also a part of Barker’s coaching. “I want to help people understand that you can evolve through dance and be a better person,” said Barker. “In this age of instant gratification, I think it’s … [Read more...] about Stepping It Up with DancEvolution
Making Faces
Putting makeup on her friends was fun for Ellen Navarro, but she never dreamed it could become a career. “I was always ‘that girl’ when it came to doing make-up for prom or other events. My family and friends always turned to me. I loved doing it, but I had no idea that you could actually earn an income applying makeup,” said Navarro, of Ellen Navarro Makeup. In college, Navarro studied advertising at Northern Arizona University. “A few years after graduating, I got married and my … [Read more...] about Making Faces
Upcycling Bike Parts
Flagstaff High School teacher, jeweler, environmentalist and avid cyclist Ava Miller has found her niche recycling bike parts, including tubes and spokes into fashionable earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Miller says her business, Velo in a Jar, was inspired by her father’s love for cycling. Her early years in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, were consumed with bikes. “My dad raced bikes, so growing up we traveled every weekend to a race.” Miller began crafting jewelry in the basement of her … [Read more...] about Upcycling Bike Parts
Joyce Reid Delivers Customized Surprises
Imagine getting a gift basket delivered that takes your breath away. That is Joyce Reid’s goal. Reid is a very successful businesswoman based in Flagstaff, but is somewhat of a secret because her business is online. She owns and operates Creative Gifts to Go LLC, which is a national corporate and personal gift service. Packages include holiday presents, house-warming gifts, teddy bears and Maple Ridge Farms corporate gifts. Most of the gifts are sold and delivered throughout the United … [Read more...] about Joyce Reid Delivers Customized Surprises
Called to the Stage
Stage actress Robyn Allen has spent more than 30 years in the entertainment industry, but says she had to overcome her shyness to perform. “I was always very shy,” she said, “but if I had written a poem, I would just stand up and recite it in front of my relatives. I think that’s how they tricked me into auditioning for plays in school.” Soon she found her own trick, which was to become completely immersed in the character and stay focused. Allen shared her story with more than 100 … [Read more...] about Called to the Stage
A Match Made for Hollywood
Making movies and commercials is not for the physically or mentally weak, says Sedona-based freelance production manager, producer and assistant director Margaret Knight. “Every job is different,” said Knight. “The film business is a formula, and when the formula works, it flows – and it’s a great sensation to be a part of it. As in anything, when you feel the energy and synchronicity, it gives you a satisfying, rewarding, why-you-do-this-for-a-living kind of feeling.” Once Knight is … [Read more...] about A Match Made for Hollywood
Aerial Arts School Continues to Gain Momentum
There’s no doubt, a new generation of jumping, flipping, twirling athletes has been inspired by the Tokyo Olympics. And locally, Momentum Aerial offers a launching pad into graceful, thrilling movement with a recreational sport that requires a great deal of confidence in the forces of physics. Momentum Aerial is a school and manifestation of the collective dream of two Flagstaff women, housed in three warehouse bays and stretching across 5,400 square feet in east Flagstaff. It is here that … [Read more...] about Aerial Arts School Continues to Gain Momentum
Face Forward
Many of us wouldn’t know the difference between an aesthetician and an esthetician, but there is a clear distinction, and Allure Aesthetics AZ owner Taylor Moody is eager to explain. As Lead Master Aesthetician, Moody stated that aesthetics specializes in medical skin treatments and estheticians are more holistic, performing mostly cleansing and cleaning procedures. “At Allure Aesthetics AZ, skin is our passion, specifically mine,” said Moody. “No matter what your skin condition – rosacea, … [Read more...] about Face Forward
Babies to Kids Celebrates 25 Years in Flagstaff
Twenty-five years goes fast when you’re having fun. Just ask Babies to Kids and Book Nest Toy Store owner Amy Herrington, who has been in her dream job in Flagstaff since 1996. “I love my business,” said Herrington, who is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Babies to Kids this month. “It’s not like work to me. It’s a joy and a privilege and I’ve made so many wonderful friends.” Babies to Kids has been at its current location in Flagstaff’s Kachina Square Shopping Center since it opened. … [Read more...] about Babies to Kids Celebrates 25 Years in Flagstaff