Shutter Envy offers top-quality products, personalized service
BY ALISON STANTON
Since the day Connie and Kevin Little opened Shutter Envy in 2004, they have strived to offer their customers beautiful window coverings in a wide variety of styles, colors and price points.
Whether a customer is wanting to purchase plantation shutters made from either composite wood, solid bass wood or alder, cellular shades that can help keep rooms cooler, vertical blinds, Roman shades, roller blinds and much more, Shutter Envy is a one-stop windowcovering shop.
The Littles, who co-own and operate Shutter Envy, have been residents of Arizona since 1994 and moved to Gilbert in 2004. When the couple decided to purchase plantation shutters for their new home in Gilbert, they immediately fell in love with shutters and the windowcovering industry.
“We now work with residential customers around the state. Shutter Envy specializes in offering a free, noobligation in-home consultation for all customers,” Connie said.
“We bring along product samples for all of our window coverings, measure all of the windows, and we also do all of our own installation,” Kevin said.
“All our customers have to do is select
the products they like, sit back and relax. We do the rest.”
One of the main benefits of the in-home visit, Connie said, is that customers can see exactly how the various window covering samples will look inside their home with their décor, comparing colors and styles against their countertops, painted walls and cabinets.
“They can really see how the colors and tones of each window covering look, and match it to their rooms a lot easier,” she said. In addition to offering a wide variety of top-quality and attractive window coverings, Connie said she and Kevin also enjoy meeting customers from all
walks of life.
“We offer a large variety of window covering products that will provide solutions for every budget,” she said, adding that they both enjoy working with and getting to know their customers.
Plantation shutters are an important aspect of the business for Shutter Envy.
“We offer a variety of shutter products to meet every customer’s decorating style,” Connie said.
“For example, composite wood shutters are very popular and affordable and hold up extremely well against the high heat we experience in Arizona. These shutters also have a smooth finish which makes cleaning and maintaining
them much easier as well. And just like most of our products, these shutters are offered with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.”
“Basswood shutters are also very popular in Arizona and can be manufactured to fit an unlimited number of shapes and sizes including arched windows. Basswood shutters can be painted any color of white or stained to match your flooring, cabinetry or other furniture in the home,” Kevin said.
“Customer service is really a very significant and important part of what we do,” Kevin added.
“We are a solid business that is run properly, and we are licensed, bonded and insured. Fifty percent of our business is made up of repeat customers and referrals. We’ve worked with moms and dads and then their daughters and sons too.”
Connie said that she and Kevin are truly happy to go to work each day.
“We feel that if you love what you do, it won’t ever feel like work, and that is just how it is with us and Shutter Envy,” she said. “As long as you love what you are doing, that’s what matters”.
For more information on Shutter Envy, call (602) 295-6864 or visit www. PhoenixShuttersandBlinds.com.
Connie and Kevin Little, co-owners and operators of Shutter Envy, said Plantation shutters are a top seller. Submitted photo
May is special for women at Fuchsia
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Fuchsia owners Lisa Vukonich and Erin Owens understand what it’s like to work hard. Whether a woman is a mother, teacher, nurse or business owner, she deserves a little pampering.
Although they celebrate women daily, the staff of Fuchsia is taking it a step further by offering specials for mothers, nurses and teachers in May.
“Mother’s Day is our second biggest holiday,” Vukonich said. “We have Mother’s Day and we also have Teacher and Nurse Appreciation Month. Every year, we feature certain specials for teachers and nurses.
“We have a lot of members who are teachers or nurses who are constantly giving up themselves. We have specials specifically for them that are amazing deals.”
That goes for Mother’s Day, as well. Fuchsia will be offering an 80-minute custom massage for $84 (valued at $104.99). The “Hot Date Facial,” which Owens describes as “an amazing service,” is $99 (regularly $145) and includes microdermabrasion, a microcurrent, a treatment mask, a two-layer eye lift and a massage of arms, hands and neck.
“A woman’s skin will look absolutely fabulous after this service,” Owens said.
Longtime business
The two women met when Owens was Vukonich’s superior in the higher education field.
“We worked together for five years,” Vukonich said. “I was looking to leave. I had two younger kids at the time. I was not enjoying the long work weeks. I missed many kids’ awards and events and things like that.
“I wanted to be more in charge of my own schedule. Prior to that I was
a social worker, prior to that I was a cosmetologist. I kept my cosmetology license, even though no longer practicing and had gone on to college. I came full circle and ended up in the beauty industry.”
Before entering the higher education field, Owens was in thoroughbred racing.
Fuchsia opened in November 2006 in Village Square at Dana Park in East Mesa. The facility opened in a space a little less than 2,000 square feet, but moved to a new spot, where it currently sits, with more than 4,000 square feet of space.
The duo and the spa were fortunate to make it through the recession.
“I think there’s a couple of things that really kept us strong,” Owens said. “One of the things that we focused on really early was our membership.”
A membership is $59 per month, Vukonich said.
“There are probably seven to 10 different services you can choose from—custom facial, massage, microdermabrasion, body scrub. There are a variety of services you can get.
“You can come in without a membership too.”
Either way, clients will be receive great services and quality products at a “very reasonable cost,” Vukonich said.
Next, Vukonich and Owens are franchising the spa, with the next location opening later in the year at High Street in North Phoenix.
“A lot of people have approached us over the years because they thought we were already a franchise,” Vukonich said. “That’s always been a goal of ours.”
They have the same goal for Fuchsia, but there’s another thing they have in common. Each loves Fuchsia services.
“It’s fun to see the results on yourself,” Vukonich said. “We’re our best clients.”
Owners Lisa Vukonich and Erin Owens dedicate the month of May to mothers, teachers and nurses at Fuchsia. Photo by Joseph Greenbaum
Gilbert Chamber hosts series of events through June
Throughout the year the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of luncheons and meetings for its members and the community. Events are held throughout the town.
The chamber office is at 119 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101. For more information about events or to register, call (480) 892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com.
Chamber Chat—Midday
Presented by Town & Country Office Cleaning
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at Dragon Wok, 727 W. Ray Rd., Suite B1, Gilbert.
This informal gathering is a fun way to share conversation with other professionals and learn more about businesses in the community. Free admission; $10 for lunch buffet. Registration required.
5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 7, at Brunswick Zone XL- Gilbert, 1160 S. Gilbert Rd.
Join the group for a meet and greet to learn more about the Gilbert Leadership program. Visit with program alumni and hear about their experience. Free admission.
Small Business Workshop— Managing Cash Flow
Presented by Digital Intelligence Agency
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 8, at Cooper Crossing Executive Suites, 1820 E. Ray Rd., Chandler.
Business Academy connects ideas with a plan for action. Each workshop will focus on a topic or opportunity that will challenge participants’ thinking, help them to evaluate their goals, set their priorities and take their business to the next level.
Member admission is $15; general admission is $40; Business Academy student: Free with PROMO code.
The 411
Presented by Printwerx
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the chamber.
The 411 is a comprehensive membership orientation at which businesses will learn how to maximize the benefits of their chamber investment. Fee event for current and prospective members of the chamber.
Digital Marketing: Building and Understanding Online Traffic
3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Cooper Crossing Executive Suites.
Join the chamber for this digital marketing workshop as experts focus on building and understanding online traffic patterns. Member admission is $20; general admission is $50. Business Academy students: $12 with code.
Mastermind Workshop— Funding Opportunities
Presented by Cooper Crossing Executive Suites
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, May 22, at Copper Crossing Executive Suites. Participants will learn how to effectively manage cash flow and plan for their future. Member admission is $15, with nonmembers paying $40. BA students: Free with PROMO code.
Chamber Chat—Morning
Presented by Plumbing Medic
7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, at Seville Golf and Country Club, 6683 S. Clubhouse Dr., Gilbert. This breakfast is an informal way to share conversation and meet with other professionals. No admission is charged. Individuals are responsible for the cost of their own meal. Breakfast buffet is $10 and includes beverage and tax. Additional gratuity requested. Reservations required.
Small Business Workshop—Live, Work, Life Balance
Presented by Digital Intelligence Agency
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 12, at Cooper Crossing Executive Suites. Business Academy connects ideas with a plan for action. Each workshop will focus on a topic or opportunity that will challenge participants’ thinking, help them to evaluate their goals, set their priorities and take their business to the next level. Chamber member admission is $15; general admission is $40.
Business Awards Luncheon
Presented by American Furniture Warehouse
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at Doubletree by Hilton Phoenix-Gilbert, San Tan Elegante Resort & Conference Center, 1800 S. SanTan Village Pkwy., Gilbert.
Join the chamber in honoring outstanding businesses and individuals nominated in the following categories: Business of the Year (Large), Business of the Year (Mid-sized), Business of the Year (Small), Employer of Choice, Family Business of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. Member admission is $35; general admission is $50. Reserved table for eight is $280. Sponsored table for eight is $350.
Digital Marketing: Putting It Together With Sales/ Marketing Automation
3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Cooper Crossing Executive Suites. Join the chamber for this digital marketing workshop as it focuses on pulling it all together with sales and marketing automation. Member admission is $20; general admission is $50. Business Academy student admission is $12 with code.
Mastermind Workshop – The Exit Strategy. Create Your Succession and/or Contingency Plan
Presented by Cooper Crossing Executive Suites
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Cooper Crossing Executive Suites.
The unexpected happens, as does retirement; what does it mean for businesses? Member admission is $15; general admission is $40. BA student: Free with PROMO code.
Hatfield Family Medicine and Mesa Family Medical Center merge
Physicians’ offices Hatfield Family Medicine and Mesa Family Medical Center name have joined together under the new name Partners in Primary Care.
By bringing these two long-standing medical practices together, Partners in Primary Care will have five centers across the East Valley, located in Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa.
Medication Safety Seminar with Medication Review: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Partners in Primary Care builds upon the history, reputation and clinical expertise that made our two, longstanding medical practices successful,” said Dr. David Hatfield, regional medical director with Partners in Primary Care.
“This new, unified brand allows us to communicate a name and cohesiveness that represents an even bigger promise to our patients—to partner with them to provide the right relationship for better health and well-being.”
While the practice name is changing, doctors and staff at each center will remain the same. The combined group of medical centers includes 19 health care practitioners. All five centers are also accepting new patients, including those on Medicare.
“While we serve all age groups, we are expanding on a successful model that specializes in senior population health management,” said Mike Slice, operations director with Partners in Primary Care. “Our single, simplified goal is to proactively engage our patients in their health to help improve their quality of life.”
In addition to providing primary care service, such as physicals, management and expertise of most chronic and acute care conditions, the centers also provide immunizations, injections, EKG, minor dermatological and surgical procedures and patient education.
The centers regularly host complimentary doctor talks and health improvement events for both patients and members of the community. The next events include:
Friday, May 15
Doctor Talk on High Blood Pressure: 10 a.m.
Monday, May 18
Senior Health and Fitness Day: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.
For more details on these and other events, call (480) 4774808. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www. PartnersInPrimaryCare.com.
In this time of budget cuts, it’s good to know that Legacy Traditional School is committed to giving our students the benefits and rewards of a quality, well-rounded education. One that focuses on all areas of academic study, including music, art, physical education, extracurricular activities and clubs. In fact, where some schools are cutting, Legacy Traditional School is adding programs that enhance the education of our students. To learn more, contact us today!
In this time of budget cuts, it’s good to know that Legacy Traditional School is committed to giving our students the benefits and rewards of a quality, well-rounded education. One that focuses on all areas of academic study, including music, art, physical education, extracurricular activities and clubs. In fact, where some schools are cutting, Legacy Traditional Schools is adding programs that enhance the education of our students. To learn more, contact us today!
In this time of budget cuts, it’s good to know that Legacy Traditional School is committed to giving our students the benefits and rewards of a quality, well-rounded education. One that focuses on all areas of academic study, including music, art, physical education, extracurricular activities and clubs. In fact, where some schools are cutting, Legacy Traditional School is adding programs that enhance the education of our students. To learn more, contact us today!
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Oregano’s collecting baby formula donations
Oregano’s Pizza Bistro always has given back to the community, but now the local pizza chain’s public service is taking a new direction—the first “Bottles For Babies” powdered baby formula drive at the company’s 15 restaurants across Arizona from Monday, May 4, through Sunday, May 10.
The Gilbert location is at 328 N. Gilbert Rd. Its phone number is (480) 882-9336.
“Bottles for Babies”— in partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank and the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona—will allow Oregano’s guests to donate cash in person, donate online at Oreganos. com or bring powdered baby formula in sealed boxes to its restaurants all week long.
depend on adults for each meal and how expensive baby formula can be.
“Babies have no choice but to rely on everyone around them,” said Russell. “They’re at the mercy of everyone. That’s why we’re doing ‘Bottles For Babies.’ No one else is doing it and it’s a great start. We think it’s a great way to give back to the community across Arizona and to continue to do what we’ve done for so many years now—feed families and make sure everyone’s taken care of and satisfied.”
The idea for the drive originated with Oregano’s founder and CEO Mark S. Russell, who recently became a first-time father. Russell said the birth of his son, River, showed him how much infants
Founded in 1993, Oregano’s has a dozen Valley locations, two restaurants in Tucson, one location in Flagstaff and one under construction in Queen Creek. Specializing in original Chicago-style thin crust, stuffed and pan pizzas, as well as abundant specialty salads and pastas, Oregano’s continues to be inspired by recipes passed down from Russell’s family.
Doing Business
Magaña’s Tacos
Owners: Dave and Christina Magaña
How long in business: Since Jan. 10
Specialty: Mexican food, all of which is fresh and homemade, including burritos, street tacos, Navajo tacos, green and red chile, beans and rice.
Address: Inside Shell, 797 E. Ray Rd., Gilbert Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Phone: (480) 857-1220
Email: pdavidmag@gmail.com
Send in your business profile for ‘Doing Business’
The Gilbert Sun News would like to welcome new area businesses or existing ones that may be new to our readers.
Submit information about your business for a “Doing Business” mini-business profile in an upcoming issue of our publication, which is distributed to 25,000 homes, racks and boxes the fifth of each month.
Please include all of the following items: name of business, name of owner(s), how long the business has existed, unique features, hours of operation, address, telephone number, website and email address. Also include an at least 300 dpi photo of the business owner or logo.
Email this information to info@gilbertsunnews.com or visit www. gilbertsunnews.com and click on the “Doing Business” form at the top of the page to submit.
