Haley Construction has come a long way in the nearly 70 years since Jim and Frances Haley launched it in Globe with nothing more than a borrowed $1,000 and an old Ford truck. Today, their granddaughter Gillian Haley strives to secure the company’s reputation as a local firm that can handle all types of projects, from custom homes to even the biggest commercial buildings.

Kimberly Marsh never planned to start a photography business. Now, a decade in, she said during a recent interview, “I love it.”

Kim specializes in portraits and personal branding—and doing things differently.

Shortly after she started photographing people, others would see the photos and say, “I can see their soul in that picture,” or, “I feel like I know them,” or, “I can see straight through them.”

The Yavapai Family Advocacy Center’s (YFAC) mission statement reads: “to reduce trauma to victims of abuse by providing a safe and supportive environment and facilitating a team approach to advocacy, investigation, and prosecution.”

But the people behind the organization describe their work a bit differently; they say they guide their clients to find their voice, take back their power, and rediscover their worth and value (or discover them for the first time).

One in eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetimes. An estimated five to ten percent of those breast cancers will be linked to gene mutations passed through many generations of the family. Hormonal changes, lifestyle, and environmental factors also play a role in the development of breast cancer. This means breast cancer is likely caused by a complicated interaction of genetic makeup, the environment, and lifestyle.

At 27, Alexes Niekamp’s list of achievements is impressive by any measure. She owns two successful businesses: the award-winning Lessons by Lexe dance studio and Quest Character Parties. She holds the Miss Saguaro title (a local title within the Miss Arizona organization). And, she’s the dance team coach for the Mustangs, the Northern Arizona Wranglers dance team.

Her journey hasn’t been easy; she’s worked hard for every one of her accomplishments … and the payoff is sweet.

When Prescott residents Cal Seabaugh and Kelly Williams say they’ve seen Arizona, they mean it: the duo spent 45 days this past fall hiking the entire Arizona National Scenic Trail—all its 800 miles and 110,000 feet of elevation gain.

Stretching the length of the state, from Utah to the Mexican border, the trail, also known as the Arizona Trail, showcases Arizona’s diverse landscape. And, Kelly, said, “It’s all spectacular.”

It took a degree, a couple of careers, and several years for Julie Glaze Gorman to dial in on what she wanted to do. Now, she’s living her dream (which looks nothing like she expected), and she’s sharing it with her daughter, Autumn Sierra, who is enjoying the ride, too.

Julie opened Wild Iris Coffeehouse and Bakery 15 years ago this past November. Just a kid at the time, Autumn grew up washing dishes, taking orders, and managing the store. This past November, on the Wild Iris’s 15th anniversary, Autumn opened her own digs, The Century Lounge, and is now putting her experience to use.

Wendy and her husband Greg started offering weddings and other events on their 30-acre property four years ago (their son Grant and his bride Sofia were the first to get married there).

Hosting events at Lynx Creek Farm is a family affair. Wendy and Greg live on the property, and their daughter Raphael is the day-of coordinator.

Between events, the trio works to constantly beautify the property, adding color and depth to its wide-open views.

The Prescott Area Shelter Services (PASS) mission statement is simple: To serve women, women with children, and veterans by providing temporary housing, resources, individualized case management, and a pathway to permanent housing.

For the women, PASS serves, though, the benefits are complex and life-changing.

Every team member is committed to caring for the whole person—body, mind and spirit.

In Arizona’s vibrant landscape, a persistent challenge that demands our attention and advocacy is the gender pay gap. As we strive for equity and inclusivity, it is imperative to address this issue head-on and work towards creating a fair and just society for all, but more specifically for those who have been marginalized for centuries past. Additionally, we must consider the impact of disclosing salary history and its role in perpetuating existing inequities. The Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) urges everyone to join us in advocating for change and making our voices heard.

Prescott Woman Magazine sat down with Jen Herbert, owner of Superstition Meadery and a Prescott Downtown Partnership (PDP) member, to find out what she enjoys most about living and working in Prescott.

Prescott Woman Magazine interviewed Jen Group, Realtor® with Iannelli and Associates, the Leslie Jacobs Real Estate Team, and Prescott Chamber of Commerce members. We learned about how much she values the vitality of Prescott and how much she contributes to it.

Prescott Woman Magazine interviewed Tiffany Talbot, area supervisor for Family Entertainment Group at In The Game and a Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce member. We learned about how much she values giving back to the community.

Gina Benner remembers when she decided to change her life. “I woke up one morning and knew I wanted to do the second half of my life differently. I had experienced a significant change in my mindset and approach to life, and that was the beginning of this crazy journey to focus my career decisions on things that meant more.”

Today, Gina’s evolution has given her many gifts through her various roles, each showcasing the anchors that keep her rooted in this next chapter.

Kara Schumann and Amanda Eliseo, Licensed Professional Counselors, have known each other for over 20 years. In that time, their paths continued to cross or run parallel … so much so that starting a business together seemed like a natural fit.

The Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) has evolved since its origins in 1991 to support a robust commitment to and focus on advocacy and legislative efforts.

January 5, 2023, marked the commencement of an impactful year for WFSA’s Advocacy team as they stood alongside Governor Katie Hobbs during her inaugural address. A week later, as the legislative session unfolded, WFSA achieved a significant milestone by securing a bill sponsor for SB 1033: TPT; diapers; feminine hygiene; exemption, which aims to eliminate the luxury tax on feminine hygiene supplies and diapers.  

Prescott Woman Magazine interviewed Carmen Hines, owner of C&C Cyclery (along with her husband Casey) and member of the Prescott Valley Chamber of Commerce. We learned about how much she values ensuring people have access to transportation.

Prescott Woman Magazine interviewed Irene Winters, a recent retiree from National Bank and Director of the Prescott Downtown Partnership. We learned about how much she values helping people and organizations.

For fitness guru Blayne Soriano, a love of spin class was all it took to forge the pathway to launching a new career. Owner of Ten27 CrossFit® and the private chef business Meals by Blayne Soriano in Prescott, Blayne made it her mission to practice what she preaches through nutrition and exercise.

CrossFit®, a form of strength and conditioning workout made up of functional everyday movements like squats, pulling, and pushing, is performed at a high-intensity level—individually and competitively. If that sounds intimidating, be not afraid!

When is a diet not a diet at all? It sounds like a riddle, but the answer is easy: when it’s the Mediterranean diet. A more accurate name might be the Mediterranean lifestyle since a significant component of making this diet work is how you approach life. There are no strict dietary restrictions. A balanced social life and enjoying meals with others are key components. Laughter, reducing stress, and living are recommended.

The Mediterranean diet focuses on the quality of your food rather than a single nutrient or food group. It’s been proven to reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. A recent National Institute on Aging study reports that it may even help protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

Four weeks after giving birth, I was already working full-time again when my daughter and I moved back into town.

My story isn’t typical. But Google “most stressful life events,” and having a baby rarely comes up. Consider that becoming a new parent happens within the context of an already-full life, and it’s astounding that new parents have so little support.

Here’s what we know: stress causes chronic disease, partly by raising blood sugar. High blood sugar is a health risk at any time in life, but pregnant and postpartum women are especially vulnerable.

Kara Schumann and Amanda Eliseo, Licensed Professional Counselors, have known each other for over 20 years. In that time, their paths continued to cross or run parallel … so much so that starting a business together seemed like a natural fit.

Pickles Lea Yoga is once again bringing a yoga festival and health fair to Prescott. Yoga will take over the Elks Theater and Performing Arts Center July 20th from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The theme of the third annual Yoga Festival fundraiser is Don’t Give Up!

This year, Pickles Lea is happy to announce that all proceeds will go to Pickles Lea Yoga, the only 501(c)3 yoga company in Northern Arizona. Its mission: to make yoga assessable to all humans no matter their gender, physique, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status by offering donation-based community yoga. It’s free if people need it to be. Pickles Lea loves the Quad City area and is always giving back to the local community.

Whether you’re planning a camping trip to Yosemite or a honeymoon in the Bahamas, travel can be an unforgettable adventure. The last thing you want is an unexpected illness to ruin your plans.

Our immunity can suffer during travel for several reasons. Sleep can be compromised, we’re trying not-so-healthy foods, and we may get a little slack on the exercise routine. Combine this with exposure to more germs, forgetting to hydrate regularly, and the stress of being on the go, and our immune system may end up a little out of balance.

The good news is, that there are a few simple steps you can take to boost your immunity and improve your chances of staying healthy. 

or many women, the details of a wedding are etched into memory:

The smell of the air, and how it feels against your skin.
The way the light shines across the landscape to illuminate hills and valleys, vibrant flowers crowning reception tables, the smiles and bright eyes of the people you love.
How you look and feel in your dress (take lots of photos!).
With each step you take toward your partner, feeling both nervous and sure.
Your first kiss as a married couple.
The food and drinks, are lovingly offered to guests gathering to celebrate you.
And how the lights sparkle as the sun sets, twinkling against a purple sky while you dance, deeply in love.

Keeping a close watch on your children’s eye health is important to catching problems early. Especially when you consider that one of four school-age children has a vision disorder, according to the American Optometric Association.

Jess had premenstrual migraines, debilitating fatigue, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, near-constant body aches, and weight gain which were all devastating her quality of life.  Together we discovered that her blood sugar was unstable, which drove fatigue, and that she had problems processing estrogen, which caused cyclical inflammation that made migraines and body pain blow up and also worsened her Hashimoto’s. 

Wait, did I just see a pickle walking around town? Pickles Lea Yoga owner and instructor Candace Lea, a.k.a. Pickles—who often dresses up to share her love for the community and yoga—fell in love with Prescott in 2015. A good friend told her there “was great yoga and hiking” here.

The Produce Only Market and Smoothie Bar is more than just a store … it’s an experience.

Inside, shoppers will find a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in every color and at reasonable prices. But more importantly, according to owner Chad Tidlund, they’ll have the chance to learn about what they’re buying and get their hands on unique offerings they won’t find elsewhere.

Nestled in the heart of downtown Prescott, Papa’s Italian has been a cherished community restaurant since 1991. Stepping inside, visitors are instantly transported to the Italian countryside, surrounded by walls embellished with beautiful murals, cozy seating tailored for families of all sizes, and traditional Italian aromas filling the air.

Kara Schumann and Amanda Eliseo, Licensed Professional Counselors, have known each other for over 20 years. In that time, their paths continued to cross or run parallel … so much so that starting a business together seemed like a natural fit.

Cori, who graduated from BASIS Prescott in 2018, knew from the time she was an AYSO player, tagging along with her big sister’s team, that she was meant to play on a bigger pitch. That dream became reality when she signed with Cruz Azul this February.

“It was unbelievable,” Matt said of watching Cori play on TV one evening. “I came home from work last night and there on TV was my daughter playing pro soccer in one of the largest stadiums in the world. There are no words to describe the emotions.”

Matt and Tracy traveled to Mexico City in March to watch her play in person, and, Tracy said, “It was very surreal. We watched this kid growing up, playing soccer since she was very young. She’s always been very determined, very perseverant. [Watching her play professionally] was such an amazing joy. It was a mountaintop moment.”

Creativity runs in the family, the women said: their great-grandfather, Runar G. Rodell, is considered one of America’s greatest western artists. His work—dioramas with backgrounds painted in oil paint and foregrounds containing sculptures made of sticks and other natural materials he collected in nature—is currently on display in the Phippen Museum’s James Gallery.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Arizona have served our local communities for almost 30 years. We are proud to be a leader in after-school and summer services for all children ages six to 18. We are best known for taking care of those that need us most and providing safe spaces essential for childcare, but we aspire to do more – to do whatever it takes for great futures. We are excited to announce that our vision for our local Clubs is to be the greatest thing to do after school. When it comes to our youth, everyone needs support, and all parents and guardians are tirelessly looking for opportunities and positive outlets for their kids.

Today’s seniors are those who helped create the United States as we know it today. They worked hard through the Depression and World War II. In the quad-city area, 42 percent of residents are older than 65. Many of them are isolated and homebound and have limited social interaction.

Polara Health’s Senior Peer Program aims to change that.

Those who experience trauma or abuse often form subconscious beliefs that they’re not worthy or not good enough, or they deserve bad things. These “inner bully” beliefs can cause people to develop unhealthy patterns such as unhealthy food choices, substance abuse (or consistent overindulgence), abusive relationships, or perfectionism.

It may be hard to believe that a significant number of individuals do not have a will or trust in place. According to a 2020 Gallup survey, only 53% of adults over the age of 50 have a valid will or trust. A person does not need to be of high wealth to have a plan in place. There are several options for an estate plan; you may need to speak with an attorney to determine which option is best for you.

FCRB volunteers commit to monthly meetings, by video conference, to review the cases of children who are in out-of-home care. Members of each board review their assigned cases until permanency is achieved. As children return home, are adopted, have guardianship granted or age out of the system, new cases are added to the board’s review day.  The Board makes recommendations to the Juvenile Court and interested parties involved in the case.

Bob Mariano believed wholeheartedly in giving back to his community, which is why he became a Big Brother to Little Brother Kyle in 2004.

That match, through Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, ignited a long-lasting relationship between Bob, his wife Barb, and Kyle … one that went beyond their official match (which lasted more than three years). Kyle remains in touch with the family today.

Kyle is now married, living and working in the Pacific Northwest. “When I met [Bob and Barb],” he said, “I was struggling with self-esteem issues. I felt safe and comfortable right away with the Marianos.”

“My match was important to my development and learning to be who I am today. Bob was a huge role model. He taught me how to treat people and they listened to me without judging me.”

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Karen Weisser, Massage Envy’s Director of Operations for Northern Arizona, to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it offers.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Jennifer Burns, a multi-company entrepreneur (owner of NaturaBella Microblading and Permanent Cosmetics and Dream Travel Management, also known as AZWomen’sTravel), to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it has to offer. 

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Darla DeVille, Public Affairs Manager for the Northwest Division of APS, to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it has to offer.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Jessica Parker, owner & esthetician at NAKED Beauty Bar, to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it has to offer.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Ellen Bashor, M.Ed., a Park Ranger and Outdoor Advocate, to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it has to offer.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Madison Stephens, a mom, personal trainer, line dancing instructor, and avid hiker, to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it has to offer.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Sandy Griffis, Executive Director of the Yavapai County Contractors Association, to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it has to offer.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Aileen Casillas, owner of Florian, to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it has to offer.

Prescott Woman Magazine chatted with Joellyn Nusbaum, a vacation rental owner and President of United Animal Friends, to find out what makes her enjoy Prescott and everything it has to offer.

PWM: How long have you lived in Prescott?

Joellyn: I’ve been coming to the Prescott area since 1982 when my folks bought a cabin but have lived in Prescott full time since 2002

Last summer, I wrote about a trail extension in the works for the West Spruce Trail #264. It has finally connected to several other trails, making exploring the mountains southwest of town easier.

The old West Spruce Trail terminated near the Thumb Butte Loop Road cattle guard. Now, thanks to the completion of the extension, the 264 trail crosses the road and heads east.

The trail is mellow with little to no incline or decline as it wraps around the hillside, exposing more amazing views to the north. The trail winds around the hillsides for about a mile until you run into an intersection where hikers have four options from which to choose. The Sierra Pieta overlook is a mile to the south. Potts Creek is 1.5 miles in the other direction; old Forest Road 9401J will take you to the circle trail intersection on 327, and now you can go straight across and head another 2 miles towards Copper Basin Road and Forest Road 9402D, which will take you to the Mt. Francis Trails.

The Storm Trails in the heart of the Granite Dells now have a new access point. The Gateway Trail allows users to access the Peavine Trail just north of the Iron King intersection in just a half mile. The trail starts on Old Highway 89. When heading north on 89 out of Prescott, there is a right-hand turn just after Three Sisters Consignment that takes you past the trailer park to an area with some parking.

Sycamore Canyon Wilderness has so much scenic beauty to offer. It has many access points and many miles of trails surrounding it and in it. One of my favorite Sycamore hikes is the Sycamore Rim Trail. It is a bit of a drive to get to, but well worth the effort.

A New Set of ‘Incredibly Beautiful’ Trails Southeast of the Peavine/Iron King Intersection Provides Myriad Hiking Opportunities and Breathtaking Sights

I recently had a conversation with Jason Williams, Prescott National Forest (PNF) Trails and Wilderness Manager, about what is happening with the trails out at West Spruce.

He told me the latest project is a new trail that will connect to the West Spruce Trail, which currently ends or begins on Forest Road (FR) 373 just before the cattle guard. I jumped in the truck and went to see how much they have accomplished.

To find this new trail, head past Thumb Butte about 1.8 miles, then turn left onto FR 373. Continue another 3.2 miles on the dirt road to a small parking area on the right, just before the cattle guard. This new trail takes off to the east and offers spectacular views as it twists and turns over two miles to Copper Basin Road.  

This section of trail will be slightly narrower and more difficult than the Circle Trail.

If you are looking for a new adventure and haven’t done any exploring on the northwestern side of Granite Mountain, I have a loop for you. Fourteen miles out of Williamson Valley Road is the Almosta Ranch subdivision. Just a half-mile down Almosta Ranch Road, you’ll find a large parking area for the beginning of your exploration. Almosta Trail begins here and heads towards the western side of Granite Mountain. I took Almosta Trail to Lost Shoe and then Stringfeild back to Almosta to make about an eight-mile trek. Almosta Trail leads you through the end of the housing development and into the vast country full of pines, juniper, cactus, scrub oaks, manzanita, and even cottonwoods once you hit Mint Wash and Jerome Canyon.

When Prescott residents Cal Seabaugh and Kelly Williams say they’ve seen Arizona, they mean it: the duo spent 45 days this past fall hiking the entire Arizona National Scenic Trail—all its 800 miles and 110,000 feet of elevation gain.

Stretching the length of the state, from Utah to the Mexican border, the trail, also known as the Arizona Trail, showcases Arizona’s diverse landscape. And, Kelly, said, “It’s all spectacular.”

Just before the two-mile mark, look for the trailhead sign on the left. Headwaters Trail is 3.27 miles of single track that will take you back to the Peavine. It is a very flowy trail that winds though the grass and it is a great place to get some miles in. Eventually the trail curves back toward the new subdivision. The trail continues through the area on a dirt single track in a wash. The fences for homes keep them silent and almost hidden. Follow the well-marked signs and stay on the dirt single track until you arrive back at the Peavine. Now you are about a mile from the parking area. This approximately seven-mile round trip is kind of a long journey, but because it doesn’t involve climbing any mountains, it is easy to accomplish.

On a beautiful Sunday morning, I found myself struggling to leave my warm comfy bed and cup of coffee. Some days it is just hard to keep your chin up. I finally convinced myself not to waste the day and go for a hike to clear my head. I found myself heading to the Ranch Trailhead parking area just down Walker Road about a ¼ mile. I heard it had recently received some much-needed love.

When I was a kid I loved the choose your own adventure books. I would read them over and over until I had chosen every option possible. Spence Springs is a lot like those books. You can pick a starting point and create countless adventures.

One adventure I have enjoyed most recently is Vista, Noodle, Sidekick, Tatanka, Tunnel Vision, to the BLM. Spence Springs is now very well marked and at every turn there is not only a trail map but even a QR code so you can download the map and track yourself with your phone. Service in this area is quite good so even if you do manage to lose yourself it will not be hard to find you.