The Women of the Prescott Downtown Partnership
Build Business & Relationships in the Gem of Prescott
Roxane Nielsen
Co-Founder / Owner, Prescott Brewing Company
Still Strong After a Quarter Century, Prescott Brewing Company is Here to Stay
An unplanned trip to Prescott in the 90s enticed Roxane Nielsen and her husband John to open the town’s first trendy craft brewery and eatery located in the Bashford Courts building on Gurley Street. The Nielsen’s were living in Felton, CA and had spent more than a year working on the concept of opening a brewpub. Nielsen says, “People in that industry loved to talk beer, yeast and fermentation tanks!” When the decision for a location came up, the Nielsens found themselves drawn to Prescott, particularly a huge empty “white elephant” on Gurley Street. The couple contacted the building owner who was reluctant to lease any space to a restaurant and did not understand the newly-evolving brewpub concept. After some investigative work on their own, the impressed owners finally approved and the Nielsens never looked back. Nielsen loves seeing the multi-generation groups of friends and families who dine at the pub, and recalls, “I remember one table on Mother’s Day with a six-month old baby and a 92-year-old grandmother. This is why we chose to have our business in downtown Prescott—it’s almost a communal experience. The independent retailers, restaurants, bars and courthouse all have a symbiotic relationship where we support each other to keep Prescott’s history alive. We all want to be a part of the vibe that brought us here.”
For more information 130 West Gurley Street, Suite A in Bashford Courts, Prescott, AZ 86301; https://www.prescottbrewingcompany.com
Jordyn Vixie
Owner / Photographer, Jordyn Vixie Photography
Finding Her Perfect Space in the Heart of Prescott
Jordyn Vixie says she “took a leap of faith and opened a photography studio in downtown Prescott,” the town she is now proud to call her home. Vixie found her new studio on Montezuma while walking downtown one afternoon—the space was available and its location was an added bonus. Vixie says, “Downtown is so special because it really is the face of Prescott. All the fun holiday events, parades, rodeo activities, and events happen here.” Born and raised in Susanville, CA, Vixie has been in Prescott for four years, and has been in the photography business for seven years, capturing memorable experiences for her clients on their special days. She feels that the photograph industry found her at a young age starting with her degree in professional photography from the Brooks Institute of Photography, to where she has landed at this point in her life. “I was that person who knew I wanted to do exactly what I am doing right now.” Vixie loves being in heart of the town and supports her peers by working and shopping locally and loyally. “I take pride in my work and do my best to listen and remain consistent with my quality.”
For more information visit 226 S. Montezuma Street, Prescott, AZ 86303; jordynvixie.com
Tricia Irwin
Owner, Watson & Willow
Offering A Unique Clothing Boutique Featuring Carefully Curated Pieces
What began as a way to get discounts on clothing she loved by working in retail at age 18, Tricia Irwin quickly figured out that she really enjoyed giving women advice on clothes while developing her passion for the business side of fashion. A Prescott resident for the past two years, Irwin spent her summers camping and playing in Northern Arizona and has always had a connection to mountain living. Now, running a successful retail and fashion store in downtown Prescott where her husband grew up, Irwin loves that she can raise own her kids here. “I chose to open my business downtown because I felt I could add something unique to the limited number of cool women’s clothing shops available.” Her distinction prevails by carefully curating pieces that she believes in, “That way, the shop never feels stuffy or packed, and I am so lucky to carry so many items from women-owned businesses!” While she plans to offer website shopping so customers can order online, Irwin believes the heart of any city is its downtown district, and states, “I feel incredibly lucky to be a small part of such a historic area.”
For more information visit 105 E. Gurley Street; Website: Instagram.com/Watson.and.willow
Darla DeVille
Community Affairs Manager for Northwest Division, Arizona Public Service
Finding Her Niche Serving Prescott Residents Through a Long-Standing Community Partnership
Prescott, Arizona is a long way from Hawaii where Darla DeVille lived most of her life, but it is the mascot of her Alma Mater UW Madison that connects her to the area. “UW Madison’s mascot is the Badger, so I’m a big fan of our Prescott Badgers!” In her 6th year at APS, the former President and Chief Professional Officer of Hawaii United Way says her current position, “Best utilizes my experience, talents and skillsets to serve the communities and company I have grown to care for and respect. As Community Connector, I act as a bridge of communication to share APS information, resources and program services with the communities I love.” DeVille enjoys the draw of downtown Prescott, and her participation in events solidifies her membership on the Prescott Downtown Partnership and Chamber Foundation boards. She also serves as Chair of the Prescott Steering Committee, “Our mission is to enhance, improve and preserve the downtown and entertainment district. APS serves the entire community in many ways and is a born and raised Arizona company for over 135 years.” With 2020 right around the corner, DeVille continues to better her best to serve the area, “It’s about building meaningful partnerships and working together for a bright future.”
For more information 6672 Corsair Avenue, Prescott, AZ; Website: aps.com
