Meet Carissa Hewitt | Boutique gallery owner & graphic designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carissa Hewitt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carissa, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Honesty. Without it, we are lost to ourselves and to others. If we uphold honesty and integrity, we become a more interactive society that can rely on help from others. Honesty begets trust and trust enables risk. Risk makes us grow.

What should our readers know about your business?
I own a boutique gallery in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. My gallery is a hybrid of a tourist shop and an art gallery. It is truly unique! I represent one artist, Brian Banash, who is a painter and graphic designer/illustrator. His works are amazing and I’m thankful for the opportunity to bring his creations to market. Our offerings encompass: music, regional interest and recreational pursuits. Think – a Route 66 roadtrip in a VW bus with classic rock on the stereo.

The gallery took me approximately 2 years from inception to grand opening. Landing a space to lease was a huge challenge in this coveted tourist area. I find that the concept of the boutique gallery is foreign to most people and I work every day at discovering new ways to market our concept, and get people to come in the door. However, the shop sells itself once people walk in! I don’t think I’ll ever tire of hearing the exclamations of praise as people experience the shop for the first (or second, or third) time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this city of Scottsdale! I’ve spent 15 years visiting before I moved here a year and a half ago. Breakfast spots rule this city. Start the day with an amazing breakfast burrito and cortado from Berdena’s while you chat with the faithful locals who visit this stop daily. Walk along the canal beside the 5th Avenue shops district until the 10am hour calls you into the opening market doors. Next, visit the old western side of old town and stroll through one of the city’s highly-coveted art gallery district. Take the afternoon off and come back out for an early evening ice cream at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, head over to the botanical gardens for an evening stroll through the desert flora and fauna. Finish up the day with a final meal at Tapas Papa Frita along the canal under the patio lights with a killer ambiance that will convince you that you’ve landed in Spain. I love exploring this city!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband encouraged me to go back to school at 40! That choice put me on the path towards owning my own gallery. My children had to go without a few home-cooked meals and quality time with me, while I studied. They say it takes a village to raise a family, but I think it takes a family to help us find our place in the village.

Website: https://bluesdesertsoul.com/

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