We had the good fortune of connecting with Jodi & Cesar Plaza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jodi & Cesar, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Without great risk, there is no great reward, and our entire lives have centered around being willing to take some level of risk. From moving from our hometowns on the east coast to having a family and starting a business. The prelude to each major accomplishment has been risk, and we are excited to see the manifestation of our most recent uncertain opportunity, opening Imagination Plaza.

Even our meeting happened completely at risk. Cesar was scouting a campground that I frequented with friends and we met. We were friends for several years, even after he took the risk of moving to Arizona in 2009 with no set plans, only the desire to be in the desert. Ten years later, I found myself presented with the risk of closing my successful wellness center in Maryland for the opportunity of fulfilling a decades-old dream of moving to Arizona. This whole potential amazing life could be realized with Cesar. Maybe start a family and hopefully open a wellness center and shop again.

The determining consideration on whether the risk is worth taking is the threshold of regret. In other words, would I regret coming to AZ and failing more than the regret I might face if I didn’t come and try at all. As I conceptualized the road ahead of me, first I saw the possibility of being in AZ, trying, failing, and even having to move back to WV. Then I felt the pang of sorrow flood in when I envisioned being older and looking back on my life without ever attempting to see what AZ has to offer!

Three and a half years after moving to Oracle, we have opened up Imagination Plaza, our fun fusion of wellness center and art/metaphysical supply shop. We were also blessed to recently host both sides of our family who visited from the east coast to celebrate our daughter’s second birthday! These are the greatest rewards we could have ever imagined!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As artists, we are attracted to all types of media that can range from hand-painting mandalas on stones to laser-engraving nature-inspired pieces of wooden and acrylic art. We are most excited about the possibilities our laser brings to our art, and are learning graphic design to allow us to bring our visions to life. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s always been worth the risk of giving up.

We would want the world to see that fear is only the barrier to achieving your dreams. Keep moving, even if at a snail’s pace.

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.
We just recently had family visiting from WV and PA. We took them to the iconic town of Tombstone, and then locally we trekked into Honey Bee Canyon in Oro Valley to visit ancient petroglyphs!

Places to check out in Oracle include AZ Zipline Adventures during the day, a delicious burger from Cook Shack in the afternoon, and then off to the Farmer’s Market at Sue & Jerry’s Trading Post on Wednesday night for live music, and delicious food, and lots of local vendors. Its unlike any Farmer’s Market you’ve ever experienced!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A Shout Out to the entire town of Oracle, AZ! Since moving here, I have been welcomed with open arms and taken in as a family. Many members of the community came together to throw us an amazing baby shower when expecting our daughter.

Website: www.imaginationplaza.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaginationplaza/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ImaginationPlaza/

Other: Check out our Google Profile!

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.