Meet Jennie Richau | Designer & Boutique Owner

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

Hi Jennie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I grew up in an entrepreneurial family, so I learned early on about the heart and hustle it takes to build something of your own. Over the years, I’ve worked for others and for myself, and I kept coming back to the realization that when I poured my energy into building someone else’s dream, I was left wishing I had invested that same effort into my own.

Working for myself feels like a better fit. I get to anticipate what’s coming, make thoughtful decisions for my customers, and shape a business that reflects my values instead of someone else’s bottom line. About six months ago, I launched my luxury silk scarf brand out of a personal passion, and that naturally grew into opening Richau & Co, a boutique that gives local artists and independent makers a platform in front of shoppers who are looking for pieces that are unique and not mass produced.

After being self-employed for so long, you start to feel like it’s simply where you belong. You become a master of wearing many hats, and while that doesn’t always translate neatly onto a resume, it builds a resilience and creativity that makes entrepreneurship so rewarding. This time around, I’m grateful that I get to blend my personal passions with my business, and that’s what makes the journey feel so right.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
For years, I daydreamed about owning a luxury silk scarf brand. Most things I accomplish are built on momentum, and for a while, I struggled to create that spark. Honestly, I got tired of hearing myself say, “I want to make scarves someday,” and decided it was time to stop talking and start doing. Once I took that first step, the momentum grew quickly. Within six months, I had launched Studio Richau, produced two designs, and opened an online store.

Riding that wave of momentum, the opportunity to open a boutique in North Scottsdale presented itself. In about a week’s time, the stars aligned. I spent some time to consider the worst case scenarios and after weighing the risks, I realized the fears I had weren’t nearly as big as I once imagined. Saying yes to that opportunity led me to create Richau & Co, a small, modern, artful space that blends my silk scarves with thoughtfully curated work from independent makers and local artists.

What sets Richau & Co apart is that it offers something hard to find: a boutique that values handmade goods, slow fashion, and meaningful design over mass production. In a world where so much feels the same, we’re creating a space where shoppers can discover pieces that feel personal, special, and one-of-a-kind.

It hasn’t always been easy, but the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that momentum builds the moment you stop letting fear hold you back. I’m proud that both Studio Richau and Richau & Co reflect my passions, and even prouder that they create a platform for others to share theirs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a week to show a friend around, we’d start with one of Arizona’s greatest treasures: Chiricahua National Monument. Hiking the Big Loop is an unforgettable experience, and it really shows off just how magical this state can be. I’d also take them to Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the Desert Botanical Garden, both are incredible places to see how rich, colorful, and full of life the Sonoran Desert really is. People often expect Arizona to be nothing but “brown desert,” and I love showing them how vibrant and diverse it truly is. Phoenix Art Museum will be included, too!

For food and drink, we’d sip wine on the patio at Jaime’s Wine Bar at the historic Wrigley Mansion, enjoy dinner at The Farish House in Downtown Phoenix, and make a special stop at Valentine for their miso chocolate chip cookie (a must!). Of course, tacos are non-negotiable, so it would be Tacos Chiwas or Taco Chelo. We’d also squeeze in a day trip to Tucson for its amazing mix of food, art, and shopping.

To end the week in style? A spa day at Sanctuary, surrounded by the stunning Camelback Mountain views. It’s the perfect way to wrap up a week of exploring, eating, and soaking in everything that makes Arizona such a special place.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, my big brother Michael. He started his own music performance company years ago as a side gig, and I’ve watched him grow it into something extraordinary. He works tirelessly to keep improving, always with the same passion and enthusiasm he had at the very beginning. Most people would have burned out long ago, but Michael’s purpose and passion are so aligned that his work and life are beautifully blended. That’s endlessly inspiring to me.

I’m also so grateful for my incredibly supportive boyfriend, who is always in my corner, and for my friends, who constantly remind me that they believe in me and help me keep everything in perspective. Having a support system like that makes a significant difference in the entrepreneurial journey.

For the celebrity shout-out, I’d have to mention Sara Blakely and her husband, Jesse Itzler. Sara’s commitment to building a business that’s true to her values reminds me that we don’t have to play by anyone else’s rules. Jesse’s contagious enthusiasm for life and his drive to make every moment count are constant reminders that our time is limited, and we should pour it into what truly matters.

Website: https://www.studiorichau.com

Instagram: @richauco

Other: Studio Richau Luxury Silk Scarves Instagram @studiorichau
Richau & Co Gallery + Boutique Instagram @richauco

Image Credits
Photos: Neil Mei and Jennie Richau