Meet Karen Harris | Owner/Curator for Blush Desert

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

Hi Karen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Creating Blush Desert Women’s Clothing Boutique was born from a real excitement for fashion and a desire to create a unique shopping experience tailored specifically for women who appreciate style, quality, individuality and clothing that helps them dress more modestly in the workplace and any Occassion. Our goal was to curate a collection that celebrates femininity and empowers women to feel confident and beautiful in what they wear. We envisioned a space where each piece tells a story, where women can find pieces that resonate with their personal style and enhance their wardrobe. Our journey began with the belief that fashion is not just about clothing; it’s about self-expression and embracing the essence of who you are.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In my career journey, I’ve worn many hats. Initially, I worked in various roles within the medical community. After getting married, I transitioned to floral design and later ventured into the beauty industry as a Nail Technician. However, I didn’t find these paths fulfilling and decided that my greatest contribution would be to stay home and raise my children. For the next 20 years, my focus was entirely on nurturing my kids, dedicating all my time and energy to giving them the best possible life.

During those years, the rise of internet companies caught my attention, and I found the idea of jumping into that world exhilarating. It wasn’t until my children were grown that I finally gathered the courage to pursue my lifelong dream. Despite the challenges of being a sole proprietor, I’ve cherished every moment of owning and running my own business in the fashion industry. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to live out my passion.

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 guess it would depend on what time of year it is and what my guests are interested in. Summer is incredibly hot here in the valley, so we would probably want to stick with indoor activities until the weather cools down. There are also some great options for short road trips to cooler climates.

My recommended itinerary for a week in the fall, winter, or spring:

Day One: Start with a trip to one of my favorite places, the Desert Botanical Garden. It’s a gorgeous desert garden with a beautiful meandering path. That would take up the better part of a day, and on our way back into town, we could stop and eat at Joe’s Farm Grill.
Day Two: Visit the Phoenix Zoo, and afterward, grab one of the best hamburgers in the valley at Chuckbox in Tempe. For dessert, head to Krispy Cones, right around the corner on Mill Avenue in Tempe.
Day Three: Stop by Worth Takeaway in downtown Mesa to pick up a picnic lunch, then head to Papago Park for a hike and a picnic. Any guest would find Papago Park breathtaking.
Day Four: If they love shopping, head to the Scottsdale Quarter, a beautiful outdoor mall where we can shop til we drop then grab lunch at Clean Eatz.

My itinerary for summer visitors when it’s too hot for outdoor activities:

Day One: Visit the Musical Instrument Museum in downtown Mesa, then enjoy some delicious Mexican food at Tacos Chiwas, also in downtown Mesa.
Day Two: Meander around the Phoenix Art Museum and enjoy a great dinner at Culinary Dropout.
Day Three: If they enjoy shopping, we’ll head to either Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall or Chandler Fashion Center, or one of the fabulous locally-owned Harkins movie theaters to take in a show. No shopping trip would be complete without heading to Painted Tree in Chandler to check out Space F15, Blush Desert Women’s Boutique.
Day Four: Take a little road trip to Sedona. The beautiful red rock formations will take their breath away, as well as a stunning drive through Oak Creek Canyon and a little hike through Slide Rock.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout out to Scott Harris, the backbone and driving force behind Blush Desert! Your unwavering dedication, expertise as a contractor, and endless moral support have been instrumental in bringing our boutique to life. From transforming ideas into reality to ensuring every detail was perfect, you’ve been our rock. Blush Desert wouldn’t be the vibrant space it is today without your hard work and guidance. Here’s to Scott Harris – our muscle, advisor, and the heart of our success.

Also, a huge shout out to all of our amazing customers and friends, especially Robin Hansen, who have believed in and supported our dream at Blush Desert! Your encouragement, loyalty, and enthusiasm for our boutique have meant the world to us. It’s because of you that we continue to grow and thrive. Thank you for choosing to shop with us, for sharing our passion for fashion, and for being a part of our journey. Here’s
to many more stylish adventures together!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our mentors, advisors, and team members, models and Photographers who have played pivotal roles in our journey at Blush Desert. Your guidance, advice, and willingness to lend a listening ear have been instrumental in shaping our boutique into what it is today. From offering valuable insights to navigating challenges alongside us, your support has been invaluable. We deeply appreciate each of you for your contributions and dedication to our vision. Thank you for being an essential part of our success story.

Website: https://www.blushdesert.com

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