Mothers, Makers & Movers: Celebrating Women-Owned Businesses in Phoenix
This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating five Arizona-based women who’ve turned their dreams into real, thriving businesses — each one rooted in community, creativity and heart. Some were inspired by their own moms, others by motherhood itself — but all of them are defining what it means to build something meaningful, right where they live.
Rachel Richards | Rachel Richards Photo + Film
When Rachel Richards picked up a camera for the first time, it wasn’t for a job — it was for Ruthie, her daughter. “I was pregnant and knew I wanted to do it differently this time,” she shares.
Years earlier, Rachel lost nearly all of the baby photos of her son. That heartbreak fueled a new determination: to learn how to take better photos and preserve those fleeting early years. What started as a personal mission became a career and a calling.
Today, Rachel creates documentary-style family photos and films and is known for her warm, lifestyle-forward aesthetic. She has a gift for capturing the in-between moments: the candid glances, the sunlit quiet and the connections that make a memory feel timeless.
Malori Maeva | FormFloral
Born and raised in Phoenix, Malori Maeva (aka Mal) is the creative force behind FormFloral, a design-forward floral studio known for its bold, sculptural arrangements and wildly imaginative style. A lifelong creative with a love for all things art and design, Mal eventually found her true calling in florals…and never looked back.
These days, she’s the engine behind the business, keeping the team inspired, operations smooth and the designs unforgettable. When she’s not running the show behind the scenes, you can find her on TikTok, where she shares savvy floral design tips and small business advice drawn from her own journey as a local entrepreneur.
Alison Bunde | Olive and Penelope
At Olive and Penelope, sweetness is baked into everything — from the buttery toffee and hand-dipped peppermint patties to the deep sense of family and community that fuels the business. Owner Alison Bunde started the confection brand after stepping away from her teaching career, encouraged by the steady support of her husband (who still makes the coffee before early morning market setups).
Her four kids — now grown — have become an essential part of the operation, from helping out at pop-ups and managing the website to being fearless taste testers and Instagram advisors. “I wouldn’t be doing this in this way if not for them,” Alison says. “They’re my constant cheerleaders and steady hands behind the scenes.”
Alison also credits the Local First community with making it possible to bring her dream to life. “We’re all in it together,” she says. “And maybe that’s the real purpose — supporting one another.”
Alexis Szewczyk | Vera Vara Jewelry
For Alexis Szewczyk, founder of Vera Vara, jewelry isn’t just an accessory — it’s a legacy. The brand is inspired by her grandmother, Vera, a talented artisan from Queens, New York, who once crafted and sold macramé purses and accessories.
“She was a beacon of positivity,” Alexis says. “Vera Vara is my way of honoring her spirit and continuing the tradition she started.”
Today, Alexis creates modern, meaningful pieces that reflect that same sense of beauty and intention. Each item is designed to serve as a daily reminder to embrace joy and optimism, just like Vera did. Crafted with ethically sourced materials and made in small batches, Vera Vara’s designs are perfect for the minimalist who appreciates sentiment and story.
Tracy Perkins | Strawberry Hedgehog
What started as a personal quest for clean, vegan skincare has blossomed into Strawberry Hedgehog, a thriving soap shop and vegan boutique founded by Tracy Perkins. As a college student with sensitivities to conventional beauty products, Tracy struggled to find affordable, plant-based alternatives. So, she started making her own — first in her kitchen, then in a dedicated soap studio, and now in a full-scale production space and boutique located in Phoenix.
Named after the vibrant local cactus, Strawberry Hedgehog is as Arizona-rooted as it is eco-conscious. Every single bar of soap is still handcrafted by Tracy herself using high-quality, cruelty-free and chemical-free ingredients. Her team of “Soap Gnomes” (friends and fellow makers) help keep the boutique running smoothly, where customers can find not only Strawberry Hedgehog goods, but products from over 50 local makers and artists.
For more stories on local makers throughout Arizona, visit az-made.com or follow them on Instagram at @_azmade_.
For the mom who’s part glam, part grounded soul. Vera Vara’s collections aren’t just pretty — they mean something. The Southwest line pulls in warm desert tones and rugged textures. The Faith line has a quiet, spiritual beauty. And there’s a new Western Winds collection on the way that’s all about resilience and freedom. Each piece is handcrafted, ethically made, and designed to last — kind of like Mom.
If your mom loves a good soak and stands by her eco-friendly values, this is the spot. Strawberry Hedgehog makes soaps, lotions and shampoo bars that smell like heaven and skip all the junk — no chemicals, no weird dyes, no guilt. Everything’s vegan, cruelty-free, and made in small batches right here in Phoenix. Their boutique is also home to 50-plus local makers, so you can knock out your gift list and feel good about it, too.
This year, give Mom something that lasts forever. A photo session with Rachel Richards isn’t just about the pictures (though those are stunning). It’s about capturing real life—messy, beautiful, totally you. Whether it’s a cozy family shoot, a milestone celebration, or even just because, Rachel’s warm, easygoing vibe makes it all feel natural. She’s got a way of turning everyday moments into something magical. Perfect for the mom who's always the one taking the photos, but never in them.
Let’s be honest: Mom’s seen her fair share of grocery store bouquets. This year, wow her with something wildly different. FormFloral’s arrangements are living, blooming art. No two are ever the same, and they often sneak in cool touches like dried citrus slices or, yep, even veggies. It’s fresh, creative and way more “wow” than your standard dozen roses. Bonus: Everything’s made with the season in mind and sourced with love.
Handmade treats? Say less. Olive and Penelope is where sugar dreams come true. Think buttery toffee that melts in your mouth, candied pecans with just the right crunch, and peanut butter cups that ruin all others for you. It’s all made in small batches and packed up like a hug. Pop a few into a gift box, pair with her favorite coffee, and you’ve officially won Mother’s Day.
