Page 26 April 2014 By Katie Mayer Riding a bike doesn’t have to be serious – it can simply be fun. That’s the message Arcadia resident and founder of Bicyclette, Rebecca Brookson, wants her customers to know. And it’s also one of the reasons she founded her bicycle and accessories company in November 2012, along with business partner Kristen Zirkler. After long days working in a high stress marketing job, Brookson discovered that a relaxed ride on her bicycle was often just what she needed to unwind. “When I got on my bike, the worries of the day would fade away, so I really wanted to bring that to inspire women to get out and ride,” Brookson said. Armed with an idea, Brookson decided she would bring stylish, affordable and domestically-made cruiser bikes to women. However, she had no idea where the bikes could be manufactured. Then one evening, while watching the reality TV show Shark Tank, which features aspiring entrepreneurs pitching their businesses to a panel of investors, Brookson saw just what she was looking for. Dallas-based startup Villy Custom was looking for funding to expand a custom bicycle manufacturing business, and the investors on Shark Tank committed to investing half a million dollars. Bicyclette offers women chance to ride for fun, in style “That was really where the rubber hit the road,” Brookson said. “It was scary to reach out to these people who had just been funded.” She added, “At first he was like, ‘I don’t really do this, and the more and more we talked-the more it looked possible.” Today Villy Custom produces all of Bicyclette’s limited edition custom cruiser bikes especially for women. The bikes come in a variety of punchy colors such as candy pin stripes, mint green with chocolate pin stripes and blue with bright green and lime. “We kind of think of the bike as an accessory, so what kind of bike do you want to wear today?” Brookson said. And Bicyclette also sells accessories. Through partnerships with artisans in North America, the company also offers bike-themed accessories such as Mame soy candles with bicycle imagery and names like “Joy Ride” on the lid, colorful basket liners and pillows and necklaces embroidered with images of bicycles. Sarah Pyper, creator of Bliss Boutiques 4 Charity and owner and pilates instructor of Pilates Plus AZ was one of the first people to fall in love with Bicyclette and sell them in her boutique events. “She knew what she was doing and I could see how professional she was and how great the quality was, so I knew this was going to be successful,” Pyper said. “Everyone just loves Rebecca because she has the brightest, sunniest personality.” Today, Pyper said she always puts Bicyclette’s booth in a visible spot, because the display makes such a powerful impact on shoppers. “She has a darling booth and does a really good job of making it look inviting and pretty,” Pyper said. Carly Gilleland, marketing and events coordinator for the Madison Improvement Club said she first met Brookson at Bliss Boutiques 4 Charity and realized that her organization and Bicyclette share the same philosophy. “One of our goals is to bring our community together, just like Rebecca,” Gilleland said. “We’re all about inspiring people to get out and be healthy and active and enjoy the space we live in.” *Not valid on previous or ongoing treatment. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Coupon must be presented at appointment. Limit 1 per patient. Excludes cleaning, exam, Digital X-rays and periodontal maintenance. AZ Delta Dental patients: valid toward cosmetic dentistry only. Subject to insurance restrictions. Cannot be applied to insurance co-payment. † Upon completion of cleaning, exam and Digital X-rays. May require exam to confirm patient is a candidate for whitening procedure. Subject to insurance restrictions. Age restrictions may apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Coupon must be presented at appointment. Limit 1 per patient. 4310 E Indian School Rd Phoenix, AZ 85018 ArcadiaModernDentistry.com 602 381-2000 ARCADIA MODERN DENTISTRY Grand Opening! Your search for a new dentist in Arcadia is over. Specialties: • Cosmetic Dentistry • Implants • Sedation Dentistry Awards & Distinctions: • One of 25 dentists in the country chosen to be on the 3M Council for Innovative Dentistry • Featured on Phoenix Business Journal as one of 2008’s “Best Dentists” • Received Healthcare Hero of the Year award from Phoenix Business Journal • Worked in Ethiopia and Mexico to provide free dental work for people in need $ 100 off Any Dentistry with $50 donated to charity: water* FREE Professional Take-Home Teeth Whitening† Donate today! my.charitywater.org/smilegeneration MEET YOUR NEW DENTIST: Dr. Paul Gebhart Continued on page 27 Rebecca Brookson used her love of cruisers to start a local bicycle company.

Page 27 April 2014 ... Today, Brookson partners with the Madison Improvement Club to help plan and market the organization’s Arcadia Cruise events, which are bike rides in Arcadia where attendees bike in a group to local businesses and dine or shop. “Rebecca encourages the entrepreneurs and small businesses in the neighborhood to be a part of it as well,” Gilleland said. “Rebecca is always one to reach out and connect people and make a suggestion,” Pyper said. While Brookson and Zirkler continue building their business, they sell many of their products online and through local markets and events. The pair also still works full time in their careers, and Brookson serves on the Board of Directors for Goodwill. It’s a busy life, Brookson said, but she loves it. “Every market I go to, I figure out what is getting the biggest response and what’s not. You’re in a constant state of ‘Let’s do this,’ and every season and every market you kind of get butterflies in your stomach,” Brookson said. Brookson said the experience of starting Bicyclette has taught her to be more fearless. “If you never ask the question, you’ll never know the answer,” Brookson said. “I’m really open to the potential of rejection.” Also, Bicyclette also offers her a constant reminder to stay healthy and connected through bike riding. “Even if it’s literally ten minutes, I go out for a ride,” Brookson said. “Grab your child, get on a bike and ride together. You can spend more time with your family and get fit.” Bicyclette is planning to introduce a new, more edgy bicycle this spring. For more information on Bicyclette and its products, visit www.bicyclette.com. One appointment. Expert doctors. Convenient services. 4350 E. Camelback Rd., Ste F100 Phoenix, AZ 85018 602.955.8700 • FPSAZ.com Because caring for your health has always been our passion, we’ve made the following services conveniently available in our office. • Excellent care for all ages • Same day appointments • On-site clinical laboratory and X-rays • Dermatology and Optometry services • Botox and Obagi skin care now available Celebrating 43 years of family care Mark A. Wyse, M.D. Ira H. Ungar, M.D. Allan Goldman, D.O. David Francyk, D.O. T.E. McCauley, M.D. Kate Montgomery, FNP Optometrist David Anderson, O.D. Certified Dermatologist Andrew J. Racette, D.O. Charles Levison, M.D. James Leap, PA-C Physician Assistant Alisha Archibeck, D.O. Walk-ins welcome. M-F 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to noon. Bicyclette Continued from page 26 Michael Saavedra, MD, FAAAAI Board CerƟed in Allergy & Immunology for both children and adults. 4901 N. 44th St., Ste. 103 • Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 954-0405 • www.phoenixallergyclinic.com & Immunology for both children and adults. 4901 N. 44th St., Ste. 103 • Phoenix, AZ 85018 Allergy Testing Allergy Shots Rapid Desensitization Asthma Treatment Eczema Food Allergy Hives/ Contact Dermatitis Hay Fever Chronic Cough Watery, Itchy Eyes Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Care Contact us at (602) 954-0405 to schedule your appointment TODAY!