48 NOVEMBER 2024 I have been known to get my post-Thanksgiving cardio done by running out to the mall and fighting the madness of Black Friday. Championing the locally-owned shops that dot our Arizona highways and showing people why we should all shop locally has become a worthy cause to me. In honor of Small Business Saturday on November 30, here are a few unique stores we have featured on Arizona Highways . Miami, Arizona, is overflowing with small-town charm and dotted with cool family-owned small businesses. One of those is inside a pink house on Gibson Street. This family home is filled with cherished memories and Miami pride. Lisa and Denise Zaragosa, owners of My Mom’s House D’Zynes, are the mom-and- daughter crafting duo behind many products sold here. They make everything from personalized shirts, hats, candles, bath salts and bath balms. They have another sister who bakes treats, and two boys that tie dye socks and make lip gloss and crayons. It’s not just a family thing, it’s a Miami thing. Ninety-five percent of the items sold here are Miami made. There’s no real rhyme or reason for what they sell, it comes down to whatever anyone wants to make. There is a strong chance you will buy a gift for someone who loves Arizona scenery, and Blue Planet Outdoors in downtown Chandler is a wonderful place to start looking. Owners Brian and Hannah Sehner share a commitment to community, sustainability, and a passion for preserving the great outdoors. “When you shop with us, you’re not just buying a product; you’re investing in the vision and passion of local makers while supporting efforts to preserve our planet,” Brian said. Blue Planet Outdoors is home to state and national park-themed gifts, including Arizona brands Iconic Arizona, High Jinks, Keep Nature Wild, State 48 and more. There is a marvelous selection of hats, t-shirts, candles, and books to help you discover new hiking trails and other outdoor spots to explore. They even have stuff for kids and teens, including books, games, and puzzles to help inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts. If dollhouses and miniatures to fill them are on someone’s wish list this year, Auntie Em’s Miniatures in Glendale is a go-to destination. This is not a hobby shop; these are beautifully crafted pieces – everything from China and rugs to furniture and food – all in miniature form. This store is extraordinary; there are few places left in the United States where you can see a miniature piece in person before buying it. Sharing Auntie Em’s space is Smilin’ Jack’s Pedal Cars. If you’re looking for trains or toy cars like Hot Wheels or Matchbox, this is the place to find them. Arizona has historic main street districts across the state, from Bisbee to Safford, Tucson to Flagstaff, each filled with incredible locally owned shops. When you shop small you are giving back to that community and infusing Arizona’s economy, which is something we can all be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving! Shopping local in the Valley of the Sun Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Arizona’s small shops are here to showcase big holiday deals. J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 CALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com erican Family Mutual Insurance Company, . & its Operating Companies, 00 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 ALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A O-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. SURANCE DESIGNED WITH OU AND YOUR DREAMS IN IND. J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 CALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. CALL (480) 990-8855 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE.
49 NOVEMBER 2024 ARCADIANEWSARCHIVES.COM 30 YEARS AGO V eterans Day is an official holiday honoring our U.S. Armed Forces. I feel thankful to live in a country where so many men and women voluntarily serve and put themselves in harm’s way for the better good of everyone, but life after the military isn’t always easy. Never before have I felt more aware of the challenges Veterans face after their years of dedicated service. The process of finding full-time employment in the civilian world is a jarring experience. It can test a person to their core and open up insecurities they never knew they had. From what I’ve been told, the career transition services offered to Veterans are often not robust enough to truly give them the support they need. Additionally, before leaving the military, many have been told that finding a good job will be easy, so their expectations are not always aligned with the reality they later experience. A Veteran’s resume can read like a foreign language to a corporate hiring manager, who may not understand their background well enough to know whether or not they’d be a good addition to the team. Protocols and customs are different. Veterans can no longer look at someone’s attire and immediately know their career status or rank. And many military members feel judged negatively by potential employers. Despite corporations endorsing their practice to hire Veterans, many don’t find this to be their reality. One of the most important things a Veteran can do during this potentially difficult time is to reach out for assistance. Non-military loved ones can provide support. It could be something as simple as giving resume feedback and updating the wording so that it’s more understandable to civilians. Loved ones can also help to facilitate networking introductions. It’s important to recognize that very few jobs are landed through online job postings. Applying online only can often create a vicious cycle, leaving the Veteran wondering what it is about them the hiring manager doesn’t like. The frustration becomes personal. When you apply online, few real people view your resume. Most jobs are found through networking or existing connections. It is important to focus a job search on creating new connections, rather than simply applying online. When deciding on what to apply for, Veterans should consider future roles that utilize their previous skillset. This could be a job that involves a specialized technology, leadership or knowledge of the government or security. Many former military members have found success transitioning into roles within the police force or fire safety. Others find their niche as an entrepreneur. The most important thing to remember is that a job search takes time – and finding a job is a job in itself. Transitioning into the civilian workforce Career Corner Career expert and founder of Copeland Coaching. copelandcoaching.com BY ANGELA COPELAND