SanTan Sun 01-03-15: Business

Burst of Butterflies lets patrons release their inner artist

BY ALISON STANTON

People who walk into the new Burst of Butterflies Pottery Painting & Art Studio will get to do a lot more than enjoy a couple relaxing hours painting their own pottery creations. Patrons will also get the opportunity to help support a local family who opened the art studio as a way to take care of one of their own.

Co-owners Cheryl Tisland and her mother, Peg Peters, were inspired to open Burst of Butterflies as a way to offer support for Tisland’s sister, Risa Buglio, who suffered a traumatic

is very similar to the recovery from a traumatic brain injury,” Tisland says.

“We talked about it and said, ‘What if all of us opened a business together?’

Traumatic brain injuries turn a person’s life upside down, and art therapy can help with organization, motor skills and cognitive function as well as providing

an outlet for dealing with emotions, and thoughts and feelings that may not be dealt with in other forms of therapy.”

The family chose a paint your own pottery and art studio based on their shared love of art.

“The name ‘Burst of Butterflies’ just went along with everything,” Tisland explains.

“My mom has been painting on canvases throughout her entire life, as well as making candles and jewelry, and I’ve always been into all different types of art.”

For Tisland and Peters, the business is truly a family affair. Tisland’s son, Lucas, is the main ceramicist, while Buglio helps out with customer service.

The family is hosting a grand opening event for their 2,700-square-foot art studio from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13. The Chandler Chamber of Commerce will unveil a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m., and Tisland says people can stay and paint pottery until 9 p.m.

“We will be officially open after that,” Tisland says.

In addition to offering paint your own pottery and canvas sessions, the studio will also feature classes in canvas painting, glass fusion, soap making, candle making, clay building and polymer bead making. The studio will provide a gift boutique and sell art supplies, including 5- and 10-pound

blocks of clay.

“We will also have our BYOB license, so we can host bachelorette parties and couples’ nights,” Tisland says. “Anybody can book a birthday party here. And we are also looking forward to working with the Boy and Girl Scouts, since clay building is one of the badges they need to earn.”

Last June, the family purchased the building in downtown Chandler. Since then, they have worked nonstop getting the space ready to open.

“Labor of love is one term for it,” Tisland says. “There have been a lot of ups and downs. But we really love the downtown area and from the time we started this process, we knew we wanted to be here.”

Tisland says she and her family are all looking forward to opening Burst of Butterflies, and offering adults and kids a fun place to relax and be creative.

“It’s really exciting, and I think this will be a great place for artists” Tisland says.

Burst of Butterflies Pottery Painting & Art Studio is located at 141 W. Boston St. in Chandler. For more information, call (480) 559-8016 or visit www. burstofbutterflies.com or on Facebook (search Burst of Butterflies Art Studio).

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com

SEND IN YOUR BUSINESS PROFILE FOR ‘DOING BUSINESS’

The SanTan Sun News would like to welcome new area businesses or existing ones that may be new to our readers. Submit information about your business for a “Doing Business” mini-business profile in an upcoming issue of our publication, which is distributed to 38,000 homes, racks and boxes on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Please include all of the following items: Name of business, name of owner(s), how long the business has existed, specialty, unique features, hours of operation, address, telephone number, website, email address. Also include an at least 300 dpi photo of the business owner or logo.

Element hotel slated to open near mall in 2016

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

Developers of the Element by Westin “really believe in Chandler” and feel its future location by Chandler Fashion Center is ideal for Starwood Hotels and Resorts’ eco-friendly brand.

“It’s a fantastic area for Element and the brand in what they look to accomplish, and the type of clientele they hope to attract,” says Adam Baugh, a zoning attorney with Withey Morris, a land use law firm in Phoenix’s Biltmore area.

“You have so many built-in amenities— quick freeway access, local employers.”

Starwood Hotels and Resorts is known for its Westin, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, St. Regis, W Hotels and The Luxury Collection brands.

The four-story, 107-room Element hotel—the zoning for which is expected to be adopted by the Chandler City Council on Jan. 8—offers fully equipped kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms and Heavenly beds, Westin’s signature bedding line. Natural light is incorporated into the various spaces of the hotel, including the lobby, which will have a 16-foot window.

“The bright feel helps guests and visitors feel more comfortable,” Baugh says.

This will be Starwood’s first foray into Arizona with the Element brand. Officials are hoping to open the hotel, set for the southwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Chandler Village Drive, in 2016.

“The applicant is currently working

on construction drawings that will be submitted to the City,” Baugh says.

The rooms are designed with modular furniture in user-friendly layouts, so guests have the opportunity to adapt the space as needed.

Baugh says the Starwood brand is well-known for its modern feel and minimalist design, which incorporates sustainability features. Such features as energy-efficient faucets and real silverware, dinnerware and glassware are used instead of plastic and paper disposable products in the rooms. Filtered drinking water is also available to eliminate plastic bottles.

The eco-friendly theme continues in the bathroom, which uses dispensers to hold all-natural amenities, instead of disposable bottles.

The rooms also contain carpets with up to 100 percent recycled content, wall art mounted on recycled tire bases and low volatile organic compound paints that help improve air quality.

Recycle bins are also located in the guest rooms and common areas of the hotel.

“The user is a younger business type of traveler,” Baugh says. “Those people tend to be more conscious about the environment and tend to support the same goal that they share.”

Meghan McCoy is the Neighbors and Business section editor for the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at meghan@ santansun.com.

Formal dresses and personalized service glitter at Sparkle

BY ALISON STANTON

Stylish and sparkly prom dresses. Colorful Quinceanera gowns. Beautiful baptism dresses for babies.

These are just a few of the many types of formal dresses available at Sparkle at SanTan Village.

“We are a destination dress shop, and we offer all types of women’s formal wear as well as jewelry and accessories,” says co-owner Dev Gupta, who opened Sparkle about five years ago with his wife Suprit. “Everything from newborns to women ages 60plus.”

At one time, the couple had three locations throughout the Valley including stores in Fiesta Mall and Arizona Mills. Now, Gupta says, they are focusing on the SanTan Village shop, which they opened last June.

Unlike some other dress shops that might carry a limited selection of sizes and styles, Gupta says he and his wife pride themselves on offering a variety of sizes.

“From a size standpoint, one of the things that separates us is that we can get plus-sizes dresses and other sizes and all of the styles in whatever color,” Gupta says.

It usually takes roughly 10 days to receive a special order at Sparkle, as opposed to upwards of two months at major dress stores.

If a woman loves a particular dress but it is a bit too long or needs other alterations, Gupta says an on-site seamstress is available to help. Store employees are also happy to offer advice on which dress is best.

“Sparkle is a family-owned store, and there is always a family member there who can offer that one-on-one experience. Everyone who comes in our store will get someone who knows the products and understands the business and wants to help,” Gupta says.

In addition to teenage girls who are looking for the perfect prom or Quinceanera dress, he says they also work with brides-to-be and their attendants.

“A lot of bridal customers come to us, including the maids of honor and the mother of the bride. We really get the full spectrum,” he says.

Gupta says he and his wife are passionate about helping their customers get the best deals.

“The economy has changed, and we understand that it’s not feasible for the average person to spend a couple hundred of dollars on a prom dress,” he says. “We offer dresses with very low price points, and can help teenage girls find a dress for $60 to $70.

“We also contribute to charities that help disadvantaged kids who can’t afford the prom.”

One of the most enjoyable parts of owning Sparkle, Gupta says, is working

with repeat customers and getting to know them and their families. In one case, a customer bought all of her prom dresses from them over the years and then returned to pick out a dress for when she was competing in the Miss Arizona pageant.

“Then she came back again to buy her wedding dress, and her mom came too to pick out a mother-of-the-bride dress,” Gupta says. “Customers come in who are generations apart, and it’s very interesting to see the same faces coming back to see us.”

Sparkle is located at 2218 E. Williams Field Rd., Suite 235, in Gilbert. For more information, call (480) 8202257.

Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com.

Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa to host job fair Walmart hiring 300 associates for new Chandler store

Anyone who’s passionate about helping people live healthier is invited to apply in person on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Holiday Inn at Ocotillo for a number of positions at the Ocotillo Village Health Club & Spa in Chandler.

The state-of-theart facility, located at the southwest corner of Alma School and Ocotillo roads, is scheduled for completion in April. The job fair will include two sessions: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Applicants need to RVSP by filling out a form here: https://home.eease. adp.com/recruit2/?id=11425651&t=2.

apply. The company is also seeking knowledgeable personal trainers and fitness professionals with a minimum of a BS or BA in exercise science, physiology or a related field and a national accredited certification (ACE, ACSM, NASM, NSCA, CI-CPT).

Licensed spa and salon professionals with unparalleled customer service skills who stay current on the latest trends, styles and techniques are also wanted, as are tennis professionals with a strong emphasis in building rewarding programs and teaching private and group lessons.

Walmart will hire approximately 300 associates to work at the new store slated to open this spring in Chandler. A temporary hiring center has opened at 1940 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 4, Chandler.

Applications will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays. Prospective employees may also apply online at http://careers.walmart.com.

Departments include café/servers/ cooks, pro shop/retail, activities, group exercise, operations/towel desk, youth services, spa service providers and front desk staff.

Approachable management candidates with demonstrated success for driving results and motivating employees are asked to

The Village is seeking to fill a wide variety of positions, and offers competitive compensation, medical, dental, vision, 401(k), complimentary health club membership and employee discounts.

For more information, visit www. villageclubs.com.

Through Walmart’s Veterans Welcome Home Commitment, the company will offer a job to any qualified veteran who has been honorably discharged within the past 12 months. Interested veterans may find out more at http:// walmartcareerswithamission.com.

According to the manager Daniel Lammes, the store is hiring full- and part-time associates.

“We are looking for associates who are eager to provide excellent customer service, and we hope they soon discover the many growth opportunities available at Walmart,” says Lammes. Walmart provides a benefits program to eligible full- and part-time associates. For example, it provides a variety of affordable health and well-being benefits, including health care coverage with no lifetime maximum. Walmart also offers eligible associates matching 401k contributions of up to 6 percent of pay, discounts on general merchandise, an Associate Stock Purchase Program and company paid life insurance. Additionally, eligible associates receive a quarterly incentive based on store performance.

The majority of new associates will begin work this February to help prepare the store for its grand opening.

Bank publishes photo book to benefit education nonprofits

Alliance Bank of Arizona, the state’s largest headquartered bank, has published “At Work in Arizona: The First 100 Years,” with proceeds going to 12 of the state’s most effective educationfocused nonprofits.

Curated by Marilyn Szabo and written by Stuart Rosebrook, “At Work in Arizona” frames the story of Arizona’s economic history over the last century through the lens of the men and women who built it. Organized by key business sectors and vital industries, “At Work in Arizona” makes the point that for the next 100 years to be as remarkable as the first, increased investment in education is essential.

“Alliance Bank has been a key contributor to economic development in our state for more than 12 years. Now, we’re mile-marking our journey by publishing ‘At Work in Arizona’—a limited edition pictorial essay of the state’s first century of commerce,” says Jim Lundy, Alliance Bank’s founding president and CEO. “Both a historical work and a tribute to people committed to achieving their dreams, ‘At Work in Arizona’ reminds us of our debts to others and inspires us to do more.”

Blending past and present, “At Work in Arizona” showcases the cultural and economic heritage of the state. The idea came about when Lundy commissioned Szabo in 2003 to fill the bank’s walls with art depicting the history of commerce

in the state. Rosebrook, a historian and former associate editor of Arizona Highways, was commissioned to write the book and tell the back-story of each photograph.

This art has been assembled into a pictorial essay and features an introduction by former Gov. Bruce Babbitt and endorsements from former Sen. Jon Kyl, Rep. Ed Pastor, and former Phoenix Art Museum director James

education. To remain competitive in a global marketplace, we need to change that narrative through strategic investment in creating a 21st century workforce. Our future depends on it. It’s time to do more, starting with greater grass root support for key nonprofits making essential investments in Arizona young people every day.”

This unique volume captures an aerial view of the construction of the

Arizona State Fair.

All proceeds will benefit the following 12 organizations: A Stepping Stone Foundation, Act One Foundation, AZ Earn to Learn, Boys Hope Girls Hope, College Success Arizona, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Children’s Museum Tucson, Elevate Phoenix, First Things First, Friendly House, Junior Achievement of Arizona and Support Our Schools AZ.

From Dr. Chamberlain’s Desktop

TBallinger. The 168-page book highlights more than 212 historic photographs starting with the 1880s.

“Arizona has a rich history of achievement driven by ingenuity and hard work,” Lundy says. “But when it comes to education, we have some unfinished business. Arizona ranks at or near bottom in state spending on

BOOK: Curated by Marilyn Szabo and written by Stuart Rosebrook, “At Work in Arizona: The First 100 Years” frames the story of Arizona’s economic history over the past century, through the lens of the men and women who built it. Submitted photo

Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, Jerry Colangelo during the building of Bank One Ball Park (today Chase Field), open heart surgery at the Diethrich Heart Center, Charles Lindberg visiting the nation’s oldest municipal airport in Tucson, heavyweight contender Zora Folley, and a whimsical portrait of Marilyn Monroe at the

“We need to change the paradigm on how we look at advancing our job base and it starts with education,” says Tony Astorga, board director of the Arizona Community Foundation and chairman of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

“I’m thrilled that Alliance Bank is leading the conversation and think that this platform will not only raise dollars, but will moreover encourage collaboration among our nonprofits, in turn helping more of Arizona’s children reach their potential.”

All donations should be made to the Alliance for Education Fund, a component fund of the Arizona Community Foundation, Arizona’s premier charitable partner. “At Work in Arizona” is available with any donation over $100. Donations will be taken online or at any of the 10 Alliance Bank of Arizona offices statewide.

For more information or to donate, visit www.next100years.org.

Chamberlain Orthodontics - Partners in Education 2015

think we all agree that our children are our most valuable resource. They bring us joy and we all hope that they will have more opportunity than we had, no matter our circumstance. However, with education cuts and more administrative costs to run education programs it seems that in many ways, our children have less of an opportunity in school. Many schools have less arts education and other programs

than they had a decade or two ago. We at Chamberlain Orthodontics are hoping to provide a small but significant solution to this problem, at least in our area and in our circle of influence.

I would like to introduce a new way we have thought to give back to the schools in our community.

We call it the “Partners in Education” program. In short, our office will give $100 for each child that begins full orthodontic treatment in 2015 to the school that child attends.

This allows us to give directly back to our community and the schools that so positively influence our children.

I am personally so excited to begin this program and see the potential for good unfold in our schools and community.

If you have any questions or would like us to reach out to a school to tell them about our Partners in Education program, please don’t hesitate to call us at 480-448-2474.

Dr. Thomas Chamberlain

Two Chandler Locations:

3800 W. Ray Road (Ray & McClintock)

1055 W. Queen Creek Rd. (Queen Creek and Alma School)

EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY FEATURES:

• Heated resort pool / spa, full clubhouse and fitness center

• Underground, gated parking with designated space

• Located adjacent to an established and performing retail center in the award-winning Downtown Ocotillo

• Exclusive 10-year warranty program

DISTINCTIVE COMMUNITY FEATURES:

• Smart technology (state-of-the-art technology)

• Granite countertops with under-mount sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms

• 42-inch upper and 36-inch lower maple cabinetry and choice of finishes

• Option for soft water

New Web resource for consumer education and awareness

Now Plumbing announced the launch of www.nowplumbing.net as an informational portal that features educational resources on subjects such as property value benefits from plumbing repairs and installation, water heater and sewer inspections and cleaning and many other helpful tips that can save thousands of dollars in the Valley.

Development of other communityminded features for www.nowplumbing. net are already underway and new user awareness guides from experts are already being added covering topics such as how to improve property regardless of an individual’s budget, how-to’s on maintenance and repair, and what everybody should know about the

latest materials and design before starting any home, commercial or industrial improvement project.

“Our goal is to educate the community on how to get the best results for all their property improvement projects at any budget.

Our website’s information and professional article sections are there to help everybody, not just our Now Plumbing customers. The depth of knowledge and resources at www.nowplumbing.net is 100 percent unbiased, concise and free to all,” says Greg Scala of Now Plumbing.

Now Plumbing is

Ecoshield Pest Control, a local company that works to eliminate unwanted insects in residences and commercial businesses, recently announced it is hiring additional staff to meet its growing needs in the Valley.

The result of increasing demand for its economically friendly pest control solutions, Ecoshield seeks potential employees to fill many of its openings in its Call Center facility in Scottsdale. The

needs of both families and businesses. Now Plumbing has experience in repairs, maintenance, replacements and installations. Its two specialties areas are leak detection and emergency system troubleshooting.

company has been in operating in the Valley since 2007 and has offices in 15 states, including Texas and California.

“If you share our vision for helping home owners to provide safe and healthy living, and if you are looking for a solid growth and career track opportunities to jump start your career and evolve, then this job is for you,” says Ecoshield Pest Control CEO Doug Cardon.

“The pest control industry grew to

comprised of experienced plumbers that have serviced more than 6,000 satisfied customers. They are dedicated to the plumbing

Ecoshield Pest Control looks to expand staff

over $12 billion last year and is expected to double over next few years. Our company grew over 300 percent last year alone.”

Applicants to be a Call Center Team Leader must possess the following qualifications: phone sales experience strictly in outbound/inbound environment, experience in managing automated dialer, one-call close by accepting credit cards over phone,

They offer the promise to deliver the highest quality plumbing services on time and always within the customer’s budget. It does not matter if plumbing problems happen at midnight or 3 a.m., they will always come to their customer’s rescue. They are licensed, bonded and insured professionals. For more information, visit www. nowplumbing.com.

great verbal communication skills, great attitude, computer literate and a team player.

Anyone interested can call (480) 567 2566 to schedule an interview and ask for Victor. Or, visit the other job opportunities at Ecoshield Pest Control either by checking out the company website at ecoshieldpest.com or by visiting the postings at: http://phoenix. craigslist.org/evl/sls/4788451316.html.

Everybody Loves Fondue owners smitten with eatery

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Living in Switzerland while on a mission, Bill Dixon indulged in Swiss fondue, dipping various vegetables, breads and meats in cheese.

His Canadian-born wife, Celine, who lived in France for a time, knew a thing or two about fondue as well.

“They did a lot of fondue when she was growing up,” Bill says.

Since the end of summer, the duo has been living their dream of owning a fast and affordable fondue restaurant, aptly named Everybody Loves Fondue.

“Who doesn’t love cheese and chocolate melted?” Bill asks rhetorically when asked about the name of the Gilbert restaurant. “We do things like large soft pretzels dipped in cheese. You can’t go wrong with that. We have angel food cake dipped in chocolate. You can’t mess that up.”

Apparently, the recipe is working. Everybody Loves Fondue has found success at its location at Higley and Guadalupe roads. Bill, who worked in machinery for Empire before opening the restaurant, adds that he gets a thrill out of watching first-time customers discovering fondue.

“I love seeing people the first time they take a bit of our chocolate or cheeses and light up,” he says. “They’re surprised at how good it is. When you get fast fondue at a reasonable price, nobody expects Ghirardelli quality or the cheese quality that we use.”

As Bill states, Everybody Loves Fondue uses only the freshest ingredients. Celine elaborates.

“We have a Swiss and cheddar fondue,” she says with her trademark smile. “You get French, wheat or focaccia bread. Then with everything else you pick your sides. The meat—turkey, chicken or ham—is already cooked.”

The all-white-painted restaurant also offers fresh vegetables, such as raw broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, pickles, jalapenos and celery.

“We have pretzels, crackers, chips, whatever else you can dip in the cheese,” says Celine, a former physical education teacher. “With the chocolate, it’s the same things—dark and white milk chocolate. We have strawberries and pineapple. Everything’s fresh.”

Bill admits that Everybody Loves Fondue has a “secret” menu as well as its posted list of dishes. He revealed one item—a peanut, dark chocolate and marshmallow, rocky road-like dipping sauce.

The prices are affordable. Each serving is $1.49; while a meat serving is $2.99. Chocolate, cheese and peanut fondue range in price from $3.99 to $6. Sandwiches are $4.99 to $6.99. The large soft pretzel—which is heavenly with cheese fondue—is $2.99.

Not only do Bill and Celine feed the community, they support it as well. Daughters, Ryan, 15, and Sierra, 13, play sports and participate in performing arts

Bill Ryan, broker/owner of RE/MAX

Infinity, has been presented with the RE/MAX Circle of Legends Award. The prize honors highly successful agents who have earned more than $10 million in commissions and have completed 10 years of service with the company.

Created in 2001, the Circle of Legends Award has been achieved by less than half of 1 percent of all sales associates in the RE/MAX network.

Ryan has been working in the real estate industry for more than 40 years and has extensive experience the Chandler real estate market. Among Ryan’s list of achievements: He is a

at Highland High School and Highland Junior High School, respectively. Everybody Loves Fondue makes it a point to advertise in the programs.

“It’s neat to be involved in the community,” he says. “It’s a charitable thing for us, to support the girls. That’s the main thing.”

Unlike chain fondue restaurants, Everybody Loves Fondue doesn’t serve raw meats for diners to cook.

“We don’t do raw meats. We don’t deal with hot oils,” he says. “Fondue

means ‘melted.’ We melt. That’s what we do. We do fondue.”

Everybody Loves Fondue is located at 3244 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert. Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call (480) 268-9284 or visit www.everybodylovesfondue.com.

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski is the executive editor of the SanTan Sun News. She can be reached at christina@ santansun.com.

member of the RE/MAX Chairman’s Club, a past president and active member of Chandler Horizon Rotary, and his office earned the Brokerage of the Year award in 2013 from RE/MAX Southwest.

“Bill has been an integral member of our team and is more than deserving of this very prestigious award,” says Shelly Farley, managing broker of RE/MAX Infinity.

“Winning this award is a tremendous accomplishment. Bill continues to raise the bar in real estate, making us, and this community, proud.”

RE/MAX is the most productive

real estate network with its associates averaging more sales than other real estate agents. RE/MAX’s website, www. remax.com, is one of the most visited real estate franchise sites, according to Experian Marketing Services Hitwise data, full-year 2013. “Real Estate Franchise websites” identified by RE/ MAX.

RE/MAX is in over 90 countries, more than any of its competitors.

For more information about RE/MAX Infinity, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, visit www. chandlerinfinity.com.