I’m an Experiential Designer and I’ve called Ahwatukee home for the past three and a half years. Through my art events, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know many of the small business owners who make this community so special.

I kept seeing the same thing: incredible people, businesses, and stories right here in our neighborhood, and many people simply don’t know they’re there.

Jennifer Dumphy, the owner of Parlor Doughnuts, was the first person who encouraged me to pursue the idea of creating a local passport experience. We’ve partnered on many of my art events and after seeing a similar concept elsewhere, Jennifer and I started talking about how we could create more opportunities for community engagement and help people discover and support the local businesses right here in Ahwatukee.

She introduced me to Andrew Hayes, President of the Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce, and we talked about the opportunity to create something that would help connect more people with the businesses and community of Ahwatukee. We both believe in uplifting and supporting our community, and that’s at the heart of the Trail. 🌵

I saw an opportunity to take that idea and turn it into an experience. I wanted to turn “I’ve lived here for years” into “I had no idea this was here”, giving neighbors a reason to get out, explore, connect, support local, and see Ahwatukee with fresh eyes!

I love Ahwatukee, and I’m blessed to be raising my son in this incredible community.

Our dog Lex loves it too. =-) 🐾