After Pepper boutique owner Cathy Beach completed her master's in clinical psychology in California, she began a career in fashion merchandising. She's done everything from working as designer Rachel Pally's assistant to overseeing visual display for Bloomingdale's and Free People stores along the West Coast. She had just begun developing the visual layout for Alternative Apparel stores in California when her mother's cancer came back. In February 2014, Beach moved back to Arizona to be with her, and decided there was no better time to open her own shop.
See also: Hazel & Violet, Galleries to Leave Fourth and McKinley Intersection in Downtown Phoenix
"I always thought I'd come back and have a private practice and have a store," says Beach. "I just thought it would happen later on."
The Canadian-born, Arizona-raised Beach says her mission with her the boutique, which opens Saturday, April 26, was to bring a bohemian Abbot Kinney Venice vibe to Arizona with items that are contemporary but still affordable.
"A lot of boutiques here carry the same product, and with Pepper I wanted to showcase some smaller California designers. I have Flynn Skye out of Venice, Alternative Apparel -- which uses all organic cotton and nontoxic dyes, Free People, Mink Pink, and Somedays Lovin, which are Australian Brands."
The boutique, located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, has a very light and easy California feel, and boasts plenty of shopping room. Almost all items are under $100.
Pepper will also feature domestic lines like Greenlee swim suits, made out of recycled materials, Baggu, and P.F. Candle Co.
"People here love the mall and love Nordstrom, but I hope they find a curated buying experience at Pepper," says Beach. "We've tried to hit the best of the best from each little genre of shoes, candles, and clothing. A lot of my mom's friends want to come shop, and I absolutely think there's a ton of items that anyone of any age can wear and look amazing."
The boutique is named after Beach's dog, Pepper, who you can find hanging out around the shop's opening this Saturday April 26th from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The entire store will be 15 percent off.
Pepper's summer hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Monday and Tuesday by appointment.
Pepper is located at 7070 East Indian School Road in Old Town Scottsdale.
