By Michelle Talsma Everson
Photos by Kimberly Carrillo
Makeup by Jennifer Chriss Beauty
Scottsdale resident and business owner Andrea Piraino believes in the power of women championing women. “Women really need other women to support them in all seasons of life,” she says. With this in mind, she opened Naomi & Ruth Boutique, a Scottsdale-based modern boutique that champions all women through a one-of-a-kind community combined with unique online and one-on-one shopping offerings.
“At Naomi & Ruth Boutique, we offer both online and one-on-one VIP shopping experiences,” Andrea explains. “We are a women’s boutique committed to bringing you fashion-forward trends that are easy to wear and easy on the budget. We embrace each woman’s uniqueness and individual needs. Whether you’re going out for the weekend or lounging at home with family, we’ve got you covered.”
Inspiring Beginnings
Andrea believes in the power of supporting other women because she has experienced the life-changing results of that support firsthand. In September 2018, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer and had to undergo life-altering surgery and chemotherapy. To keep her closest friends from all walks of life updated, she added them all to a group chat.
“I put all of these women from different seasons of my life who didn’t know each other in a group chat so that I could keep everyone updated on my cancer journey,” she explains. “As time went on, they championed me through the highs and lows of the surgery, chemotherapy, and recovery process, and they got to know each other and become friends in the chat.”
Thankfully, Andrea recovered and, in May 2019, many of the friends who were in her impactful group chat came to Scottsdale and celebrated friendship and health with her. “We are all still friends to this day,” she says.
Inspired by the positive environment created by this group of women who supported one another, the beginnings of Naomi & Ruth Boutique were set in motion. “I asked myself, ‘How can I recreate this positive environment for other women?’” she explains. With a background in fashion, she pictured a studio that could host events and where women could connect and shop in a fun, positive and no-pressure environment.
“My husband and I owned the Michael Anthony Salons in Chicago for over 20 years,” Andrea shares. “We had four locations in the city, and I oversaw 130 employees, including our Advanced Academy Team. I taught the importance of not only great customer service but how to create the balance in a haircut to complement the client’s face shape, body shape, and overall fit the client’s personality. I have now brought this to Naomi & Ruth, where I help women pick out the perfect pieces for their body type and find balance when dressing.”
A Community and VIP Shopping Experiences
With over 30 years of fashion expertise under her belt, Andrea went to work and first opened Naomi & Ruth Boutique online in June 2020. The in-person boutique then followed, opening its doors in September 2021.
“I think as women we crave community, so I wanted a place where women could find easy-to-wear, budget-friendly clothes in effortless styles that follow the trends,” she explains. “My Naomi & Ruth customers have ranged from 24 to 108. There’s something for everyone here. If you love it and it makes you feel beautiful, wear it.”
At Naomi & Ruth Boutique, there are four VIP ways to shop:
• Potential customers can find the boutique’s pop-in hours listed regularly on their Facebook page, @naomiandruthboutique. During those hours, you’re welcome to stop by and check out what’s in the shop.
• The boutique hosts events where a group of three or more people can come in and shop. “We host birthday shopping parties, bachelorette shopping parties, corporate shopping parties, and happy hour shopping,” Andrea says.
• Future clients or curious local shoppers can also DM Andrea on the boutique’s Facebook page or reach out via e-mail at [email protected] to schedule a private appointment. “These appointments are extremely laid back, I’m basically opening up the boutique for the shopper to come look at what we have,” she clarifies.
• Of course, customers can also still shop online at naomiandruthboutique.com. Even online, Andrea says that customers can expect a personal connection as she’s happy to answer questions about styles and fit.
“We understand uncertain times bring with them budgetary concerns. However, as women, the desire to look our best and stay current with fashion trends has not disappeared,” Andrea says. “Naomi & Ruth Boutique has procured specific items that are both fashion-forward and budget-conscious. Use these pieces and accessories to revamp an existing outfit or to extend several ensembles with cutting-edge fashion that won’t break the bank. We focus on easy-fit items so you can shop with confidence.”
She adds that the boutique carries brands like Flying Monkey, Vervet, Chaser, Velvet Heart, Maple Sage, and Venti 6. This is in addition to carrying locally made lines and accessories as well. “I want to champion other local entrepreneurs,” she says. “We feature locally made jewelry and even soap! All these products have amazing stories behind them.”
And, as a fun, helpful service, Andrea is also happy to work with boyfriends and spouses on gifts that the ladies in their lives will love. “The women put their wish list together and I help their partners pick out some favorites,” she says.
With all the unique shopping options and ways to connect, reception from pleased customers has been wonderful.
“Naomi & Ruth Boutique has a heart for people and an incredible talent for style! Andrea blends those two so perfectly and Naomi & Ruth is truly a business and a ministry,” says client Lisa Langaker. “Andrea encourages and pours into her clients and many times becomes a friend. Whether you pop into her boutique to check out what’s new or plan a shopping event with friends like I did, it’s so much more than a typical shopping experience.”
“I have been shopping with Naomi & Ruth Boutique from the beginning,” says customer Dawn Riddle. “…I hosted a birthday party for a friend because I thought the ladies would enjoy a private shopping experience. What a time we had, trying on clothes, and having a private stylist help with everyone’s selections! It was truly a special evening, and I will use Naomi & Ruth for future corporate events, parties, and girls’ nights.”
Looking toward the future, Andrea’s goal is to truly change the way women connect and shop. “Women love shopping here because of the smaller environment and personal touch,” she says. “The boutique is named after two women from the Bible—Naomi and Ruth—who walked out in faith into the unknown and cheered each other on.”
With community in mind, a portion of every sale is donated to The Dream Center in Phoenix, which helps survivors of human trafficking.
Naomi & Ruth Boutique is located at 7900 E. Greenway Road, #108, in Scottsdale. To find out pop-in hours and upcoming events, follow the boutique on Facebook @naomiandruthboutique.
Visit naomiandruthboutique.com to learn more or reach out via email at [email protected] to schedule a private appointment.
This content is sponsored by Naomi & Ruth Boutique.
