More Gay-Friendly Businesses In Tucson

Center 4 Self-Care

Client Review

The moment I walk into the building, I am at ease. The smells, the natural surroundings, and the pure intention of each practitioner in their healing art moves me. Grateful to see such a sanctuary thriving in what they do best. Samantha S.

(520) 344-2529

3501 E Kleindale Rd
Tucson, AZ 85716

Center 4 Self-Care welcomes you! All of you. The YOU you want to be. We are a queer owned, queer friendly wellness collective. All four owners found our way to Tucson from other parts of the country and felt drawn to opening a business here for the healing energy, welcoming community, and of course the mountain views. We have built a team of experienced, skilled, and informed practitioners providing heart centered services. We believe that self-care is a constantly evolving process as unique and individual as you are.

Our background and passion began with massage therapy and many styles of bodywork. Over the years we have expanded to include energy modalities, acupuncture, postural alignment, health and wellness coaching, all natural locally sourced skin care, yoga, meditation, education, and community wellness events. We are currently excited about partnering with local non-profit organizations to provide access to self-care services to those in recovery. Our hope is that this program will lead to successful outcomes including higher functioning, less dependence on our healthcare system, and improved mental health in our community. As advocates of mental health awareness and members of the Tucson LGBT Chamber of Commerce we enjoy working together to elevate humanity. We strive to connect each other with resources that are supportive in all things wellness. We are here for you and your best self!

Our bodies can hold so much trauma and massage therapy can facilitate healing in a gentle, effective, and affirming way. We believe in the inherent right of everyone to feel good in the skin that they’re in. We pride ourselves on creating a safe space and offering client-centered compassionate connection. Our commitment to being intentionally inclusive is at the core of our mission and vision. Visit our website for more details and to learn more about our offerings, events, and practitioners. We look forward to supporting you on your self-care journey.

Kristi Frank – American Family Insurance

Kristi Frank American Family Insurance Office Tucson AZ
Kristi Frank American Family Insurance Office Tucson AZ

Kristi Frank – American Family Insurance

Kristi Frank Agency, INC.

4319 E Broadway Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85711
Office: 520-323-0017
Fax: 855-383-8085
Website
E-Mail: kfrank@amfam.com
24-Hour Claims Reporting: 800-374-1111

I’ve known Kristi Frank for years and she always has been someone in the community I respect and trust. And my clients, they can’t say enough about her. From the minute they walk in and meet her and her associates, they know the experience is going to be different. Everyone is friendly and professional at Kristi Frank’s office.

My clients have told me that they appreciate how Kristi cares enough to really examine their entire financial situation before offering her services. Best of all, she usually gets them more insurance and still saves them money. She has done the same for me.

Whether it’s home owners insurance, renters insurance, flood insurance, auto insurance, an umbrella policy or a combination, you should at least give her a call and see what she can do for you.

Kristi Frank American Family Insurance
Kristi Frank American Family Insurance

I know that when you meet Kristi, you’ll feel at ease about discussing and disclosing personal information with her. You will also get an overwhelming sense that she genuinely cares about you and your needs. You’ll know immediately that she is someone on your side and someone you can trust.

You’ll be sending me an email with a big thank you.
A small gift would be nice too, just saying LOL

The legal stuff:
©2005 American Family Mutual Insurance Co. and its Subsidiaries
Home Office – Madison, WI 53783

Bob Hunt – Message Therapist

Bob Hunt – Massage Therapist

Massage the way you like it. You describe your needs and I will design a massage to assist with your needs. Your satisfaction is my largest concern. Call Bob in Tucson 760-578-4003. Rates start at $80 per hour. Enjoy Swedish, deep tissue, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage, sports massage or Therapeutic massage. Just want to relax, Lomi Lomi massage is a great way to relax, with long deep strokes up and down the body. Give me a call so I can help!

When we meet we go through where in your body you are in pain or stiff and I will build a massage designed around your needs. I have many different modalities to relieve your pain or stiff neck or back. And there is nothing to lose, on your first experience with me if you do not like the massage, you don’t pay! But that has never happened in my 20 plus years of massage, so give us a call Bob at 760-578-4003!

Velvet & Shadow Photography

Velvet & Shadow Photography in rainbow colors
Velvet & Shadow Photography in color
Welcome to Velvet & Shadow Photography, a rainbow color explosion for the eyes. But, not in an ‘it hurts my head to look at’ kind of way. The lighting is dreamy and the sets are custom to elicit ethereal emotions, perhaps a dream half-forgot…
Velvet & Shadow photography
Look like a dream with Velvet & Shadow Photography
If you’re a regular to 4th Avenue you may have wandered into &Gallery or deliberately gone to their art openings. And if that’s the case there’s a good chance you’ve glimpsed the work of this incredible photographer who makes every shoot memorable. Velvet & Shadow Photography is a Tucson, AZ-based experimental boudoir photography business founded by Isabella Laos that offers personalized photoshoot sessions inside visually stunning hand-crafted sets with rainbow explosions of colorful lights. You can take part in a staging shoot where different models get to use the same set or a completely custom set you and Isabella decide on. For instance, if you want to be a fairy princess she creates the illusions to make it so.

Background

Model Bri posing for Velvet & Shadow Photography
Model Bri poses for Velvet & Shadow Photography
Having worked as a venue and event photographer for many years, Isabella is deeply inspired by the theatrical lights and special effects of the dimly lit stage. Isabella provides positive affirming direction and encouragement throughout each session which cultivates a truly therapeutic journey of self-discovery & empowerment. Boudoir photography makes a lot of people nervous but you don’t have to worry about that with Isabella. She makes every subject feel like the only person in the world. As a result, she guarantees genuine and touching photographs.
We like Velvet & Shadow Photography because she actually listens. Whether you’re having a conversation about your favorite restaurant or coming up with the perfect pirate shoot she’s paying attention and making sure that you feel heard. But don’t take our word for it. Here’s a review from local artist Sophie McTear.
Sophie poses for Velvet & Shadow Photography
Sophie posing for Velvet & Shadow Photography

Client Review: Google Sophie McTear

 “I love working with Bella. I feel comfortable and at ease when I’m in front of the camera with her, even when I’m in lingerie! She makes me feel confident, and her photos have such a gorgeous, dreamy quality that she’s honed in on and made completely her own. I love her work and encourage anyone in Tucson to book a shoot with Velvet & Shadow!”

The Details

Company name: Velvet & Shadow
(velvet.and.shadow – Insta)
Contact Name: Isabella
Phone: 5203073775
Pricing: $150+
Website: Velvetandshadow.com

Pampered Skin Studio

Pampered Skin Studio Logo
Pampered Skin Studio
Pampered Skin Studio offers a complete schedule of skin rejuvenating services.  While they specialize in anti-aging skin repair, including re-texturizing treatments, Doctor Suzie also provides Acne Treatments for Teens and Adults! Pampered Skin Studio is conveniently located in Central Tucson, inside the Glenn Medical Village.  The cutting-edge studio features state-of-the treatments, procedures, and equipment, all dedicated to eliminating minor skin imperfections and giving you the skin you’ve always wanted! Wait until you check out the Botox®, “Liquid Face Lifts” with injectable Fillers as well as the latest rejuvenation treatment with NovaThreads – the “Lunch-Time Face-Lyft”. Pampered Skin Studio has injectable treatments, offering a speedy and secure method of achieving dramatic results that take years off your appearance!

Acne Treatment

Doctor Suzie offers amazing Acne Treatments for Teens and Adults.  These services emphasize targeted products, procedures and client education to clear up the causes and remedies for this complex condition.
Patient receiving Light Therapy treatment from a Holistic Esthetician
Patient receiving Light Therapy treatment from a Holistic Esthetician

Service Menu

  • Acne Treatment
  • Anti-Aging Modalities
  • Ethnic Skin Enhancement
  • Health-Challenged Skin® Repair
  • Customized Facials
  • Dermaplaning
  • Holistic Energy Balancing Facials
  • Microdermabrasion & Peels
  • Botox & Dermal Fillers
  • Body Skin Refinement
  • Skin Lesion & Spider Vein Treatment
  • Electrolysis
  • Microneedling/Collagen Induction Therapy
  • LED Light Treatments
  • NovaThread Lifting Treatments
  • Pampered Skin Studio offers many luxurious facial & skin rejuvenation treatments at an affordable price.
Meet Dr. Suzie Pear
Meet Dr. Suzie Pear

Meet Doctor Suzie

Dr. Suzanne Pear (Dr. Suzie) is a registered nurse aesthetician specializing in corrective skin care. She has a doctorate in epidemiology (the study of diseases/epidemics) and spent many years as a hospital epidemiologist dedicated to prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections. Now Dr. Suzie, as a licensed aesthetician, is focusing her clinical passion on helping her clients achieve their skin care goals, whether that be acne treatment, repairing the effects of sun damage or the ravages of time. Additionally, Dr. Suzie is certified in Oncology Esthetics and is qualified to treat Health Challenged Skin™. Another focus of Dr. Suzie’s clinical aesthetics practice is the special skin refinement challenges faced by people of color. She incorporates protocols and products created especially to treat hyperpigmentation and the remnants of acne scarring in darker skin. Dr. Suzie’s skin rejuvenation expertise also extends to the use of Botox and injectable fillers, NovaThread Facial Lifts, dermal leveling, chemical peels, as well as permanent hair and skin growths removals. 5160 E. Glenn Street, Suite 150 Tucson, AZ 85712 (520) 400-8109 PamperedSkinStudio.com Have a great day! Tony Ray 🙂

P.S. Look At These Incredible Results!

Barrio Books

Barrio BooksAn abundance of booksBarrio Books is the only bilingual woman-owned bookstore in Tucson, AZ. We specialize in carrying literature from Latinx authors as well as other BIPOC authors. We dedicate ourselves to serving the Tucson community by providing a space where our customers can find representation in the books they read. Barrio Books began as a pop-up vendor, going to different events throughout Tucson and the surrounding areas. In January, we were fortunate to have a partnership with Hotel McCoy who provided our first Brick and Mortar location rent-free. We are currently working on our bookmobile in order to have an easier and more efficient way of getting more literature into our neighborhoods.

Representation Matters

SYRENA AREVALO-TRUJILLO
Selfie of Syrena at Barrio Books
I am a native Tucsonan and a graduate of the University of Arizona. Throughout the years, I have been involved in organizations throughout the community that focuses on Social Justice and Cultural enrichment. Tucson is such a diverse city and so incredibly supportive. We saw that first opening at our Brick and Mortar location! There were so many people that came in rooting for Barrio Books to succeed. And so many others that were eager to learn and devour the literature that we sell. Even today, there are still so many people so excited to come in and take in the unique vibes of Barrio Books. Barrio Books MerchRepresentation for Latinx peoples is incredibly important in all mediums, especially literature.  Barrio Books is a way to get books out to people in the community who have no idea where they can find books that reflect them and their unique journey through life. This is especially important for young readers. Books that have characters who look like them, eat the same foods, or go through the same obstacles can really lure them into wanting more books and in turn, create lifelong readers!   “Quickly has become one of my favorite bookstores in town. Syrena has been extremely kind and helpful when it comes to helping me find rare Latinx-focused books, and I am very grateful for all the wonderful finds!” -Luis Silva COMPANY NAME: BARRIO BOOKS OFFICE ADDRESS: HOTEL MCCOY 720 W SILVERLAKE #302 TUCSON AZ, 85713
WEBSITE: BARRIOBOOKS520.COM
CONTACT NAME: SYRENA AREVALO-TRUJILLO

Phaedra Wilson – Altitude Home Loans

Phaedra Wilson with Altitude Home Loans
Phaedra Wilson with Altitude Home Loans

Phaedra Wilson – Altitude Home Loans

Phaedra Wilson
Senior Loan Officer
Altitude Home Loans
1885 N Kolb Rd
Tucson, AZ 85715
BK# 0907366

Direct: (520) 617-2925

Email phaedra@altitudehomeloans.com
Toll Free: 888-634-6399

After graduating from the University of Arizona in 1992, Phaedra Wilson dove full-time into the mortgage industry and never looked back.  Since then, she’s consistently ranked as a top producer in Tucson – earning the respect of customers and peers alike.  To this day, she is passionate about going the extra mile to help families achieve their homeownership dreams.

A born and raised Tucsonan, Phaedra has spent almost 30 years working with more than 2,000 people to achieve their home loan goals.  Customers choose to work with Phaedra for her excellent communication, ethics, experience, and expertise.

Phaedra and her team have created a stress-free experience by designing efficient systems that provide weeks updates and produce quick response times.  Their ultimate goal is to have everything in place to fund loans on time, or even early when needed.  Phaedra’s strong base of loyal repeat customers and lasting relationships with excellent local real estate agents is the cornerstone of her success in Tucson’s incredibly competitive mortgage environment.

Phaedra is an enthusiastic member of the community, volunteering on the board of Kids of Steele and serving with the hostesses of Silver and Sequitur, supporting the restoration efforts at Mission San Xavier del Bac.  She enjoys traveling, hiking, yoga, and staying active with her husband, Gred, their two wonderful daughters, Addy and Avery, and their sweet Golden Retriever, Sunny.

Desert Rat Art Collective

MoreGraphic image of the sonoran desert with the desert rat art collective statement
Image of desert rat art collective founder Tierney
DRAC founder Tierney
Desert Rat Art Collective is a local Tucson community of artists that specialize in the strange and beautiful, inspired by our lives in the desert. They see the charm of the dirt and mountains and know that no matter where life takes them, they’ll basically always be desert rats at heart. DRAC is queer-owned and operated, and was founded by artist Tierney after their group of friends got together every Friday for about 2 years to make art together. Those little gatherings still go on, and now they have a website to support art sales now that they’ve run out of wall space to show everything off.

Desert Rat Art Collective

Image from desert rat art collective of sushi in acrylic paintDRAC specializes in selling original canvas art pieces online, but also offers prints, merchandise, and also accepts mural requests around town! Their art is usually cheeky, with wildly different styles between the current members. E/ze, the anonymous artist featured exclusively on their website, creates heavily textured pieces inspired by street art. You can feel the deep emotion in every piece. Ry Arvin is an expert in all things text and font. They’re wildly creative with mandalas, text, and also reimagines the margin-doodles of our teenage years. Tierney, the founder, and manager of Desert Rat Art Collective creates a wide variety of prints and patterns. Using the same techniques in their digital art as their physical canvas work, creating strong lines and measured shading. A collections of desert rat art collective workTucson and the Sonoran Desert will always hold a special place in Desert Rat’s little heart. Moreover, they want to honor and give back to the community. They’ve got big dreams of being able to provide free art supplies to underfunded schools throughout Tucson. Sharing the love of art to everyone they can. The website itself takes only 3% commission which is far less than physical gallery spaces. Any DRAC money leftover after the minimal website maintenance costs goes right back to supporting local Tucson small businesses and art ventures. Company Name: Desert Rat Art Collective Office Address: Online Contact Name (s): Tierney Website: Desertratac.com Socials: @DesertRatArtC

Client Review

“The original piece by JackofAllArt is the highlight of our kitchen. The meticulous care given to every detail and the bold use of color make this an outstanding creation. We love it!” – Windy Lynn, owner of Sushi Flood by JackofAllArt

Feast

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Feast Restaurant
3719 E. Speedway
Tucson, AZ  85712
(520) 326-9363
Feast Website

 
Feast Restaurant Diners

 

Locally owned and very gay friendly, this hip little restaurant packs a lot of punch.  I recommend you schedule yourself to dine in at least once a month.  You’ll love the food, atmosphere and the staff.

One of the great things about Feast is that it seems like there is always something different.  That’s because the chef /owner changes the menu each month.   And not to worry, there are a few items that stay the same for those creatures of habit.

Not in the mood to dine in?   How about a nice candle light dinner for you and that special someone at home? Tasteful takeout is Feast’s motto.

They also cater!  I have been at an event catered by Feast.  Definitely a crowd pleaser.  If you have special dietary needs, certain social expectations, a specific culinary palette in mind, talk to Cassandra and she will help you create the perfect menu at the right price.

Here’s some more punch.  Feast restaurant has won best caterer from Best of Tucson, four times.  The food at Feast has also earned accolades from the New York Times and Zagat Guide.

Okay, so go have a great lunch or dinner at Feast.  Let them know you found them on GayTucson.com.

Have fun, Tony Ray