Welcome to another edition of "Prescott Through a Local's Eye," where we take a break from the bustling business scene and catch up with the individuals shaping Prescott's local business community. Today, we had the pleasure of chatting with Sierra Merrell, the skilled botanical engineer and proud proprietor of Rogue Rue Flora in Prescott Valley. Sierra's exceptional talent for creating sophisticated and elegant floral designs has been garnering headlines as of late. Sierra gracefully set aside her flower trimmers today, allowing her to express her genuine love for Prescott. She enthusiastically revealed the ways in which the Merrell family enjoys their go-to spots to eat, play, and congregate in our beloved town.

When it comes to dining out in Prescott, Sierra and her family have uncovered a triumvirate of exceptional establishments that consistently fulfill their culinary desires. Leading the pack (once again!) is El Gato Azul, a go-to destination for their cherished date nights. The ambiance sets the stage for an intimate experience, allowing Sierra and her husband, Phil, to relish both the delectable cuisine and each other's company. With a flawless track record, El Gato Azul has yet to serve a dish that doesn't meet their high standards, delighting their palates with every savory bite.

Next on her culinary journey is The Bistro St. Michael, where Sierra and her dear friend, Piper, embarked on a quest to discover Prescott's finest Eggs Benedict. The expedition reached its triumphant conclusion at The Bistro, leaving both of them in a state of pure gustatory bliss. The mere thought of the flawlessly poached eggs, gently yielding with a richness that tantalizes the senses, reduces the entirety of Sierra to a drooling emoji. With taste buds dancing in delight, The Bistro St. Michael has undeniably cemented its position as the premier destination for this timeless breakfast indulgence.

Indulging in the exotic, the Merrell family frequents The Thai Cafe on Windsong & Florentine in Prescott Valley. Sierra's favorite dish at this hidden gem in the culinary landscape is the mouthwatering panang curry. Sierra candidly confesses that her preferred heat level hovers at a modest 2.5 stars, dutifully admitting that seems a bit wimpy. With flavors that leave an indelible mark, The Thai Cafe has firmly established itself as an THE Thai dining destination in Prescott Valley for the Merrell family.

If you read our previous profile article on Sierra, then you would know how big a role faith plays in her life. When they moved to Prescott Valley, they gave the Heights Church a try and never looked back. Sierra said that walking into a service at Heights Church, whether on a Sunday morning or a Saturday night, is always a heartwarming experience for her and her family. Despite the size of the congregation, they always see familiar faces. Through the Heights Church, they have been able to foster a sense of community and connection that they did not expect to have so quickly after moving here but greatly appreciate. Heights Church distinguishes itself not only through its size but also through its remarkable Women's Ministry and Children's Ministry, which have provided vital support since their relocation when they had no acquaintances in the area. Of all the programs, "Vital Moms" holds a special place in their hearts. Every other Thursday during the school year, it offers a gathering space for mothers to exchange parenting insights, enjoy socializing with fellow adults, and have their children cared for by exceptionally kind and compassionate individuals. The inclusivity of Heights Church is particularly noteworthy, as all mothers are welcomed, regardless of their church affiliation or the path of their faith journey. Additionally, the Prescott Valley location of Heights Church features two impressive indoor playgrounds where children can burn off energy while Sierra and other moms recharge with a cup of coffee from the conveniently located "Plus Coffee." It has become a delightful haven for rejuvenation and enjoyment for mothers, while their children have a blast. The Heights Church has served as a gateway to a community of shared values and faith, providing Sierra and her family with immense gratitude for the connections they have formed.

Sierra and her family have two favorite spots for getting outside and having adventures. One is camping in our local area, with Hilltop Campground by Lynx Lake, Watson Lake, and occasionally boondocking out in the middle of nowhere ranking among their favorites. They enjoy leaving the hustle and bustle of running a small business behind for a couple of days to take in the beauty of these natural settings while creating cherished memories with their children. Another local favorite is Heritage Park Zoo, where Sierra and her daughters frequently visit. The girls adore observing the animals and delighting in the playground activities. Sierra appreciates the family-friendly atmosphere, as the zoo is stroller-friendly and offers an annual pass, allowing them to enjoy the experience multiple times throughout the year.

I asked Sierra if there is a local small business owner she works with that she would like to mention, and immediately she gave a well-deserved shout-out to her friend Alicia, the dedicated owner and operator of Painted Sky Events. As a wedding and event planner, Alicia showcases impeccable attention to detail, ensuring that every occasion she handles unfolds flawlessly. Sierra admires Alicia's commitment to perfection and recognizes her outstanding ability to ensure that events go exactly as planned. Alicia's dedication and expertise in creating unforgettable experiences deserve recognition, and Sierra is grateful to highlight her for the exceptional work she does. It sounds like we've found our next small business owner profile!

We would like to thank Sierra for sharing with us the culinary and adventurous treasures of Prescott that the Merrell family enjoys. Additionally, her heartfelt testimonial about the profound sense of community and support Sierra and her family found at Heights Church highlights the importance of finding a place of belonging in a new location. (Amen to that!) At Prescott Days Magazine, we believe in highlighting the human side of local businesses, as it provides Prescottonians and visitors alike with a glimpse into the dedication and effort required to run a small business. If you find value in our articles, you can support us by subscribing to our newsletter as well as liking and sharing our social media posts. So when, not if, you need a floral design or a monthly bouquet brought to your home or business, reach out to the botanical engineers at Rogue Rue Flora and put your faith in Sierra to provide a top-tier arrangement!