Courtney Michaels

OWNER, CM INTERIORS

From appearing on HGTV to expanding her design work to vacation homes, Courtney Michaels says her high-end residential design business stems from growing up with an awardwinning artist in Bellevue, Washington.

“I was surrounded by many artistic mediums,” she says. “I specialize in high-end design, and work with my clients to bring their vision to life.”

Courtney has 15 years’ experience, saying after she completed her design degree, she interned with a high-end residential designer “to perfect my craft.”

“When the time was right, I opened my own design firm and appeared on HGTV in a holiday special.”

Capitalizing on her experience with a diverse clientele, she recently moved back to Arizona — “My favorite place” — to help clients create their own beautiful and unique homes. Courtney specializes in finishing touches, including, but not limited to, finishes, floors, cabinetry, tile, furniture, window coverings and accessorizing.

Whether designing, redesigning or updating through furniture, color and final touches, Courtney says she’ll bring a project “to the next level."

CO-OWNER, ESSENCE kITCHEN + BAR

A Prescott native and graduate of Prescott High School, Julia Ammons attended Yavapai College, continuing her career in hospitality management out of state by earning an Associates of Science degree in both Advanced Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management and earned a Catering Certificate.

Julia says she returned to Chino Valley to serve her community and be closer to her family. As co-creator of the husband and wife flagship restaurant, Essence Kitchen + Bar established in 2020, Julia excels at hospitality, menu and wine pairings and guest relations.

She has been an Advisory Board Member of Chino Valley High School Career & Technical Education since 2021 and also serves on the Yavapai College Foundation Board. Her focus of nurturing the culinary craft does not go unnoticed by her young team members and volunteers from the Chino Valley High School Culinary Department.

Alongside the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Chino Valley Lioness Club, Essence is a contributing member to the community. Through Julia’s charitable efforts, Essence has been able to serve local veterans and underserved youth through complimentary luncheons; book fairs through partnership with the Pappas Foundation; holiday events; and monetary educational scholarships.

She says she is eager to serve her community as it is another way to invest in her town and build meaningful relationships.