Katie Wilson never imagined she’d be at the helm of one of Arizona’s most beloved and enduring boutiques. But here she is- 25 years later- marking a milestone that feels both surreal and deeply earned.
Garage Boutique & Concept Store, nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, is celebrating its silver anniversary this year. And with it comes a rare opportunity to reflect… not just on survival, but on evolution. Garage hasn’t simply weathered the changing tides of fashion and retail. It has blossomed, endured, and inspired. Whimsical yet elevated, stylish yet grounded, it’s a boutique that has become a rite of passage for generations of families.
“It was an unexpected gift,” Katie reflects. “I actually started my career practicing law. After going through a divorce, I knew I didn’t want to work my life away without joy or balance. I took a six-week sabbatical to Africa, and that time was life changing for me. I returned to the States, and quit my job. The opportunity to open Garage Boutique arose with no formal retail background, aside from a black belt in shopping and a summer job at Benetton. It felt like a chance to merge my lifelong love of fashion with a purpose-driven life.”
Katie grew up on the Main Line on the East Coast, where personal style wasn’t just encouraged, it was expected.
“My mother was always impeccably dressed,” she recalls. “On weekends, my friends and I would shop Suburban Square for the latest trends. We also, hands down, had the cutest pencil, eraser and stickers collections, and made our own barrettes at our weekend sleepovers. That mindset of dressing daily never left me. I’ve always believed clothing is a celebration of personality.”
Though fashion would become her calling, it came later in life; through instinct, healing, and bold reinvention.
“Law gave me discipline. Travel gave me perspective. But Garage gave me independence, balance, and creativity. It let me build a life on my own terms.”
The spark that ignited it all? A child lighting up after trying on something special.
“That joy is contagious. Every season, I strive to curate collections, gifts, and accessories that families can’t find anywhere else. I knew I was filling a gap and creating memories.”
Those memories have spanned 25 years of love, loyalty, and legacy. From day one, Katie’s focus has been on her community.
“My commitment to clients- watching them grow and evolve with me- is everything,” she says. “Many of my first ‘mini fashionistas’ now shop for their own children here. When I am working with my clients' children, I embrace them as my own when they are in the store.”
Her early business plan? Heart over hype.
“My goal was to create a boutique that captured the magic I felt as a child- the one place I wanted to spend my allowance. A place where fashion had heart and families felt seen.”
Today, Garage is a high-end lifestyle boutique offering children's and women's fashion, globally sourced treasures, nostalgic finds, and always something unexpected. Katie has traveled to over 100 countries in search of the extraordinary.
“Europe, India, Africa, and everywhere in between. I look for quality, whimsical, and unique pieces that spark imagination. I want a child to feel special when they choose an outfit that could become part of a core memory. And for a parent to treasure that moment.”
Garage’s signature style blends boutique European labels with luxe mini-versions of designer favorites. Think Balmain, Fendi, Chloe, Gucci, Stella McCartney, Scotch & Soda, and Hugo Boss.
“I focus on style over labels. Children deserve beautiful things, too. Fashion builds confidence and identity. Garage was always meant to be a time capsule of childhood magic… chic, playful, and personal.”
And it’s not just fashion that defines the Garage experience.
“Where else can you find Dior for kids, candy cigarettes, pop rocks, and a shop dog named Barkley greeting you at the door?”
Barkley, by the way, isn’t just a mascot, he’s part of the soul of the store.
“He showed up at my doorstep 14 years ago and has never left my side(nor missed a day of work). He’s my reminder of loyalty, joy, and unconditional love.”
Garage is also synonymous with giving back. Philanthropy is at its core.
“Children’s causes are my heartbeat,” Katie shares. “For the last 25 years, I have supported organizations like PANDA, Make-A-Wish Arizona, Childhelp, Not My Kid, Global Family Philanthropy, and the Ronan Thompson Foundation. I love the concept of “Fashion for Philanthropy”, a Fashion Show platform that empowers and teaches young customers to lead, give back to their community and get involved.”
One of the boutique’s most beloved community initiatives often used for school auctions? The “Garage Model Employee for the Day” program where kids get to “work” a shift, wear their favorite outfit, hand out goodies to customers, and even earn a $20/hr salary that Garage donates back to their school.
“It’s a hot ticket auction item for any school fundraiser.”
If the past 25 years have taught Katie anything, it’s the power of presence.
“Real, human connection can’t be replaced. Our customers are the heartbeat of this business. Whether they’ve been shopping with me for decades or just found us last week, their energy fuels mine.”
As for her own style? “Timeless, chic, with a playful edge- just like the store.”
And if she could whisper something to herself on opening day, 25 years ago?
“Hold tight to your vision. Don’t let anyone drown out your instincts. Keep showing up, having fun, working hard, and believing in what only you can see. It won’t always be easy, but if you stay true to yourself, it’ll be worth it.”
Garage Boutique & Concept Store is more than a shop. It’s a Scottsdale staple. A celebration of individuality. A place where fashion, family, and giving collide in the most beautiful way.
Garage may be celebrating its silver anniversary, but Katie’s passion is pure gold… and the best is yet to come.
Garage Boutique & Concept Store
7144 East Stetson Drive #110
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Contact: Katie Wilson
480.556.6900
Katie@garageboutique.com
IG @garageboutiquearizona