“I don’t think so,” was Nikki Fujiwara’s first thought when she heard Country music for the first time at the persistence of her older sister, Célida Sneva. The song was “Chicken Fried,” and it soon grew on her. Nikki shares, “Célida taught me how to dance to it and gave me my first pair of cowboy boots.” She has fond memories of spending amazing summers together with her sister in Oregon for 13 years in a row. Little did she know that this time was formative in cementing their friendship and would be full of nostalgic times.  Fast forward decades later and these two sisters are inseparable.

 

“We are 17 years apart, but it feels like a day apart,” smiles Nikki, who is 17 years younger than her sister. 

 

Both have similarities, including sharing a birthday in November. “Everyone describes us as twins in our family,” laughs Nikki. Célida is the oldest child and Nikki is the youngest of six girls. Together, they are united in life and in work. These two sisters are on a mission to redefine Tucson's hospitality scene through their company, AZ Roots.

 

Founded just two years ago, this dynamic sister duo has quickly risen to become one of the top property management companies in Arizona, managing around 60 homes, with the majority nestled in the heart of Tucson. Their secret sauce? A 24/7 hands-on hosting service that allows homeowners to enjoy a completely hands-off experience. Their response time is impressive. With over 150 daily guest messages, their rapid response is within 2 minutes or less. With their expertise, people can “take a vacation from their vacation rental.”

 

For Célida and Nikki, Tucson isn't just a location; it's a deep-rooted connection. They both hail from Tucson and have always dreamed of working together. Nikki's stint with a startup property management company in Phoenix was the catalyst for the birth of AZ Roots. She saw the potential in Tucson's unique and community-driven atmosphere. The demand for their services in Tucson speaks volumes.

 

"We truly believe that growing in hospitality and increasing Tucson's tourism is a long-term goal we both share," they explain. Currently, AZ Roots is ranked 119 out of 6000 hosts on Airbnb and has a 4.97 rating on their platform.

 

 

Nikki and Célida's passion lies in crafting unforgettable experiences for their guests and sharing the hidden gems of Tucson that they've cherished all their lives. As Tucson natives, they are the ultimate insiders, introducing visitors to local spots, like Old Tucson, and the enchanting Barrio Viejo district. 

 

What sets them apart? Their personal touch. Every guest communicates with Nikki or Célida, who ensures they feel like they are the first to experience a property. With their dedication, Nikki and Célida's level of commitment to their guests is unmatched.

 

Their love for hospitality stems from their mother, who hosts incredible holidays and unique themed birthday parties. Every life moment was a celebration and an opportunity to host. Célida and Nikki quickly learned at a young age that being hospitable meant creating special experiences for others. 

 

 

Célida and Nikki also manage to balance their roles as businesswomen with their roles as family members. Célida is married to her high school sweetheart and has three children. Nikki is engaged and spends much of her time with her parents and sisters. Family values and traditions play a significant role in their lives, and it's this warmth and closeness that they bring to their business, creating an atmosphere where every guest feels like family.

 

 

Family is not limited to blood relatives; it extends to the community as well. Nikki and Célida actively support local charities and organizations. For Nikki, Tu Nidito is a cause close to her heart, and it was her gateway into the world of nonprofits. They believe in giving back to their community and making a lasting impact on Tucson.

 

"To truly be able to share Tucson with the world is special to us," they express.

 

Nikki and Célida's business is not just about property management; it's about weaving the tapestry of Tucson into unforgettable memories for their guests and giving back to the community they cherish. AZ Roots is an extension of their family bonds, community support, and love for their hometown. The hospitality industry has truly found two exceptional ambassadors in these sisters who have a bright future ahead.

 

For more information on AZ Roots, check out their website, www.azrootsmgmt.com.