Born and raised in Alaska, Beth had the wonderful opportunity of working for the Anchorage Downtown Partnership doing marketing, and The Anchorage Fur Rendezvous, doing events planning, design, advertising, and marketing following college graduation. After a few years, she decided to get back to her roots as a graphic designer and transitioned to a local screen printing company.
After almost 10 years she decided to learn more about how a business operates. To grow her knowledge, for a few years she worked for multiple design and advertising agencies looking for the right fit before deciding it was time for her to work for herself! She started Burnside Creative, which has provided the flexibility of a flexible schedule as well as working with the clientele and industries she enjoys. Not one to be bored, Beth also is a partner in two local businesses, Ravenink Fine Art Printing and True Lily Jewelry on ETSY.
Her favorite job over her professional career so far has been her time with the American Red Cross. She gushed, “The experiences of deployment for disaster either in the state of Alaska or throughout the lower 48, has always had incredible learning opportunities. Being able to work alongside some of the most dedicated staff and volunteers to help people during some very difficult times, while seeing different parts of our country has provided long-lasting friendships and memories.”
When we talked about what she loves most about Alaska she explained, “Alaska is a very special place, and the people are what keep it that way. Being an artist type is an automatic challenge to develop the right career path to make a good living, no matter where you live. Throughout Alaska, I have met a vast variety of amazingly smart and talented artists, who sell their products and share in the joys of being able to do what makes them happiest. From painters, photographers, pottery artists, jewelry makers, knitters, florists, hat designers, dog leash & collar makers, wood-carvers, you name it! Being surrounded by so many creative small business owners who are, like you, invested, hardworking. and have different experiences along the way, you can share and learn a lot from each other.”
About working with the Alaska SBDC team as their go-to graphic design specialist, she shared, “I have been incredibly inspired by the whole team effort at the Alaska SBDC. Their collective and genuine interest in supporting the Alaskan clients grow their business is unlike anything I have ever seen.”
When she isn’t working, Beth enjoys photography, painting, making jewelry, and camping in the summertime.