Meet Bethany Kempfe | Creative and connector

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bethany Kempfe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bethany, why did you pursue a creative career?
If you would have asked me this question five years ago I wouldn’t have known how to answer it. I was consumed in the corporate world and almost forgot what it was to create. I used to paint, sculpt, design, and draw. But stopped because I kept saying I don’t have time, my big girl job comes first. I wasn’t taking time to myself. Now I can say that being creative again feeds my soul. I began this journey during the lockdown in 2020 and it literally calmed me. I’m so happy now and found joy again.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was tired of seeing the same jewelry pieces. I have always loved handmade and unique items so this was a chance for me to put something out that you can’t find elsewhere. I choose all my beads, stones, and gems then sit and visual what I want to make out of them. The first pieces I made were all inspired by the ocean and the beach. I’m a sucker for a little ocean spritz in my hair and the smell of the salty air. The ocean is a huge part of my life so every piece was named after some part of it.

I created my website and began selling pieces through that first. I thankfully had fabulous support from friends and family then it began to slow down a bit after the initial launch. To be honest I hadn’t thought far ahead I just dove in head first! Fortunately, I connected with a local gal, Melissa Tate who helps run the Staple Goods market at Standard Service in Heath, TX. From that first market my customer base began growing quickly. I sought out new markets, was invited to pop ups, and other events around the DFW area. The grind has been real and I notice if I don’t interact on a daily basis with my consumers business drops. I’ve learned that customer interaction is absolutely key for me! I love people and making new connections so that’s a huge bonus!
I took a small risk compared to many but this is the first of my entrepreneur adventures. Everyone has passions but it’s finding out how to play “the game” to make those passions into something more.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh goodness. My husband and I lived in Uptown Dallas for 7 years before we bought land in Rockwall, TX. We have so many favorites that we still visit on date nights. As far as site seeing I recommend the DMA, Klyde Warren Park, Bishop Arts and Deep Ellum. I also take people to Fort Worth to see the Stockyards. For food and drinks, Avanti, Bowen House, Billy Can Can, Lucia, and Las Almas Rotas are a few of our go today. I highly recommend ending at least one of your days on the rooftop of HG Supply Co. It has a great view!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
From the time I was three or four years old my hands were busy creating what my mind told them to. I would spend hours on the floor with paper, fabric, glue, ribbons, and anything else I could get my hands on. Needless to say I started adding more complex mediums in middle school and gained scholarships for my art. After college I became a corporate player and my creativity fell to the wayside. No more! I encourage people to have an outlet and don’t let your hobbies and passions go. Make time to find what your soul craves. I have many big name creative influences like Christian Dior (my favorite designer, ever) Anne Geddes, Monet, and more. With that being said, I have been incredibly inspired by people who started something of their own during the lockdown in 2020. I kept seeing friends and peers start something new and I asked myself, “why can’t I”? I have always been an artist with an entrepreneurial spirit and one day I was working on some jewelry pieces for myself when the light bulb came on and Curate Lively was born. I wanted to create pieces that were affordable, unique, could withstand kids dropping and pulling on them, and fit in with everyday life. As for the name Curate Lively, it feels straight forward to me. Curate is collecting and sharing valuable pieces. Lively, is lively! I look at lively as filled with life and joy. So there you have it! Curate Lively.
My husband, hands down is my biggest support. I could not have dove into this without his help. He goes with me to markets and helps me sell! We both enjoy meeting people and creating new connections.

Website: Www.curatelively.com

Instagram: Curatelively

Image Credits
Professional photos with model taken by Bethany Kempfe Photography