We recently connected with Bethany Andrews-Nichols and have shared our conversation below.

Bethany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

In October 2017, I took two weeks off from my corporate job as an Art Director to travel to Jaipur, India and immerse myself in traditional block-printing. I had no idea that experience would spark the next chapter of my career.

Soon after returning home, I was laid off due to downsizing — and honestly, it was the best thing that could’ve happened. It gave me the space to launch Beenanza Design. I built a new brand, started taking on design clients, and kept exploring the bold, colorful world of block-printing and pattern design — the work that truly fills me up.

Over the years, Beenanza evolved into a business built around design collaborations, art licensing, workshops, and large-scale block-printed murals. The idea for my product came from one of those murals. In 2019, a local brewery invited me to create wall art. I thought, “I’m not a painter… but maybe I could block-print it?” After experimenting with materials, I found a type of foam that printed beautifully on walls — and just about everything else, from fabric to furniture.

In 2022, during an Open Studio event, a woman walked in, saw the wall, and asked, “How did you do that? Can I do this in my home?” Lightbulb. I realized this could be a kit — a creative tool anyone could use.

In 2023, I launched a soft run of CoverAll: the block-print-everywhere kit — and we sold out. Since then, I’ve refined the product, partnered with a local manufacturer, completed a 12-week product-based business accelerator program, and now am preparing to launch CoverAll 2.0 for the upcoming holiday season.

Beenanza was born from curiosity and a deep love of pattern and color. But what makes it worthwhile is watching others light up when they realize they can make something bold, beautiful, and entirely their own.

Bethany, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been on a path to create this product since I was a kid. I can still remember at 5 years old running my hands over the green damask wallpaper in our entryway. I went to college for graphic design, moved up in the ranks while moving from Buffalo to Minneapolis to Chicago to Burlington, VT where I eventually worked as an associate art director before being laid off in 2017. After which I pulled up my BIG GIRL PANTS and started my own biz! Beenanza is built around design collaborations, art licensing, workshops, large-scale block-printed murals, and soon adding our one-of-a-kind product, CoverAll: the block-print everywhere kit.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Love this question because it is so relevant for me right now.

I didn’t have money, I didn’t have a business credit card. I did get a small loan early on to pay for the legal fees associated with trademarking my name and logo. I am great at paying close attention to what I have in my account to pay rent, buy supplies, pay for programs, etc. This works well when you believe you are small & “bootstrapping is just what you gotta do”. For the last year and 1/2 I have been working with the local Small Business Development Center to develop a cash flow chart. So thankful for that work – because just this week I applied for and received a business loan to place my big CoverAll parts order. Now is my time to not be small!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think the clearest story to illustrate this is when I was laid off from my job of 9 years.

Though looking back it doesn’t feel like I fought the process. More like I was along for the ride. Loving the autonomy I had for who I worked with, what my hours were, and what I wanted to build into my dream business. Then and now, the challenge is money. How can I make what I need to make to continue on this entrepreneurial journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://beenanzadesign.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beenanza.design/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beenanza.design
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanyandrewsnichols/
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/fTgLWSE