Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bethany Sauer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Bethany, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
I started my company about 6 years ago, soon after I got married (and I knew food could be put on the table with my husbands career if my dreams didn’t work out haha). I started offering simply wedding calligraphy (on envelopes, place cards, paper goods). I grew up in Houston so had enough connections to keep me busy. After a while, I taught myself watercolor and turned out I was pretty good at it! Before I knew it, I was designing invitations, working with wedding planners, painting commissions, and loving it. I always have loved paper goods, so I started creating stationery with my artwork too and selling at fun holiday markets as a local vendor.
It has definitely been a process- slowly picking up new offerings along the way. The greatest thing I’ve learned in starting a business is to say yes. If a client asks you to do something you’ve never done, and it gives you a pit in your stomach of nerves, that means you definitely need to do it! That is how I have figured out my abilities as a watercolor artist and stretched myself in talents far beyond I could have ever imagined!
Bethany, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I was working in an oil and gas marketing job before starting my business. I didn’t enjoy my work days at all, so I bought a calligraphy “how to” book and would come home and practice. Same went with a watercolor set. I bought one and would practice in my free time- realizing having this creative outlet was what I was missing with my career and life in general. Art brought me such joy and freedom- I never knew I needed it.
Over time I have grown in my abilities. I started with only offering calligraphy for wedding envelopes, then I got into watercolor invitations, then watercolor paper goods sold at markets, then commissioned art (like watercolor houses/venues/vows) that make such special gifts. I have loved the journey the past 6 years has put me on. My offering is expansive.
When my “side gig” became my real career, I finally felt like I could work forever. I love my job so much, I love the creativity I get to experience every day!
Since starting my company, I have become a mother of two beautiful daughters and one more on the way! My art fills their nursery walls and our home. It’s been a joy to share this passion with them! I have even started creating kid paper products (like flash cards and coloring banners) that they can enjoy and learn from. They are such an inspiration to me and a prime example of how your life changes can dictate the path your career takes. And I love where mine is headed.
I have wanted to take on less commissions lately because of the amount of time they take me away from my family. I have been focusing on my watercolor patterns and I am steering my company into licensing artwork. I want to share my art with the world and am excited to work with companies that can put my art on anything and everything! That’s my current path with “Be Sweet Ink”
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Our youngest child was born with quite a few complications (those that follow me on instagram are very familiar with our journey we have been on). 2021 and 2022 were very difficult years for us and everyone assumed I would stop working during the stress of those years. But the opposite happened. I poured into my work when time allowed. Art is my outlet. When life is stressful or when I don’t know what to do- I paint. It fills my spirit. I have logged LOTS of hospital bedside painting times over the years, and lots of weird looks from nurses haha. The Lord has blessed me with my artistic ability and I truly believe it was for a reason. To help me and to help others. The amount of commissions that I have done that have been deeply meaningful for my clients (whether it’s of a dog that has passed, or a house that was sold, or a baby scripture nursery painting) my art is bigger than me! What a blessing this job is, truly.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My current life stage (two daughters and one on the way) is going to be a huge change. A pivot definitely has to happen for me. Before having kids I worked a ton (loving every minute) but as I started having kids, the time availability is getting limited.
I am currently in the stage of pivoting into licensing my artwork. I haven’t started yet, full disclosure, but this is the direction I want to take my company. I want to paint what I want to paint, and take on less projects where I paint my clients’ visions. My goal is to work with various companies and see my art on wallpaper, bedding, clothing, household products, bags, everything! I’m giddy thinking about that. This will be a better work life balance for me in this stage and I just have been praying that the Lord allows doors to open to let this dream become a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.besweetink.com
- Instagram: @besweetink
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/besweetink
Image Credits
Patricia Coskey Photography