We were lucky to catch up with Riley Bean recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Riley, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?
My full time job started as my senior year internship needed to graduate from Grand Valley. Looking back, I have grown immensely as a professional since 2019/2020. That time of life has its own challenges, but they pushed me out of my comfort zone. This was so beneficial.
Sweet Nectar Shop is a small business, and I wasn’t expecting as much as I have gained now from what started as an internship. I found a love for small businesses here. Working in small business and experiencing the sacrifices and grit that goes in behind the scenes is a skill I didn’t expect to earn.
As an intern, I was given guidance, but also a lot of creative freedom. I know creativity is my strength and having that ability to grow, and in a lot of ways create, a brand is invaluable knowledge and experience I now get to use and improve.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am the Marketing + Event Specialist and Client Engagement at Sweet Nectar Shop, a boutique spa experience in Grand Rapids, MI. I design and create all marketing materials, social media, newsletters and print for the shop. I also design custom candle labels and have designed the labels for our wholesale and in shop soy wax candles.
Sweet Nectar Shop is a spa, so you’ll see my face front of shop 4 days a week, usually working at my computer. I have grown to know our clients who often feel like friends. I handle a majority of client experiences outside of their services. The front of shop is also growing in 2025. We are expanding our event opportunity for clients and can’t wait to share what that entails. I will also manage a majority of our Clint event experiences.
This role, in many ways, was created around me as the shop grew. I have a very unique experience where as I have grown and learned my skills and weaknesses, my role has evolved.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
As a service industry business, I get to interact with most clients that walk through the door. I get to talk with, get to know and engage with our direct market. Social media is a main touchpoint for our business, but the in person and personal elements we include sets us apart from other similar businesses. We know our clients and grow with them. Education is a large part of what we give to clients. Sweet Nectar Shop has a welcoming, not intimidating feel. Our positivity and care stand out and retain a likeminded clientele of good people!
That in person customized experience is what our clients value. They know they are remembered and appreciated in all experiences and messaging. Clients know what to expect and value our standards.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I am very must still growing as a creative and exploring what that looks like outside of my full time job. I am lucky to wrk in such a creative space where I have a lot of freedom in my work. I recently began expanding my personal brand and social media presence. My favorite part is the self expression. It’s one thing to express a brand, but when the brand becomes yourself, you really get to know yourself. I have asked myself those internal questions of my values and interests. Wha inspires me and what I want to show to my friends, family and hopefully an audience. I love the freedom and genuine joy creating brings me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileyannebean/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-bean-318786144/
