Introduce yourself and tell us about your background.

My name is Betty Brennan, Owner and Co-Founder of Taylor Studios, Inc, where we plan, design and build exhibits for museums, nature centers and companies.

I grew up on a farm in the Midwest, where I learned to work hard, think independently and solve problems. As I finished my MBA in Marketing, I started my first business, but it wasn’t paying the bills. My husband and I decided to combine our skills - he was the artist and I was the business brains - and start a business together. Taylor Studios started on our kitchen table, quickly expanded to the garage, a renovated chicken coop, and eventually a barn loft. Although we divorced in the late 90s, we continued as business partners until I bought him out (roughly ten years later). In the thirty years since our founding, Taylor Studios has completed 700 projects in 45 states and 4 countries.

How has art influenced you?

Taylor Studios is a perfect combination of art and business. The products and services that we offer are art, yet we rely on business processes, sales, operations, legal, and other functions to be successful. Our mission is to create products and services that inspire people. I am personally in awe of all the artists who have worked for Taylor Studios and what they are capable of creating.

Who are people that have helped you become who you are today?

I wouldn't be who I am today without the help of my parents, professors, friends, employees, bosses and other business owners. In one formative experience, I rode horses for an entrepreneur while I was in college. Watching his business practices and his encouragement inspired me to go down this path. For several years, I was a member of a CEO peer group/executive coaching organization called Vistage. My coach and fellow CEOs made a huge impact on me and my growth as a leader. Today, I have the support of other high-powered women that I meet with regularly. They inspire me and hold me accountable.

I constantly read about and learn from other businesses, whose authors, writers and speakers have also helped me become who I am today... The animals in my life have helped me stay grounded, too!

What impact do you want to have on the world?

Taylor Studios’ mission is to create products and experiences that inspire people. We truly hope to make the world a better place through our exhibits, as they allow people to learn about history, nature, culture, science, and much more. Our work teaches you about what it means to be human; to celebrate nature and the breakthroughs of mankind. If a person is inspired to learn more as a result of our exhibits, then we are making a positive impact in the universe.

On a personal level, I want to add value to people’s lives through business and leadership. Working at Taylor Studios offers a unique career path; it isn’t your typical product. We hope to help people become more productive and organized, develop into leaders, improve their art, and so much more.

I also love the outdoors and live on a hobby farm. On my little "piece of paradise", I do conservation work such as getting rid of invasive species through planting native plants and trees, which I plant despite knowing that I may not live long enough to enjoy their shade. I hope to leave this piece of land better than I found it. I want to preserve it for both people and wildlife. I hope that my little piece of nature makes the world a better place long after I’m gone.

I also want to inspire others to live lives of fulfillment. I hope that, through my work, I can inspire others to take care of themselves financially, emotionally, and physically. □

Article Credits

Taylor Studios’ Media:

Website: taylorstudios.com

Twitter: @TSIExhibits

Instagram: @taylorstudiosinc

Facebook: TaylorStudiosInc

LinkedIn: Taylor Studios Inc.

Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/taylor-studios-inc/albums

Betty Brennan Media:

Twitter: @BettyLBrennan

LinkedIn: Betty Brennan