Conversations with Riley Bean

Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley Bean

Hi Riley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I moved to the Grand Rapids area in 2015 to attend Grand Valley State University. I spent time on campus in Allendale, then later moved downtown. I met my now husband, Justin, while he was in grad school at Grand Valley.
I graduated virtually in 2020, in the height of the pandemic, with a Communications degree with a BS in Advertising and Public Relations with a PR emphasis.
During my senior year, I participated in a mostly virtual internship with Sweet Nectar Shop. Once I graduated, I continued to work at Sweet Nectar Shop as a Marketing, Branding and Customer Experience Specialist and am currently working in my 5th year with the company.
I have always been a creative and crafty person. Home decor and thrifting are personal hobbies of mine. I love Grand Rapids, and have always been an advocate for small business.
I recently started partnering with Hummingbirds. A spin on influencer marketing, Hummingbirds drives hyperlocal behavior by pairing brands with people in specific cities. I have been amplifying and sharing content supporting brand of all sizes as a creative outlet outside of my full time job.
I always find a way to remain creative and express my passion through my work. I am passionate about small business and supporting local makers. I love Grand Rapids and all the growth I have seen in the past 10 years.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Day to day I truly enjoy the life I have created. I have absolutely faced struggles along the way, but I have had great support in every phase of life.
Imposter syndrome is real! Wanting more and better for myself is also a daily struggle. I live a majority of my life in social media, and it is not always kind to expose yourself to influence constantly.
As I have grown from a 18 year old undergrad, to a married 27 year old adult, I have just begun to learn who I really and and who I want to be. There is no step by step guide to life or finding yourself, but the journey has been one hell of a ride!
I still am learning more about myself and learning to love parts of myself every day. I honestly have no idea what my life will look like in 5 years, and I am learning to accept that uncertainty, but it’s hard and exciting.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
One specific part of my job is custom candle design. I design custom candle labels for various brands in different businesses. Some are used for retail sale, others are gifted with high end purchases. This is my favorite part of what I do.
Truly being able to take a few inspiration points and create something that resonates with a brand, their employees and their customer. Watching people enjoy something you created is such a wonderful feeling.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have wants and aspirations that seem really far fetched, but I have truly been “lucky” during each phase of life. I am lucky to have family that gives amazing advice and encouragement.
I was lucky to meet my husband who grew up in Maine and somehow ended up in Grand Rapids, Michigan at GVSU.
I was lucky to land a senior internship right before the pandemic hit and everything shut down that has been a growing position for the last 5 years.
I am lucky to have hope for the future and a vision for happiness. I have achieved most of the things I put my mind to. marriage, career, doodle dog, creativity.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileyannebean/