Becky

I grew up in a small town, Okemos, Michigan, and loved to work, landing my first sales job at age 15. I graduated from Michigan State University with a business degree and began a lengthy career with Kimberly-Clark Corporation. With a desire to directly impact the lives of others, I left K-C and launched Thumbprint Artifacts in 2012 with my long-time friend, Kris Engle. Thumbprint Artifacts is a fair-trade company that provides a sustainable income to artisans in South Africa by bringing their handcrafted products to the States.

Thumbprint Artifacts became so successful that the home-based business needed a warehouse and fulfillment center as semi-trucks were dropping off pallets of product in my driveway! We researched 23 fulfillment centers in Southeast Michigan seeking one that met the needs of a small business. Other small business owners confirmed that this was a void in Detroit. We launched Thumbprint Fulfillment to fill the gap!

We took the values that made Thumbprint Artifacts a success and created a culture at Thumbprint Fulfillment that provides women in Detroit with training and a sustainable income. Thus, our two companies positively impact women on both sides of the world! Plus, we wanted to provide services that would assist with the growth of small businesses based in Detroit and elsewhere!

As a fellow entrepreneur, I appreciate the fears and struggles that business owners face when their company reaches the point where change is needed. I'm a connector of people and ideas; it is exciting and gratifying to help customers find resources and solutions for their businesses.

With many available resources, Detroit is a great place to launch a business. My biggest lesson as an entrepreneur is to hold on to your business plan sparingly, allowing room for fabulous, unexpected opportunities, as I've experienced on my journey.