Christine Elder, Founder
My Entrepreneurial Story
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I guess you could say I inherited it. I come from a long line of self-employed, self-starters, my father and grandfathers were home builders and painters, and my father’s grandmother emigrated from Sweden and became a famous milliner and costume designer during the Victorian era.
In middle school I had a paper route, delivering the afternoon paper on horseback over the gravel roads of my rural hometown (and even won a trophy). In high school, while other kids were babysitting or bagging groceries, I enjoyed more active, self-directed pursuits like maintaining people’s yards and walking their dogs.
As an adult, I tried the office route, even working one summer in a high-rise in the financial district of San Francisco but I felt like a caged animal, pacing in front of the windows, looking longingly out across the bay and imagining I was hiking in the redwoods. So after college, I decided to combine my two passions of art and science and started my own biological illustration and design business. I’ve worked for such clients as the National Park Service, the Botanical Society of America, and a wide variety of federal and state agencies, non-profits, and small businesses.
PANDEMIC PIVOT
March 20, 2020…I remember that date like it was yesterday; the day the pandemic really hit and I realized that I needed to do something FAST in order to support myself financially during the shutdown. So I put on my thinking cap, evaluated my existing skills in art, teaching, and technology. The very next day I started a new business that has supported me to this day.
Having my own business allows me the freedom to work when and where I want and to travel extensively. I’ve been able to schedule projects around my dream travel destinations; having been from the tundra of Alaska to the rainforests of Borneo and the Greek ruins of Sicily.
Eventually, friends and colleagues took notice of my success and wanted me to share some of my skills and techniques that brought me to this place. So, when I’m not working in my studio, I enjoy helping folks like you to build an equally thriving and independent business.
I look forward to working with you.
–Christine
Why Work with Me?
> Here are just a few of the reasons that clients trust me <
Experience
I've been self-employed for 20+ years, so I've walked in your shoes and can see the forest for the trees when strategizing for your business.
Education
Even coaches need coaching! I've been mentored by the Small Business Administration for 5 years and featured as a success story on their website.
Creativity
My background in the arts and sciences helps me look at your business with a fresh perspective.
My Happy Clients!
Christine is an informed, passionate professional. Our work together exceeded my expectations.
Dr. Kelly Lambert
Randolph-Macon College
Christine was very knowledgeable, and her one-on-one, easy-going teaching style enabled me to easily absorb the information.
Deb Kraus
Natural Areas Association
With Christine’s help, I’ve not only gained the assurance to make the right decisions, but also the perspective to navigate challenges with greater ease.
Trenton Bahr
Heartfelt Listening
More praise from clients
- “Christine was consistently well-organized, enthusiastic, and detail-oriented.”
– Stephen Hein Executive Director, Mendocino-Tahoe Conservancy - “Her attention to detail and savvy advice was priceless.”
-Jon Baiocchi, Baiocchi’s Troutfitters Flyfishing Guide Service - “She’s very professional and has been a joy to work with on the many projects in which we’ve collaborated.”
– Kristen Hein Strohm, Wildlife Biologist
My Passions Outside the Office
Horses
All my life, I’ve had a love affair with horses. As a youth I owned and showed six horses and as an adult I’ve volunteered with 3 different horse rescue centers.
Working with horses is the most rewarding and gratifying work I do and I’m honored when I’ve been blessed with a horse’s trust, like this Arabian, Ace, who was confiscated by the authorities for severe neglect and is now thriving at a rescue center in Oregon.
Art
Drawing and painting have always been such a grounding and meditative practice for me.
In 2005 I fulfilled a long-held dream to study natural science illustration and I completed a graduate certificate at the University of California. Since then, I’ve run my own business designing interpretive graphics for such organizations as the National Park Service and Princeton University Press, as well as many conservation organizations.
World Travel
Travel is among my greatest passions. I’ve visited 15 countries so far and been blessed to see many wonders of the world including the Mayan ruins of Machu Picchu, the iconic giant tortoises of the Galapagos, and endangered orangutans in Asia.
Adventure is in my blood; I’ve been diving with sharks, come fact-to-snout with venomous snakes, hiked to the tops of volcanoes, and much more. When not traveling, I make my home in central Oregon, where the sagebrush meets the pines.
GIVING BACK
At very opportunity, I give back to my community and those that I visit during my international travels, including:
- Volunteered at a pop-up spay and neuter clinic in Panama
- Sketching demonstrations for school kids
- Meal prep at a wildlife rescue in Costa Rica
- Volunteer at dog and horse rescue organizations
- Speaking at local events
- Donating medical supplies during travels (Pack for a Purpose)
- Led classes and field trips for Audubon Society
- Participate in river and beach cleanup events
Tidbits only my friends know...
Love Halloween
My favorite holiday is halloween and I always design my own costumes.
Swim with sharks
I love SCUBA diving and have dove with hammerhead sharks in the Galapagos Islands.
Rode a Harley
I owned a custom Harley Davidson and rode her 25,000 miles.
Won baking contests
I discovered baking during the pandemic and even won two bake-off contests in my neighborhood.
How my diverse background serves you
As a multi-passionate entrepreneur with diverse interests in science, art, and technology…I’m good at thinking creatively about your business and able to ‘see the forest for the trees’. I’ve built several of my own businesses and helped others launch and grow theirs. I look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you!
Your next step...
Let's Work Together
Now that you know a bit more about my story and my mission, I’d love to get to know you better too. Book a free 15-minute discovery call to see if we’re a good fit for working togther.