Beth Cochran is the founder of Wired PR and Piper Republic. Wired PR is a PR and content marketing firm specializing in working with B2B technology companies. Piper Republic is a multi-media production and storytelling company that finds and tells the stories of innovative people doing innovative things in the world of sustainable and healthy design and architecture.
AZF: What is your “life motto”?
BC: “I don’t really have a life motto, but something I repeat to myself regularly (and have considered getting tattooed on the inside of my wrist!) is, “There will be an answer, let it be.” Obviously lifted from the Beatles song ‘Let It Be’.”
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be an entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize that it was the right path for you?
BC: “Not always, but it came fairly early in life. I was in college writing for the State Press at ASU where I covered the business beat. I became enamored with business and student entrepreneurship. I would seek out stories about students launching products and businesses, and that was when I knew I wanted to have my own business. Still, it wasn’t until after college and going to work for someone else for a couple of years that I felt ‘ready’ to venture out on my own. I put quotes around ready, because though I felt it was the right path deep in my bones, I still had a lot of trepidation and fear around taking the leap.”
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
BC: “My support system is a mix of informal mentorships (and a couple folks who don’t know they’re my mentors, but from whom I glean a lot insight), amazing communities like Foundress, other entrepreneurial friends, family and informative books.”
AZF: What motivates you to keep going admist the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?
BC: “It’s not always easy. Some days are tougher to keep going than others, but I just have always been a driven person and I try to remind myself every challenge will pass. And I’ve learned over the years, that avoidance is never the solution. You just have to grab a shovel and take action…often imperfect action.”
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday morning.
BC: “One my favorite Saturday morning rituals is going for an early morning walk with my dogs, reading and enjoying a cup of coffee for a few moments, then heading out to the Uptown Farmers Market.”
AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
BC: “For some entrepreneurs, it can be easy to get caught up in conventional growth paths and definitions of ‘success.’ But when these don’t align with you authentically, it can quickly lead to burnout. Regularly check in with yourself. If something feels more like a ‘should’ than a ‘hell yes!’, it might not be the right path for you.”
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About The Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt, owners of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together.
Every Friday AZF will spotlight a member of The Foundress and her business in the online series Foundress Fridays. Learn more about The Foundress and join the community at www.foundress.co.
