Meet Amy Norton | Owner, The Creative Angle, Marketing and Communications/ Owner, BetterWall

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Norton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my own business after being laid off one too many times from both corporations and small businesses. I often found myself in roles that were never clearly defined, so I became the catch-all employee. The good news– it allowed me to build a wide skill set. The bad– I was first to go when budgets got tight. I was determined to have more control over my fate long-term.

With my diverse skill set–both office and creative skills– and ability to adapt and learn new tools and technology, I decided that I could be a big help for a variety of small businesses rather than just one at a time.

I didn’t initially know what specific services I would offer, but it soon became clear that marketing and communications were the biggest need. It’s a wide-ranging/constantly changing industry that pulls in my love of writing, background in photography, eye for design and excitement for new ideas. I love working with small business owners as they are creative, dynamic and appreciate the help.

As I was building my marketing clients, I fulfilled orders for an entrepreneurial couple who had started a business working with art museums to acquire their used promotional banners— the ones that hang on light poles to advertise their art exhibitions—and sell them as wall hangings for the home office. Upcycling these banners keep them out of landfills and provides a fun statement piece for any space. After years of working with them as a side-gig I ended up acquiring the business from them, so now I operate two businesses!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
In my marketing and communications company, I work with small businesses. I have many visual artists, galleries and other creativs clients and I help to promote their exhibitions through press releases and other tools. I enjoy writing about art and interacting with the artworks. It’s inspiring to be around so much talent. I feel privileged to be a trusted resource for them and to help bring their original artwork to a wider audience. I keep my services affordable and accessible for artists who don’t often have big budgets to work with.

BetterWall.com, my other company, also involves making art accessible for people to enjoy in their homes. As large printed pieces, the vinyl banners feature beautiful art and design on a large scale and are the very banners that once hung on light poles to promote art museum exhibitions from across the country.

In both marketing and e-commerce, I have learned that keeping up with ever-changing technology and best practices can be a daunting task. I read, watch and absorb as much as possible. I believe it’s important to embrace lifelong learning and resist the urge to stagnate.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I always give my guests a local art experience. The Art District on Santa Fe offers “Sundays on Santa Fe” a daytime “gallery walk” that provides an easy way to see diverse art without the crowds of First Friday. I would also take them to Englewood’s newly organized Second Saturdays, which features a variety of creative businesses both in Downtown Englewood and across the area.

I love showing off Union Station and the Cruise Room. My Brother’s Bar also never disappoints and offers another taste of Denver history.

The perfect ending to a summer day is to relax in City of Kunming Park at sunset. Located on a hill at Harvard and Grant Streets in South Denver, it offers amazing views of the Front Range. Neighbors gather nightly to experience the stunning show as the sun retreats behind the mountains. The park is named after one of Denver’s Sister cities and includes limestone rock formations imported directly from the Shilin Stone Forest in China. Denver’s offering was some signature Red sandstone that juts out of the foothills, creating Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout out my Dad and stepmom Marge, who support and encourage me no matter what. I would also like to shout out Judy Weaver, who currently owns and runs Kashi Kari Gallery. She is an enthusiastic advocate for building the life you want, especially one that allows you to nurture your best talents. For 20 years, she has been my friend, positive mentor and tireless community builder. I am forever grateful for her generous referrals that have helped build my business.

Website: https://www.betterwall.com

Instagram: @betterwall