Self-described as genuine, quirky, and ever-evolving,
Kristin Beltaos embraces her imperfections because they keep her grounded and always learning.
Nonprofit and Small Business Marketing and Organizational Development Expert
Many find Kristin disarming, allowing them to reveal their thoughts more freely. This gives her more information to keep you moving toward your dreams at full speed while keeping the conversation fun and lively.
let’s become friends
While many talk about starting a business, she’s done it three times.
Each business venture is a chapter in her story that fulfilled different passions at various stages. She’s thrilled to blend her creative flair and coaching skills into your business or personal writing endeavors. It's not about returning to her organizational development and marketing roots; it's about continuing a journey of creative exploration and growth.
It began in Canton, Ohio…
Kristin’s love affair with writing started as a little girl in Canton, Ohio, with her grandmother frequenting Martin’s Stationery. While she was there to purchase her monthly greeting cards, another lost art, Kristin was busy inhaling the paper and ink cologne only this specialty store could air…and admittedly looking forward to a slice of pie from Knights Restaurant in the same mall. Back then, life was all about the experience of simple excursions, and the pandemic has directed many back to basics.
To this day, sketchbooks, canvases, and a carousel of pens, pencils, paintbrushes, and her MacBook Air are fixtures that ensure creativity happens almost daily.
Kristin’s Career Began During the Decade When….
We Prepared for Y2k
Microsoft Saved Apple From Bankruptcy
cell phones were a brick
Minneapolis 1995,
Kristin graduated from the University of St. Thomas with an undergraduate degree in print journalism, a minor in criminal justice, and a concentration in political science. After an internship at St. Jude Medical in the investor and media relations department, she quickly defected from her aspiration to be a police beat or political reporter and opted for marketing communications. After 9/11, she completed her graduate degree in Management from the College of St. Scholastica, focusing on organizational development and change management.
After climbing the corporate ladder…
filled with travel and many mergers and acquisitions, Kristin put the potentiality of personal burnout behind her and hung a consulting shingle. Her experiences boast entrepreneurship to Fortune 500 while she and her husband I tried to start their family, which unfortunately included miscarriages, infertility, and learning to navigate each new pregnancy with a hopeful and positive attitude.
In 2005 and again in 2008,
Kristin jumped with both feet into the most challenging and rewarding position of mom. After her first son was born, he was diagnosed with multiple anaphylactic food allergies (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame) and additional health challenges. Caring for her son with health needs was the catalyst to start her second business, A Gift of Miles, where she consulted for couples and families who struggled to have a family and children with medical challenges.
For 12 wonderful years,
Kristin provided so many with the support and guidance that was lacking in the medical and psychological fields regarding reproductive challenges, food allergies, and stress management.
As the food allergy niche skyrocketed,
Kristin acquired licensing from the Minnesota Center for Professional Development, monitored by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. She pioneered the first food allergy curriculum of courses to teach continuing education to early childhood and school-age providers and educators on how to keep food-allergic children safe, happy, and included.
In-person advocacy services
Springboarding off Kristin’s licensure was in-person advocacy services, where she wrote and led the implementation of comprehensive food allergy 504 plans in districts and schools and conferred throughout the year to train, collaborate, and mediate conflicts between families and educators.
Fast forward to the present,
Kristin is excitedly here with you to create connections between what is in your heart and ensure that your message gets communicated.
When she’s not on a walk with her husband and pup Bella, playing pickleball with her boys, tinkering in her garden, drawing, or writing, she’s doing what only a true Minneapolis girl would be doin’…listening to Prince.
Ready to Transform your organization?
Let’s collaborate to create strategies that drive results, build connections, and lighten your workload.
Click on one of my services to learn more!