Meet the Publisher: Betsy Bell
Betsy Bell is the Publisher here at Columbia Home Magazine for just over a year. Betsy has been with the company, Columbia Business Times, for the past 6 years though. She has done just about every job within the company. Starting as a freelance photographer, she then changed to a graphic designer, then was placed in sales, and now serves as publisher. Betsy is married with two beautiful children. Below is more fun insight into the thoughts of Betsy Bell.
What are you most excited for this year?
The baby! It will be my second girl. I think her name will be Nola Irene. Irene is my husbands’ grandmother’s middle name who passed away this year.
What are some of your New Years Resolutions?
None. I am too busy.
Why do you love Columbia Home Magazine?
I love having a creative outlet. I love having a job where you can use your imagination and create something new everyday and help people with the editorial. That’s a fun part. Also, to me it’s like giving little gifts when you do stories about people. They seem to really appreciate it. It is always fun to watch people’s excitement with those stories.
Most excited about for the next two issues?
Let’s see, the artist profile on Laura Robinson, who has Asperger’s syndrome and is an actress in LA, but grew up in Columbia. Another one is the feature on a woman named Alyssa Eigelhart, who quit her job and is going to travel. The article is called 360 Degrees in 360 Days. Also the DIY Super Hero Party with super hero party with Emily Sutherland.
What makes you happy?
My family and having a job that I love. Also, seeing people’s positive reactions to the stories in our magazine.
Favorite activity to do in Columbia on a weekday/weekend?
While pregnant, I like to rest when not working. When I’m not pregnant, I like to cook.
What type of movies do you like?
Old classics like ”The Sound of Music,” “Little Women,” “The Goonies,” you know those old wholesome films that you can just watch over and over.
What is your favorite piece in your house?
We have a very old painting of the Immaculate Conception that my husband bought me for Valentine’s Day one year.
Favorite winter and spring clothing items?
I always love shoes. So boots in the winter and heels in the spring/summertime.
What is your favorite way to relax or let off steam?
Oh, to take a bath or get a massage.
Where do you like to eat with your family?
We really like Sycamore.
Favorite Columbia event and/or article with the magazine from the past year?
The Best Dad’s party because we got to honor some really great fathers in the community and all their families came. That was really nice to do.
For articles, I really enjoy the artist profiles. One of my favorites would be the “Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude” article with Colin Wright the minimalist. I also really enjoy stories on doctors who go on medical missions, like Dr. Chang of Columbia Facial Plastic Surgery who went to Kenya or Dr. Willet who went to Jamaica. Those were two really touching stories.
I also enjoy our guides to local things that city offers, whether it be an adventure sport guide, summer camp guide, or philanthropy guide. Those are fun.
Favorite Season/Holiday?
Summer and Christmas.
If you could have a talent/skill that you don’t already have, what would it be and why?
I would like to be more organized, a better cleaner and have better fashion sense.
What music are you in love with right now?
I love all different types of music. Everything from Country to Top 40.
Betsy and the rest of the Columbia home Magazine team are in the middle of preparing for the next two issues, April/May and June/July, so that Betsy can take a much deserved maternity leave.
-Meg Sterchi
