Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 40 40 Creative C ol laboration. That is the phrase Kira Fercho, Lori El- liott and Betsy Swartz use to describe uniting their life passions for art and design. These three women entrepreneurs have found a way to forge synchronicity of their business models in ways which benefi t them individually and as a group. Combining the art world of Kira and Betsy with Lori's design offers clients the opportunity to discuss their project in a much broader scope. With over 50 years of collective experience in design and art, the collaboration is free-fl owing rather than that of a structured business relationship. These three professionals are essentially "on-call," one for another, when circumstances or situations turn toward solutions which benefi t from assistance. When asked about the hallmarks of their collaboration they are quick to respond—it's three-dimensional service. First, as a three- some, they have the ability to "size" art or design projects. Then the value of "enhanced creativity" and "economy of scale" come into play, the combination adding dynamic solutions to the fi nal design scheme for the client, and extra value to the client relationship. Their individual strengths are effectively coiled, like gene strands, into the DNA of their respective services, resulting in fully function- ing collaboration when needed. In a recent, large design project in Big Sky this resulted in various art selections by Betsy, placement by Lori, and a commissioned artwork for Kira, each step of the process the result of their collective, creative efforts. When pressed, they each emphasize the key principle at work, which is that of trust in each other, and faith in the value of their association. Perhaps most noticeably, their geographic distance from one another—three different Montana cities—seems only to strengthen their resolve to work together when the situations arise; but also presents a unique opportunity for their businesses to reach beyond their immediate market areas. If you are fortunate enough to meet one of these women, you will likely soon get to know all three. That's the art of support, and the design of collaboration. S P O N S O R E D S T O RY The Art of Support "For me, t he focus is on pr oviding excel lent cust omer service t o my clients. I can do a better job when I have a team of people al l wor king t oget her. C ol laboration is a key component in achieving t his goal." Betsy Swartz, Betsy Swartz Fine Art "C lient trust is key wit hin t he design pr ocess. Wor king t oget her as a team lends t o a str onger atmosphere of trust , which only benef its our cust omers" Lori Elliott, ASID, NCIDQ, Interior Designer "W hat's real ly important is supporting each ot her, and knowing t hat we can depend on t he relationship t o pr oduce excel lence in our respective pr ofessions. I love how I can count on t hat." Kira Fercho, Artist

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