In Spring 2012, two vibrant Vista businesswomen bought a musty building previously home to a tennis racquet-stringing business in a moribund downtown desperately in need of revitalization. With fresh paint, fearless moxie and a heaping dose of charm, Kris Petersen and Kait Mathews transformed the 3,000-square-foot space into what quickly became an arts, shopping and entertainment destination that is helping Vista’s historic heart find a renewed pulse.

As these two savvy women created a bright space for their ArtBeat on Main Street co-op gallery, they asked me to create a marketing buzz. Of course I said YES! Our synergy has attracted patrons, partnerships, artists and the community – as well as attention from the media and local art world.

To set ArtBeat apart and above, our marketing campaign centered on what the gallery is, what it offers and what makes it unique. I began by crafting a tagline: Discover Vista’s creative new vibe.

In a just a few months ArtBeat has grown to offer not only wonderful art to view and purchase, but music, wine, workshops, poetry performances, booksignings and even Monday evening yoga. In a news release, I said Kris and Kait joke that, “About the only thing we don’t do is sell milk and bread!”

One of the joys of my business is helping other small businesses soar. We are the true engines of the economy: small in size, big in dreams.

Visit ArtBeat on the web at www.artbeatonmainstreet.com and in person at 330 Main Street in Vista.