Meet Beverly Rivard | Life Coach and Artist

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

Hi Beverly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I began practicing mindfulness meditation in 2012 after studying research related to positive psychology and neuroplasticity. I had been offering wellness classes and retreats on a remote island in Alaska, so it seemed natural to add life coaching to my business, in addition to psychotherapy. In my life coaching practice, my intention has been to combine the best of what I learned through my own process of healing and transformation, knowledge and wisdom gained from years of living and working with indigenous people, and my belief in the power of humans to change and grow in amazing ways.

What should our readers know about your business?
Because I could choose only one area to focus on, I feel limited in my response to this question. Business, and art are inextricably intertwined in my current life. It was my frustrated attempts to think and live creatively that inspired me to study psychology and become a teacher and counselor. Though I felt successful in those endeavors, I knew that a part of me was not being expressed in my work. When I started my own business in 2016, my intention was to bring together the best of what I learned as a counselor with the joy I experience when I am making jewelry, writing, dancing, and otherwise expressing myself creatively, Thus, Beverly’s Creative Coaching Services (Beverly CCS) had evolved into a spiritually focused coaching platform that helps my clients learn how to more fully express who they are. I have evolved MetisArt into a “side hustle” that keeps me engaged in my creative process, which in turn uplifts and expands my work as a coach.
I want people to know that creative expression (not just as an artist but in a broader sense) is one of the most powerful ways to heal from trauma, change harmful behavior patterns and move toward a happier, healthier life. Thus, I tend to attract creative people whose efforts to be fully themselves have been thwarted in some way and who want to present the best version of themselves to the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Definitely start out the day at the Oasis coffee shop in Ajo for your favorite beverage and panini or pastry, and welcoming ambiance. My first time there, I was invited to join local women at their weekly coffee group. My new friends turned out to be artisans and vendors- my kind of people! Check out nearby community boards to find out about the many local events that bring people together in Ajo. Stroll across our beautiful plaza to the community library, which serves as a local resource center. On the same side of the plaza, you can stop by the Chamber of Commerce for friendly advice and a great variety of locally crafted souvenirs. You will be able to continue your yoga practice as well as other health and growth classes offered by the Bonzai Studio.
Be sure to visit 3Nations Market, home to more than 40 great vendor stations (including mine, Vendor#16). You also won’t want to miss the Copper Javelina gift shop, located along the highway to Phoenix. You’ll find my handcrafted bracelets there, nestled with many other local artisan creations at great prices.
Hungry for lunch? Try the Agave Grill, Arriba restaurant for delicious local fare. On Sundays, you can enjoy Mimi’s breakfast at the Sonoran Desert Inn as you listen to live music.
When you are ready to go exploring, head out to the Why Not Travel Store, 10 miles out toward the Mexican border, where you can purchase gas and snacks, as well as the Mexican Insurance you will need for your trip to Rocky Point. You will love the cactus garden and outdoor tables at the Why store. You might want to pack up a delicious Mexican-style lunch from Granny’s Restaurant next door for your journey.
On your way, you will travel through Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Make sure you set aside time for the visitor center and take one of the loop roads to fully experience the Sonoran Desert.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I cannot separate my art from my coaching business because I recognize how much the urge to create underlies both. My business and art are also heavily influenced by my Native American and Alaska Native friends, as well as my Metis heritage. Integrating elements of the Medicine Wheel in my life into my work and my art helps me to live professionally and personally from a spiritual and creative inner place. In terms of how my career and eventual business developed, I credit my first psychology professor, Gordon Matheson, for inspiring my love for the ways humans think, behave, and become who they are. He taught me that I had something valuable to offer the world.
I thank neuro-psychologist and mindfulness teacher Rick Hanson, PhD, who integrates buddhist compassion with brain science. His kind mentorship led to personal and professional practices that inspired the book I hope to complete this year.
I credit the many wonderful people I have met at Mountain Man Rendezvous (historical re-enactments) for my love for old beads, history, and the value of artistic endeavor,

Website: https://www.beverlyccs.com

Instagram: instagram.com/metislightworker

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/beverlyrivard

Facebook: www.facebook.com/beverlyrivard.5

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@beverlyrivard9126

Image Credits
Beverly Rivard and family