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

Hi Becci, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“The woods would be quiet if no bird sang but the one that sang best.”

― Henry van Dyke

I grew up in a very small dairy farm community. When my family built a home there, the population was just 5,000. My bedroom, to me, was a princess’ lair. It was on the second floor of a brand new home, sitting on top of a hill, from which you could see half the town. Well, during the winter, anyway. In the summer months, the forest was too dense to see past the mother racoon and her babies, sitting in the tree directly in front of our kitchen window. And from my bedroom, I imagined the brush below to be my personal secret garden. After all, that was my absolute favorite movie, and I’d imagine someday my prince would show up down there, and throw pebbles at my window.

As I got older, I spent more and more time alone in my thoughts, writing, drawing, and studying. I quickly latched onto stand-alone concepts that served my beliefs and helped me cope with things that threatened my young ego. It felt like I had spent more time in a dance studio than a school and a bed combined. My life was full of competition. To have the best triple pirouette. To have the prettiest hair. To win the most national awards in LA, NYC and Chicago. On top of this, I maintained a 4.1 GPA in high school, I don’t say this to brag. I tell you this to illustrate how difficult it was to keep friends. No one wants to be friends with that girl.

Nonetheless, I quietly desired love. I wanted to love others, and receive love in return. I didn’t want to be “the winner” anymore. I just wanted everyone to enjoy life together. I wanted to become a better singer, but there was no room in our already exhausted budget. (Dance parents know what I mean) So, I would wait until I was home alone, and I would stand at the top of the balcony, where my voice would reflect off the 18 foot ceilings, and I would sing my heart out. I knew I wasn’t that good at the time, but I didn’t care. Singing made me happy.

When I came across this quote, at the age of 15, I printed it off and framed it. I added some very cheesy bird clipart circa late 1990’s and hung it on my wall. To this day, I think of the notion frequently. The reality of life, is that we can ALL be good at something. And even if we aren’t good at it, if it brings us joy, then we shall go ahead and do it. Who cares what anyone else thinks? If you are a bird, then you shall sing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Building a legacy is something that has long been a part of my life agenda. The word means different things to different people; for me, I want to create art that makes an impact. I want to develop artists from a young age, be it in music, film or writing. I want to be that person my student will remember when they accomplish their own dream. Who can look back and say, our time together is what helped shape THEIR legacy.

For me, I have always wanted to find success doing what I love. Does that equate to a mansion and a fancy car? Not a chance. For me, success means fulfillment. It means creating something, albeit a song, a movie, a book. Something that leaves them better off than before. Maybe it carries them through a rough patch in life. Maybe it makes them laugh until their sides hurt. Maybe it inspires them to chase a dream, to forge new relationships, or fix one that is broken. Whatever it looks like, if they are somehow changed for the better through experiencing the artistic medium that has been put on my heart, that is success to me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Arizona has been my home since 2010. It took a while for the heat and I to agree. But I have grown to love this place like no other. I am a nerd for history, so visiting the ghost towns along the likes of Tombstone & Bisbee are such a treat. To imagine such fresh history having happened right in our own backyard is truly whimsical to me. It intrigues me to know that what happened just a few generations ago is what shaped what we are as the 48th state.

I am also passionate about the wildlife and landscape. Sedona is one of my favorite places to escape to during the summer. I particularly enjoy sitting out on the patio of Open Range Grill & Tavern. The little shops adjacent are always full of quirky souvenirs. Tlaquepaque Villiage is another must, full of amazing art & jewelry.

When I am home, I love to indulge in the many amazing restaurants around town, particularly Ah-So Sushi & Mellow Mushroom. Another special place to me is The Perch, where you can sit in an indoor/outdoor space and interact with exotic birds while you enjoy a gourmet lunch. And when its time to take the canoe out, Lake Saguaro has been a long time favorite for me and my boys. Nestled between the mountains and just far enough out of the city, its a little slice of heaven.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be anywhere but lost without my better half. Matt Camp has been the ying to my yang since the day I met him, over ten years ago. He is full of creative ideas, is beyond resourceful, and always nurtures the creative spirit in life.

Together, we have received so much support in our industry, namely George “Buzz” O’barts, founder of Desertwood and Movie Group LLC

We regularly get the opportunity to network with likeminded individuals, who are always eager to lend a helping hand, or share ideas to help us design our business model, plan events, classes, etc. The list could go on and on….

Special thanks to:
Marc & Holly Buck
Bryan & Morissa Haverkorn
Samantha Belle
Joseph James Rochel
Bernie Tarin
Tamara McDaniel
Tami Simmons
Amy Kelly
Carrie Kay
George Nemeh
Tina Marie Nigro Jackson
Deana Moody

Website: www.StarKidsStudios.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starkidsstudios/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starkidsfilmclub

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgmI4i3AEBmzCeUkqE7Dypw

Image Credits
Joseph James Rochel

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.