Meet Katelyn Beal | Co-Founder, side haus agency

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

Hi Katelyn, what principle do you value most?
There have been times in my life when I’ve faced off with people who do anything to get their way; lie, cheat, steal, and devalue others. It’s easy to lose yourself and your values under these circumstances, but one principle I refuse to let go is being a person of my word. Truly, the most offensive insult you could throw at me is ‘liar,’ especially when I’ve consistently proven the opposite through actions that align with my promises. I feel so strongly about this that I once ended a close relationship after they falsely accused me of lying without a shred of proof, and purely for their own gain.

I know this might come across strongly, but it’s to emphasize that I will always move through life with honesty and be brave enough to put my commitments above all else. As a business owner, this builds trust and long-term relationships. My network of colleagues who will offer my name in a moment of opportunity runs deep because I have proven I will deliver what I promise, and be honest when I cannot meet expectations. Honoring my word has a trickle-down effect. I’d go as far as to say that this trait alone has advanced my career more than my expertise or work ethic.

So, if you ask me for a professional opinion I will tell you the truth, even if it’s a difficult one to hear. If I say I’ll execute a task, you can trust it will be done to the best of my ability. I’m a person of integrity above all else, and I’ll stand by that even if it leads to adversity.

What should our readers know about your business?
side haus agency is a media studio that adapts to the changing needs of our clients. My co-founder, Luu Dagda, and I designed it to function like an in-house video team, but with the flexibility to support projects of any size. From editing existing footage into fresh social ads to handling post-production for large campaigns, we meet our clients where they are and provide dependable, creative video solutions. We lovingly call ourselves “your BFFs in media,” as we approach every project with collaboration, trust, and a dedication to telling stories that truly connect.

​​What makes side haus unique is the way we plug into a client’s world and strengthen their team. Local agencies often come to us when they need post-production support they can trust to keep projects moving. Brands lean on us when they want fresh social and eCommerce content created quickly from existing assets or new shoots. And production companies call when a deadline requires more hands without sacrificing quality. No matter the scenario, our role stays the same: to adapt quickly, scale with the need, and ensure the story at the center of the work is told with clarity and impact.

Building side haus agency hasn’t been easy, and honestly, we’re still learning every day. The very flexibility that sets us apart can also be challenging – sometimes we work ourselves out of a role once a client builds capacity in-house, and other times we’re asked to scale overnight to deliver on ambitious timelines. Navigating that ebb and flow has pushed us to get sharper about our systems and to lean into the relationships we’ve built in the creative community. It’s those connections – with local agencies, brands, and collaborators – that have helped us find new opportunities and keep growing even when the path hasn’t been straightforward.

If there’s one lesson I’ve learned from building side haus agency, it’s that adaptability and community matter more than anything. We’ve discovered that success isn’t about chasing the biggest projects, but about building trust and telling stories that resonate. What I want people to know about side haus is that we’re not just here to make videos – we’re here to be long-term partners. We care about the people behind the brands, the agencies that call us when they’re stretched thin, and the production companies that need reliable post support. At the end of the day, side haus agency was built on collaboration, creativity, and heart – and that’s the story we’ll keep telling.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s my dream itinerary to hit all of my favorite spots (conveniently all in Phoenix):

Morning

Order an oat milk cortado from Press and enjoy it in-café with a banana nut muffin from Noble Bread (love this collab!). Then it’s time for some thrifting – White Dove and St. Vincent de Paul’s to support charities, Urban Collective for the mid-century finds and vibes, and maybe even a new spot we happen to stumble across.

Midday

Lunch at Glai Baan is a must. It’s much easier to get in during the day, and patio hangs in the fall make my heart a flutter. We’ll order family style – Nua Nom Tok (spicy steak salad), Pad Kee Mao (my absolute favorite noodle dish), and whichever soup is calling us that day. Once, their soup made my husband tear up because it reminded him of his mom’s cooking – so trust me, it’s special.

Afternoon

By now we’ll need a caffeine pick-me-up. Caffio Espresso is my go-to, tucked into the gorgeous green patio at Pueblo – perfect for plant shopping and coffee sipping. Or, if a matcha mood strikes, Harlem (a pop-up inside Sauvage) is the spot. Freshly caffeinated, we’ll head out for what I call a “nature walk” at the Phoenix Mountain Preserve up to Piestwa Peak. It’s not quite a full hike, but with a few uphill stretches and sweeping views of the Valley, it’s best enjoyed in the cooler months. It’s also the perfect setting for deep conversations and laughable moments.

Evening

We’ll close the day with wood-fired pizza on the patio at Federal. And if we’re really in the mood, we’ll share a pitcher of Church Music IPA (brewed locally at The Shop Beer Co). While we’re cared for by their remarkable staff and enjoying our slices, we’ll recap the day and snap a few Polaroid photos to remember our perfect jaunt around Phoenix.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My career has always been rooted in one core desire: to build and lead my own business. I launched a venture early on and eventually stepped away, but the experience stuck with me. In the years that followed, I worked closely with C-suite leaders across different industries, learning how businesses grow from the inside out. I had support through mentorship, kind words, and professional development – but without a clear roadmap, I often felt like I was figuring it out alone. That uncertainty held me back more than I’d like to admit. Even with experience behind me, fear crept in every time I thought about starting something new.

That changed when I found the State Forty Eight Foundation (SFEF) – a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Arizona entrepreneurs. They offered more than resources; they gave me a sense of direction and community I didn’t know I was missing.

I went from wanting to be a business owner – but lacking the means and support – to launching a media agency with my best friend, made possible by a $5,000 grant from SFEF. Finally, I found my people. Whether I was talking to early-stage business owners like myself or CEOs of 7- and 8-figure companies, the message was always the same: you belong, and you can succeed through grit and discipline.

Now, two years into running side haus agency, I continue to turn to SFEF as a key resource. They have an incredible team of staff and board members who uplift others, host regular events for connection and education, and bring together some of the brightest minds in the Valley.

Most importantly, in a world full of get-rich-quick schemes and questionable business models, SFEF encourages entrepreneurs to build their ventures the right way – through commitment and accountability.

Thank you to everyone at SFEF for years of support, and to all who contribute to the hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants that empower entrepreneurs like me.

Website: https://www.sidehaus.agency

Instagram: @sidehausagency

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-beal

Image Credits
Headshots – Sandy Goldstein