Connie Sampson is the Owner and Director of Awesomeness at Beach City Gifts! Beach City Gifts is a laser engraving company that personalizes a variety of products, materials, etc. If it’s not nailed down, it’ll get engraved!
What sort of purpose do you feel in your job and/or why do you believe your line of work is important and meaningful?
We love supporting small businesses and helping them visualize their potential. We do this by offering no set up fees, no minimums and free design collaboration. We are constantly creating new ideas/products for any and all occasions.
What is the most exciting part of your day-to-day work?
Hearing and seeing the excitement when someone sees what we have created for them!
What do you think the future of your industry looks like, let's say in 15 years? What impact will it be making? How will it be different from what you do now?
I believe personalized gifts will always be an important part of celebrating any occasion. Being able to make people smile…. by simply having a coffee mug with your name on it. It’s the little things that add delight to this world!
When did you decide you wanted to enter this field? What steps did you take to make that decision a reality?
I worked for a rubber stamp company and desperately wanted to be more creative….mostly with my fonts. Life is too short for ugly fonts! When the opportunity came up for my husband and I to purchase a friend’s laser engraving business we were thrilled! And I found out how much more creative my husband is than I am!
For any students, age 12-18 who thinks your job sounds interesting, what advice would you give them to help them learn/train/explore your field?
Take graphic design courses and research similar companies. Mostly, let your creative juices flow and see where it takes you!
Are there any organizations, communities, or movements that create synergy between you and others in your field, here in the city of Long Beach?
When starting to put our business together, the Small Business Development Center at LBCC was a huge asset.
What make Long Beach a great place to live and work as it relates to your industry?
Long Beach is the best ‘small town’ in a big city! The people in 908 have so much pride and love for their city. Beach City Gifts is happy to help promote and show you that “it’s good to be local”!
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