LAUNCHING FALL 2026
A Collaboration Where Everyday Experiences Transform Into Memorable World-Class Stories
“AS A CLASSICALLY TRAINED ARTIST MY PHILOSOPHY HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO MAKE TRENDS NOT FOLLOW THEM.”
Bethany brings over 16 years of experience leading photography-driven campaigns, art direction, and integrated brand storytelling for global brands while also working hands-on as a commercial photographer and creative director.
Her background across advertising agencies, independent production, and cross-functional creative leadership is what Airbnb needs to mentor teams, shape a cohesive visual language, and produce emotionally resonant, culturally authentic imagery across campaigns and product experiences. Bethany’s ability to combine strategic thinking with human-centered storytelling, paired with her collaborative leadership style and deep understanding of visual craft, makes her the perfect fit to help evolve Airbnb’s globally recognized brand.
FAST FACTS:
16+ YEARS
Art/Creative Direction and Commercial Photography experience working on globally recognized brands like: Lancome, Aveda, Medtronic, United Healthcare, Toyota, NPR, and General Mills
RICHLY LIVED PERSPECTIVE
Understanding people — what drives them, shapes them, and makes them feel seen — is at the heart of powerful storytelling. My perspective has been shaped by an unusually wide range of experiences and communities: growing up in a large family at a fundamental church, serving 10 years in the military, running ultramarathons, attending taxidermy school, playing violin in a folk band, orchestras & nightclubs, teaching Art Direction at Miami Ad School, and raising three children as a married mother. Those experiences have given me a deep appreciation for human nuance and an ability to connect and and understand people from vastly different walks of life.
BORN LEADER
From leading convoys in an Iraqi combat zone, to mentoring students at Miami Ad School, to directing campaigns on a global stage, I’ve learned how to bring people together, build trust, and create the kind of collaborative environment where teams can do their best work.
LIFELONG LEARNER
I love learning, and in a world that’s constantly evolving, I’m always open to learning from new people, perspectives, and experiences while continuing to refine my craft. Even after 30 years of playing violin I still study with a master violinist, and after more than seven years working in Figma I recently completed Google’s UX course to sharpen my process and discover new efficiencies — and as AI continues to reshape the creative landscape, I’m actively taking courses to better understand and use it to its fullest potential.
PROFICIENCY
PROFICIENCY
Adobe Creative Suite (20+ years) in Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, Premiere, After Effects, Lightroom.
Sketch (9+ years)
Figma (7+ years)
ARTIST FIRST LENS
I earned degrees in Fine Arts & Communication before attending portfolio school and interning at W+K. My artistic classical training has become one of the strongest foundations of my creative work — an understanding of composition, color, and light that brings intention, precision, and emotional depth to everything I create.
WORK SAMPLES
ONBEING RETREAT
VIEW MY APPROACH TO CAPTURING THE ENERGY OF LIVE EVENTS IN MEMORABLE WAY.
Art Direction // Photography // Post
INTERIOR PROJECTS
ART DIRECTION // PHOTOGRAPHY // POST
Lancôme
BRAND CREATIVE DIRECTION // DESIGN
Day OneArrive & Meet
As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day TwoSet Intentions & Reflect
Together, we pause to consider our goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with ourselves and with the journey ahead. This is a chance to reconnect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and consider how they’ve shifted or deepened.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
Day ThreeLook Forward & Wrap Up
We explore the possibilities beyond this moment, making space for growth, action, and forward momentum. As we end our time together, we honor the experience, the growth, and the connections made along the way.
Check-In9:00 – 9:30am
Group Activity11:00am
Lunch Break12:30pm
Creative Workshop2:00pm
Dinner6:30pm
How It Works-
Browse our upcoming events to find the one that feels right for you. We host events year-round in all different locations and climates.
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Sign up and pay all required fees to reserve your spot. If plans change, you can cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 50% refund.
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After booking, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with everything you need to know—detailed schedules, packing list recommendations, add-ons to consider, and more.
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We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.
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Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.