Guest Profile

Becky Blades

Becky Blades is an artist, entrepreneur, strategist, civic leader, arts advocate, and an author on creative, adventurous living.

Whether it's starting and selling a business, getting her pilots license, or leading tours of Paris, Becky has a track record of showing her dreams who is boss. Her blog, stARTistry.com explores the art of beginning, from entrepreneurship to works of art.

Becky has taught and lectured at professional conferences and universities on topics including creativity, entrepreneurship, marketing, public relations, professional presence, the French culture, and women's issues.

A graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, Becky has worked as a reporter, marketing copywriter, publicist and crisis communications expert. She has served dozens of clients, including Hallmark, Sprint, American Express, and UClick, producing results that have won dozens of industry awards. Among her honors are the Silver Anvil, the public relations industry's highest national award, and the regional finalist distinction for American Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Ernst & Young.

Becky serves on corporate boards of directors and not-for-profit civic boards. Currently, Becky is Chair of ARTSKC, the Regional Arts Council of Greater Kansas City.

She is married to Cary Phillips, a management consultant, and they have two daughters, Taylor Phillips, age 20, a junior at Harvard University and Tess Phillips, age 18, a senior at The Barstow School in Kansas City, Missouri.