The Corner: Partner Spotlight
Bethany Fraser, Founder & Managing Director, Twenty 1 Media Group
THE CORNER
With over 20 years of professional experience in various corporate marketing and sales roles, Bethany took a leap of faith and turned her talents, passions, and commitment to the community into her own business. Twenty 1 Media Group (21MG), a certified minority-owned, women-owned marketing agency, specializes in support for small and medium size new businesses ready to scale and grow through integrated marketing and media penetration. With a foundation rooted in business development, the difference between 21MG and other marketing companies is the ability to connect the dots with a customized approach that results in new business — not just metrics and measurements. In 2022, Bethany launched Otito, an online jewelry and home decor boutique. What started as a hobby 20 years ago, she turned into a business named in honor of Bethany’s western African roots found after decades of searching. Otito’s mission is to bring together talented artists and designers from around the world and bring everyone closer to understanding new cultures and communities while driving awareness and growth to global vendors. A percentage of Otito’s proceeds go to partner organizations worldwide serving high-risk populations and underserved children most in need through the Purpose Purchase program. She resides in Maryland with her furry and human family.
Tell us something we wouldn’t know from social/google search: My first job out of college was as an American Airlines flight attendant. I used to leave it off my resume thinking it didn’t add professional value. The older I got, I realized what I learned at 35,000 feet in the air was actually priceless lessons in customer service, listening and compassion. I LOVED that job and I’m grateful I landed on it.
What was a transformational moment for you: I received my Bachelor’s from The University of Alabama in 1998 and later in 2013, I completed a Graduate program at American University in Washington D.C. in Digital Media. During this Graduate course, I founded Beyond the Barb – an advocacy group to support children impacted by parental incarceration, and 21 Media Group LLC – a marketing and digital media consulting company. And just like that my inner advocate and entrepreneur was born.
Favorite Book: Paolo Cohelo’s The Alchemist
What is something that people often get wrong about you: That my empathy and emotion is a weakness.
The last show binged: Hunters (on Prime)
A concert you’ll never forget: New Kids on the Block – I’ll never forget it because it was my first concert and I was obsessed with all of them. It’s pure nostalgia to me.
Favorite meal: At home – slow, home cooked BBQ ribs homemade by my love. Going out – it has to be sushi. Nobu in Malibu for the views if I’m being really picky.
Favorite vacation: Impossible question for a former flight attendant. I’ll say Aruba. Our original trip was canceled in 2020 due to Covid so when we finally got there in 2021 it was extra special and pure bliss. Focused on loving and spending time outside of our quarantine quarters with my favorite humans.
Give us a snapshot of a moment in your life that brings you great joy: When my sons are excited over moments of accomplishment in school, sports, work – whatever – my heart explodes. To me that is pure joy.
What is the one thing you’re deeply grateful for right now: My intuition (and learning to trust it!)
Connect with Bethany on LinkedIn and on Instagram: @FraserBA.