We had the good fortune of connecting with Elizabeth Corbett and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Elizabeth, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in Portland, Oregon. There are so many things about my upbringing that were special and shaped me:
–I saw my grandfather almost every day of my childhood until I went to college. It was an amazing experience to have that touchpoint and guidance growing up.
–We had a half-acre garden, I was able to participate in planting, natural fertilizing, weeding, watering, de-tassling corn, running through the rows, eating fresh-picked cucumbers, making jam and pickles, and so on. I had no idea how lucky I was or sustainable and have recently rediscovered making jam through the pandemic!
–Being surrounded by high-quality ingredients lead to a passion for gardening and cooking. My happy place is creating an amazing meal to experience with friends and family.
–I had the opportunity to attend an all-girls high school. It helped build my confidence and find the voice I may not have otherwise.
–Oregon is a magical place where you learn to treasure the earth, and thus, I consider it the roots of my commitment to sustainability in my actions and purchases. When I started working in packaging, I brought that commitment from Oregon, wherever I’ve gone.
–Cannabis is an alternative medicine that has been widely accepted in Oregon for as long as I can remember – certainly, while I attended the University of Oregon and in my adult life. I have seen the power and benefits of this plant. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to have this plant become part of my career!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
So few of us end up in a professional practice tied to our education – mine has a fairly direct path. With a background in production and creative, I found my way into packaging about 15 years ago, specializing in packaging solutions for premium entities such as Tiffany, Estee Lauder and Starbucks. Developing the custom blue Tiffany paper, only its third pattern change in its 150-year history, was a pretty cool experience! But the most fantastic thing that happened along the way was falling into the cannabis business about nine years ago. My health and beauty customers started to delve into the industry, so I followed eagerly. In that time, I have had the opportunity to be a part of building entire brand families, from concept meetings to market launches, for powerhouse companies such as Cresco Labs and Martha Stewart’s CBD line.
The lessons I have learned are: follow your passion, listen to your internal voice (it is almost always right) and remember that this is supposed to be fun!
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?
I would take them to Madrid and London for a week in early September – my two favorite cities in the world. In London, we would hit the Portobello market on Saturday morning and the Borough Market in the afternoon and finish with wine and light apps that night. Sunday would be a full walking day visiting more markets, including the Camden market and the Columbia Road Flower Market. Monday, we’d hit the museums and have dinner at The River Cafe.
On Tuesday, we would fly to Madrid starting in the morning. We’d spend the afternoon walking the Retiro and having a light dinner of Gazpacho and Albarino at one of its many cafes. Wednesday and Thursday would be museum days – Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen Bornemisza. I love walking in Madrid – every night in the Retiro is a must! You need to find local Tapas bars, at least one afternoon at the Vallehermoso Market, and one light night of Gin and Tonics!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout to my grandfather, Mel, and great aunt, Margaret. Plus, of course, a special shoutout to my partner of 25 years, Bill.
Website: www.aegpkg.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecorbett/