Each year SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties recognizes owners and entrepreneurs that have demonstrated unique vision, innovation, and achievement in support of our local economy and small business community.

This year, congratulations went to five 2022 Small Business Achievement Award winners honored June 16 at a celebratory luncheon at the Concord Country Club.

Find out more about the luncheon and learn how these award winners were able to “survive and thrive” through the pandemic with support and guidance from their SCORE mentors.

Meet an award winner: Meet Beth Valitski, Founder of Chyrsalis Art Center

Chrysalis Art Center was founded to foster creativity and education, providing an inclusive and welcoming space for local emerging artists of all ages.

Beth Valitski, founder of the Chrysalis Art Center in Chester Springs, began giving art classes at the age of 9 in her backyard, gathering neighbors together that wanted to make art with her.

Her mother, who later opened the Watery Eye art gallery on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, provided her with the materials and instructions that she needed and Beth began her journey which would eventually lead her to her own studio business.

She started an Art division of the local 4-H Club and began competing in the fair and giving speeches, continuing as the club’s adult leader throughout college.

She obtained her teacher certification in Art Kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) in New Jersey and a Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers Main Campus.

After teaching two years in New Jersey public schools, she moved to Pennsylvania, teaching in both public and private venues as the Horseshoe Pike Art Studio.

Having also trained for Gifted Education, she taught Gifted Enrichment at all levels K-12, loving the ability to be creative in delivering services to students in their area of strength such as mural arts, creativity workshop, robotics, science research, language forensics, Shakespeare and Model United Nations. 

Beth “looked for the passion in students,” mentoring kids of all ages to explore their own love of art.

Having completed 40+ years in Education, she retired from the West Chester School District to “develop programs at Chrysalis Art Center that allow for individuality and focus by interest, complex needs of children and hopefully reach out into the community to provide a place for emerging artists of all ages to find support.” 

SCORE Mentors Mike DiLeo and Dave Turner, helped Beth by acting as a sounding board for her ongoing plans, recommending ways to increase business and continue on the path to profitability.

Today

Chrysalis Art Center offers 30 different classes for adults and children. Beth recently renewed her lease and has set new business targets to increase revenue. She has put a great deal of effort into broadening her market…

Read the full story here.

Find a SCORE mentor today.

About SCORE

SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer business experts, is dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals. Since 1964, we have provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs nationwide. SCORE Chester and Delaware Counties has been operating since 1985, with 100 dedicated volunteers today who provide confidential mentoring at no charge and offer business seminars, workshops and webinars to benefit the local community. 

SCORE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

Find out more about SCORE Chester & Delaware Counties.

Here’s a video highlighting Chrysalis Art Center and Beth Valitski, with an appreciation to her SCORE mentors.