With an economics degree from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Michigan, CYNTHIA BURR held executive positions in finance and marketing in the corporate world before opening Vivid Art Gallery. Her lifelong passion for art led her to launch the fine art gallery in Winnetka, which is celebrating six years this month. As a leader in the Hubbard Woods Design District, she also began the successful First Friday event there.

What is your business style?

Relationship building. After unsatisfying, impersonal visits to many art galleries, my goal when I opened Vivid was to create a better art purchasing experience. The physical space I have created is warm and inviting. I am there myself almost every day, so that I can personally greet everyone who walks in and do my very best to put them at ease. My priority is not making a sale but to make people comfortable with the process of looking at, relating to, and buying art.

What is the best part of your job?

It’s such a joy to find the perfect match between our artists’ work and our customers. Sometimes that happens right away, where someone walks in and sees a painting that they love. Other times I need to learn which artist’s work “speaks” to them, and then find the right piece. That’s magic!

What organizations do you enjoy contributing to?

The organization closest to my heart is La Casa Norte, which provides housing and support services for youth and families confronting homelessness in Chicago. Based in Humboldt Park, it has acted as a catalyst to change lives for 20 years. As co-chair of its Emeritus Board, I’m incredibly proud of the work this organization does.

For more information, visit vividartgallery.net.