About Fran

Fran Kelso photo

I love Alaska!  I have lived here for 50 of my 81 years, and will never leave.  Alaska is one of those places that you wish you’d discovered earlier in your life. In 50 years, I have accumulated many stories of life on the last frontier.  I will be sharing some of these stories, plus … Read more

When No Is Not An Option

handmade pottery from our studio (floral paintings)

TRANSCRIPT OF TEXT OF VIDEO If you truly wish to succeed, then “no” is not an option.  You make a commitment to keep going until you reach your goal. When “no” is not an option, amazing outcomes can abound. Such was the case with our Ouzinkie pottery studio. One cold winter Sunday, I walked the … Read more

Alaskan Women Get It Done

Alaskan weaver with small basket and ceremonial vest

  TRANSCRIPT OF TEXT OF VIDEO Hello, this is Fran from build2winaffiliates.com, with another Alaska success story for you. Women in rural Alaska are often found to be a special breed. Strong and independent, courageous, capable; yes, and stubborn and tenacious, they also demonstrate many other excellent qualities. It is true — if you have … Read more

Alaska Success Stories Can Be Unique

Denali

How do we measure success? Alaska success stories can be a bit different from those in other places. Here are some examples for you to enjoy. When my ex-husband, Les, and I started a gift shop in Kodiak, we found it a bit like starting a website. We built an addition to our house for … Read more

Overcoming My First Challenge

Wolverine on log

  TRANSCRIPT OF TEXT OF VIDEO. If you’d like to read along, the text is below. If you want to build a dream, you may have many obstacles to overcome. I had a dream and a determination to live on Spruce Island, so I readied myself to move forward. When my husband, Les, gave me … Read more