A self-described “geek” who spent twelve years working as a safety engineer in California in Silicon Valley, Berta Lippert has channeled her energy and talents in an entirely new direction, moving back to Duluth and taking her love of handbags and jewelry into a whole new realm of fashion and philanthropy.


After growing up in Duluth, Berta received her undergraduate degree in health science and her master’s degree in industrial safety from UMD. She lived in Santa Clara, California, doing her thesis on the chemical and radiation exposure of workers in the semi-conductor industry. There she also established her own consulting firm and went on to be a top consultant and speaker on environmental health and safety.


Though she loved what she was doing, in 2005, she decided to make some major life changes. First was her decision to adopt a child as a single mom. When she went to the adoption agencies, she left things completely open, not specifying race or gender, nor eliminating a child with special needs.


She learned of a little boy, age seven, with special needs, and when she saw his picture, she says, “Something in me knew that he was meant to be my son.”


To pay for the adoption and related expenses, Berta sold anything she had of value, including her piano, her jewelry, and her own collection of designer handbags, online. She also knew she would need the help of her family around her so she moved back to Duluth.


Her success in selling her own belongings online led her to think of starting an online boutique. She had always loved purses and jewelry herself and wanted to launch a site with affordable products that would be like those worn by celebrities but at a fraction of the cost. When she launched her online business in October 2006 and her Duluth Lakeside store in 2007, Berta also knew she wanted to combine it with a philanthropic mission.


Giving Back Campaign
Berta has been personally touched by family members and friends battling lung disease and breast cancer. Her catch phrase of Distinction being “where fashion meets philanthropy” really rings true as she donates a percentage of all proceeds from her online store and her Duluth store to non-profit agencies working to find a cure. She is a Survivor Circle program partner with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in New York.


As Berta relates, “In the spring of 2004, my mother and my best friend were both diagnosed with breast cancer within two weeks of one another. My mother was in Minnesota and my best friend in California. Their surgeries to remove the tumors were only 36 hours apart. After flying back and forth to be with each at their surgery and accompanying them to many of their chemotherapy and radiation treatments for months to come, I was left both deeply moved by their amazing spirit during this difficult time and highly motivated to do my part to fight against this disease that affects so many women.”

 

Berta’s sister has also been battling lung disease for fifteen years, so that is another cause near and dear to her heart. At her website, Berta has a tribute page for the posting of pictures and personal stories of those who have been affected by breast cancer or lung disease. Anyone can add a tribute to that page by e-mailing Berta at: givingback@shopdistinction.com.

 

When Berta was invited to come to New York City to appear on the Good Morning America show to talk about her website, store, and work with organizations fighting breast cancer and lung disease, she contacted Patricia Field, costume designer for Sex and the City.

 

Fields donated an Eiffel Tower Handbag like one seen in the Sex and the City movie for Berta to raffle off. The raffle was a great success raising money for Duluth’s Young Survival Coalition and the Breast Cancer Advocacy Project.


Shopping With Distinction
Berta has established an extensive online site with her products, her blog with fashion commentary from Berta and other contributors, fashion photos of famous celebrities, and her links and tribute page.


She has some favorite designers who she knew she wanted to include at her site and store including Adina Reyter, Nicole Lee, Tarina Tarantino, and Melie Bianco. She also carries Kidada Disney Couture jewelry items and Think Pink! for a Cure t-shirts and hats.


“I really want my customers to have a fun shopping experience with unmatched enthusiasm and customer service from Distinction,” says Berta. “In addition, they can feel good knowing that their purchase is contributing to the fight against breast cancer and lung disease. I’m committed to giving back and donate a portion of proceeds from ALL sales, ALL the time. Not just the Think Pink’ items, and not just in October. I want each sale, every day to make a difference.”


Berta is at another transition point in her life now as well. Her Duluth store is moving from its Lakeside location to Central Entrance. “I hated to move from the wonderful Lakeside neighborhood, but I need a place with more traffic and visibility.”


Berta moves forward with the same positive attitude and approach that has gotten her this far. “I can’t fail. I have a little guy who is counting on me and dreams for both of us still ahead.”