Compiled by Asher Lucas and Ruby Santacruz
Mary Claire Boucher, a proud 1989 graduate of Carson High School, has transformed her passion for the arts into a thriving business. As the founder and principal of MCBCreative, Inc., she blends artistic talent with business acumen to run a local boutique creative agency catering to small businesses and nonprofits.
Mary Claire’s journey is rooted in her Northern Nevada upbringing. A third-generation Nevadan, she always felt deeply connected to her community, and that connection shaped her professional path. While her career began in restaurants, which she describes as “the best education for learning the foundations of business,” she ventured into various industries, including environmental services, yoga studio ownership, nonprofit work and corporate brand management. Each experience taught her about the value of learning from mistakes, the importance of customer service, and the passion behind collaboration and storytelling.
“She takes the time to understand each client’s mission and values, ensuring that every visual representation she creates resonates with their brand story.”
In 2019, Mary Claire established MCBCreative, Inc., recognizing a market need for creative services that aligned with clients’ core missions and values. Through her agency, she creates visual branding solutions such as logos, color palettes, websites, trade show displays, and more. Her deep understanding of brand identity and storytelling empowers businesses to connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.
Her passion for photography, sparked by a class she took at Carson High School, became a lifelong creative outlet. Over the years, she honed this skill, incorporating it into her business offerings. Her dedication to continuous learning even led her to earn a certificate of World Art History from the Smithsonian Institution.
Mary Claire’s work is deeply personal. She takes the time to understand each client’s mission and values, ensuring that every visual representation she creates resonates with their brand story. One of her most notable collaborations was with the Pioneer Center for Performing Arts in Reno, where she spent three days capturing the iconic venue’s essence with the help of a drone photographer, delivering stunning results.
Despite challenges along the way — including two businesses that didn’t succeed — Mary Claire’s determination remained steadfast. Saving for a decade to launch MCBCreative, she embraced a “bootstrapping” philosophy, remarking, “I had a really good idea, and I ran with it.”Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. In December 2024, MCBCreative, Inc. was nominated for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Nevada Microenterprise Business of the Year award. Reflecting on the honor, Mary Claire expressed gratitude for the recognition of her hard work and vision.
Beyond business success, Mary Claire remains committed to fostering curiosity and lifelong learning, encouraging others to find joy in everyday moments. She continues to be a source of inspiration for the Carson City community and fellow Carson High Senators, demonstrating that success is built on resilience and a relentless commitment to growth.
Through her creativity, business insight, and dedication to excellence, Mary Claire Boucher stands as a shining example of what Carson High graduates can achieve. If you’d like to learn more about Mary Claire and MCBCreative, visit her website at mcb-creative.com.
