BELLA’s Brand Partners always contribute beautiful content to the publication and are successful business owners and entrepreneurs. We thank them for all of their hard work, dedication, and support… especially during Women’s History Month!
Tanja Barattin
Location: Treviso, Italy
Business/Brand/Company: Consorzio di Tutela del Prosecco DOC
Title: Promotional & Valorization Department Manager
Website: www.prosecco.wine
MY BUSINESS: Promoting Prosecco DOC appellation worldwide, consolidating historical markets, open business opportunity in new markets, rising the awareness and brand reputation of Prosecco in the marketplace, performing a wide range of marketing activities to achieve the goals including developing marketing and communication strategies, crating advertising plan, finding sponsorship opportunities, media relations and engagement, planning and managing various promotional activities like fairs, trade events, consumer wine tastings, cultural and sports sponsorships, ADV and social media campaign, design and creation of marketing materials.
Best part: travelling, meeting people, popping Prosecco, talking about it, and feeling the sparkle of working with a product which is symbol of Italian lifestyle. Convivial, trendy, contemporary, brilliant, cool, authentic, creative, never exclusive, but expression of great conviviality moments.
New Challenge: promoting the newborn Prosecco DOC Rosé, which represents the evolution of a wine already famous in the world: Prosecco DOC, with a further touch of Italian elegance and delicacy. Charming pink color, elegant and fruity nose (strawberry, raspberry, and green apple), round, creamy and refined mouthfeel.
IN THE BEGINNING: Problem solving effort to re-organize the Department to create a stimulating, creative and efficient teamwork, and work environment.
MOST REWARDING: Finding new opportunities,creating connections, travelling worldwide, meeting amazing people from all over the world, sharing moments with passionate man and woman, setting new trends, achieving the goals, going beyond the limits, going for it and don’t hold back.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: Proactive and entrepreneurial spirt, determination, hard work, will power, creativity, passion, and a daily therapy of smile & Prosecco! Even better if it’s a Prosecco DOC Rosé.
Holly Daniels Christensen
Location: Boston, MA
Business/Brand/Company: Dune Jewelry & Co.
Title: Founder & CEO
Website: www.dunejewelry.com
MY BUSINESS: Dune Jewelry & Co. creates fine experiential jewelry and home accents using sand & earth elements from thousands of memorable locations around the world. We capture life’s greatest experiences in tangible reminders that you can wear and hold on to forever. Each of our designs is crafted with your choice of sand from your favorite beach, flower petals from a wedding bouquet, infield from an iconic ballpark, or even shells that you gathered on your most memorable girls’ trip. You can choose from our Sandbank which holds over 4,500 sands and elements from around the globe or send your own memory for a truly bespoke design.
IN THE BEGINNING: I was scared to take the leap. I had been creating jewelry for friends and family for 3 years and I knew that the concept was strong enough to build a business, but I didn’t know where to start. Luckily, I’m motivated by a challenge and I decided to continue my real estate career while embarking on this incredible entrepreneurial journey. I hustled in real estate for the first three years to fund Dune and then finally took a leap of faith and focused solely on my jewelry business. Ten years later I feel incredibly lucky to have built a brand with strong values and a loyal following. That, along with my 25-member studio team is what makes me tick. I love this inclusive and creative environment we’ve created in our studio because every day turns into a learning experience and that’s what keeps life interesting. If I were to give anyone advice on starting their own business, I would tell them to never stop learning, always surround yourself with people who can teach you a thing or two, and know that it isn’t easy. Be ready to fall and make sure to get back up again.
MOST REWARDING: It was an extraordinary experience to win Small Business of the Year a few years back. That moment was truly validating for me and it reinforced that with hard work and passion, you can do anything if you set your mind to it. I don’t have a formal education. I dropped out of high school and left home at the age of 15 – but I never stopped learning, I never stopped wanting to build a better life for myself and I never once thought that I couldn’t make it happen. I still have that childlike optimism even on my worst days. But if you really want to know what’s most rewarding, it’s when I come in from a crazy day of work and my two young daughters give me huge hugs grateful that I’m home to spend some time with them. Those are the moments I live for.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: I’m always willing to do the work, I’m not afraid to make mistakes, and I surround myself with people that I trust. Most recently during an employee review I was asked why I valued a particular team member so much and I had this “ah-ha” moment. I answered, “she has sound decision-making skills, high emotional intelligence, heart, hustle, and common sense which is so hard to come by.” Then it dawned on me that those traits along with a relentless desire for growth is what propels me forward each and every day. Building a business is a lot of work so make sure that it’s something you love doing or at least make sure there is an aspect of it that you love because eventually, you’ll be able to hire people to do that stuff that you’re not as passionate about. Put one foot in front of the other and don’t get caught up in the desire for perfection. Perfection is an illusion and your work is a journey, so enjoy that journey!
Beth Aviva Preminger, MD
Location: Upper East Side, NYC
Business/Brand/Company: Preminger Plastic Surgery
Title: MD
Website: premingermd.com
MY BUSINESS: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
IN THE BEGINNING: I had a lot to learn! I feel like I continue to learn every single day and I truly believe that this is what keeps me at the top of my game.
MOST REWARDING: Meeting and exceeding patient expectations.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: Dedication, care and passion for what I do… and a lot of attention to detail!
Karen Riley
Location: Manalapan, New Jersey
Business/Brand/Company: Awaken the Light with K.Ay’Nea
Title: Owner & Creative Founder
Website: www.Kaynea.co
MY BUSINESS: Aurora Krystal Pendant Designer, Light Path Visionary, Crystal Intuitive Guide & Author.
IN THE BEGINNING: In the beginning and early days of Awaken the Light there was an enormous surge and inner desire to experience more connection and unification within myself and the outer world. Through the process of daily meditation, doing the inner work and a willingness to change, a world of creativity began to open up within me that I never even knew I had. As soon as I set the intention and followed up with inspired action, visions and feelings and began to emerge from within me and I found that they needed to be expressed through this burgeoning creativity. Once I began connecting with the energy of crystals, things really began to escalate. It was from that point that Awaken the Light was born as I was beginning to Awaken this incredible yet dormant light source that was ever present within me. I like to say that Awaken the Light is the spark of remembrance that we are the light and when we tune in and tend to this light it will always lead us back to ourselves. We simply have to believe and trust that all we desire already exists within us.
MOST REWARDING: The most rewarding part is witnessing the unfolding of the human potential as it awakens from the illusion that we are separate from one another and all living things. The jewelry line is a vibrational gateway that is infused with the promise of the living potential of the soul. They serve as a catalyst of desired intention and manifestation. Oftentimes, people will be inspired to purchase a creation simply because they feel a resonant calling from deep within themselves. Something that says, I’m being guided back home to myself. These pieces are more than just jewelry. As a creative channel and crystal intuitive, I tune in to the desires of the universal energies and bring that essence into form within these unique creation pieces.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: I believe the secret to my success is knowing that I serve a far greater purpose than I could ever imagine for myself. It’s easy to get caught up in the ego construct that says I’ve achieved something and therefore its mine. I believe when we surrender to the true calling of our heart success will always meet us there. I feel privilege and honored to be sharing this creative expression with the world as I know the healing activation begins with my intention to serve and show up as a woman of purpose.
Holly Volpe
Location: Colts Neck, New Jersey
Business/Brand/Company: HV Design Group
Title: Creative Director, CEO, Principal Designer
Website: hvdesigngroup.com
MY BUSINESS: Based out of Colts Neck, NJ and lead by Creative Director, Holly Volpe, the HV Design Group has collaborated with over 200 clients, creating interior spaces that are personal, inviting, and inspiring. Based out of New Jersey, and trained under Holly Volpe, our experienced, detail-oriented team each bring their unique creative visions and talents to our projects. With a collective four decades of experience and backgrounds in residential and commercial design, textile design, project management, marketing, and advertising, we are prepared to take on projects of any size and aim to exceed your every expectation.
IN THE BEGINNING: Interior design was always brewing within me from the time I was a little girl; I just didn’t realize it. I always kept my bedroom organized and clean and wanted it as pretty as I could get it. Later in life, my career took me into the business field, but I alwayshad an attraction to making the space around mecomfortable, functional, and beautiful. I would go into business meetings and be more interested in the office space’s layout, color, and artthan I was in the meeting itself. It started to become even more apparentto me when I was designingmy first home and loving every partof it—I could do whatever I wanted. Friends and family would tell me I missed my calling. I always had an eye for design, it just took me a little longer to figure it out. So, when I started my family, I left the corporate world and went back to school part-time while I was raising my children. I knew when I returned to the workforce, I would be doing what I absolutely loved, or nothing at all. The minute my youngest was in school, I opened my business, and here I am.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: My passion is to bring my life experiences in design, marketing and project management to your home. I will create a personal oasis that is reflective of your personality, hobbies, travels, and accomplishments. I do this with an intuitive eye and incredible attention to detail.
Esta Crompton
Location: Seminole, FL
Business/Brand/Company: Estala Skin Care
Title: Owner
Website: estalaskincare.com
MY BUSINESS: Anti Aging and Acne Treatment Creams, Beauty & Bath Accessories.
IN THE BEGINNING: In the 1980s I was involved in a serious car accident. This left me with severe facial scarring and made me who I am today. Many years ago, I set out on a journey to feel confident in my own skin again. I worked with dozens of doctors and tried countless products. Eventually, I came to the realization that I had to do this myself. I worked with a pharmacist to develop skincare formulas that actually worked. Today, Estala Skincare has become a reality. With that, I am able to help others achieve what I thought was impossible, to feel great and look their best no matter what.
MOST REWARDING: Being able to help others love themselves and feel confident in their own skin and seeing customer testimonials/reviews.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: Meeting amazing and inspiring women like the Bella family with their beauty, drive, support and inspiration sharing my creams with the world. Following my dream to help others feel confident again.
Delyse Dunn
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Business/Brand/Company: 1907water
Title: Marketing Manager
Website: www.1907water.com
MY BUSINESS: I’ve been with 1907water for the last 7 years. The company bottle a naturally high alkaline water from their artesian aquifer in the small town of Paeroa, New Zealand (population 6,200).
IN THE BEGINNING: I joined the 1907 team shortly after they launched. I had just returned back to New Zealand from a gap year working at Walt Disney World in Florida. It was myself, Dion (the founder and Managing Director) and our accountant in the head office in Auckland and one sales person in the USA. With the rest of our small team based out of the Paeroa bottling facility. Over the last 7 years we have grown our team and our distribution across the united states and into other countries. As one of the few family owned water companies left in the market it has been amazing to see what we’ve been able to accomplish with the resources available to us. Working for a small business you wear many hats – no task is too big, too small or above anyone. You really learn a lot about business in general and I’ve got a deeper understanding of our company, from source to shelf. The amount of knowledge and expertise I’ve been exposed to, beyond the scope of my marketing role, has been invaluable to me.
MOST REWARDING: It’s not the sales or the likes or success that is most rewarding it’s been hearing from and engaging with customers who have really connected with our product and are seeing positive benefits in their lives. I’ve received numerous calls and met with customers when I’ve flown over to the states who have seen significant health benefits and it makes it all worthwhile. Knowing that out of the countless other brands they could be choosing they’ve chosen ours and it’s having a positive impact in their lives. I know it sounds cliché but it makes me feel proud to be working for the company and backing the product. I’ve also loved working for a company where I have a sense of freedom and support to take risks. To work autonomously and given opportunities to thrive. To see ideas come to fruition, whether it be a marketing campaign, an event or even working on new products from start to finish, I wouldn’t have had this experience working for a big corporate.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: Don’t be afraid of ‘NO’. It can be hard to stay motivated and not get knocked down in tough times but keep persevering, don’t be deterred by rejection. There will be someone else interested in your product or service. Take those rejections and learn how to pivot and adapt new strategies or changes to the business. Be inquisitive. Never stop learning and thinking outside the box. My mother always told me ‘ask and you shall receive’. It might not have a 100% success rate but you should never be afraid to ask for what you want, even if it challenges the status quo. Working with limited budgets I’ve learned the value of partnering with the right people and brands to grow together. That often takes negotiation, communication and again asking for what you need. It’s key, especially when trying to network or nurture relationships. People make companies, never underestimate the value in relationships.
Sipho Gumbo
Location: Dallas, Texas
Business/Brand/Company: Yangu Beauty
Title: Founder
Website: www.yangubeauty.com
MY BUSINESS: Yangu Beauty is an award-winning vegan skincare brand designed for women of color [black, Hispanic, Asian, Arabic] and anyone with sensitive skin. Our luxurious vegan skincare line uses ancient African oils and botanicals combined with cutting edge chemistry to help people with sensitive, dry, oily and dark spots skin problems. YB is dedicated to helping modern women of color indulge in powerful formulas that were discovered through trial and error over centuries by ancient African beauties: they work! Yangu Beauty has become recognizable as a premium brand of skin care leading the way when it comes to skin care specifically designed for women of color. This led to it being featured in Essence, Vogue UK, Elle, Vanity Fair, and NBC Affiliates, as well as the business magazine Black Enterprise. This publicity was validated by Yangu Beauty being sold at neimanmarcus.com among the top brands, and the first complete luxury cosmetic line for women of color in that store.
IN THE BEGINNING: Years of suffering breakouts from skincare products formulated with harsh ingredients led me on a journey of researching natural skincare. I realized that there were no complete cosmetic brands created for women of color except “hand-me-downs” from our Caucasian sisters: we were an afterthought invited to advertise products not even created for us. I also realized that living in the US had disconnected me from some of my African traditions and roots I had grown up with. I thus cataloged the beauty rituals my grandmother had taught me, and her oils and ointments from wild-harvested African herbs, superfoods, and botanical oils, for skin care. It is a continuum: she had learnt it from women before her, and these oils had undergone extensive real world clinical trials and error over centuries that retained that which worked for our skin and the sensitivities that go along with it. I also knew that chemistry has been advancing, as has pharmacology, so I was determined to combine these oils and ointments with cutting edge chemistry. The result, Yangu Beauty cosmetic line embodies luxury, ancient knowledge, modern science, and of course it works for its purpose.
MOST REWARDING: To see the product line deliver results. We created the product line to provide solutions for skincare issues faced by women of color and people with sensitive skin. The most rewarding is the near universal remarks by those who use these products: “This actually worked as promised!” When people see results after using our products, we are happy to have made a difference in someone’s life. We are not just selling beauty products: we are selling a philosophy that says women of color define their own beauty and they should be confident and celebrate it. Thus, the name Yangu in many of the Bantu languages means exactly that, “My” or “Mine,” my beauty, your beauty, as defined by you! Most of all when our products are sold, they do not just benefit the product user. The whole supply chain all the way to those who sell is comprised of women: the women who pick the nuts and herbs used as our ingredients in southern Africa, the chemists that process the oils are women, the leadership of Yangu Beauty is of women, the sales force are women. As mothers and daughters, we also understand the compassion and community obligations that come with the privilege, and thus and through our Beauty with Compassion program we donate a portion of our sales to Munhuinc.org a charitable organization I founded 17 years ago. The organization supports children orphaned by AIDS by paying their tuition from elementary school through college.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: Having the belief that the ancient wisdom from my foremothers can be applied to solve skin problems for the modern woman. Having the courage to start a brand in a competitive space. Having the tenacity to keep trying until I created a quality product. Having the humility to ask for help from the experts when in doubt. Always ask for help, you will be amazed by the answers you get.
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