We recently connected with Bella Bea and have shared our conversation below.
Bella, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, isn’t just about “bouncing back.”
It’s about becoming—choosing softness when you could be hard, choosing love when you were shown pain, choosing to keep going even when no one expected you to.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a multidisciplinary creative—photographer, storyteller, and visual curator—focused on capturing raw, soulful moments, especially within live music, underground art scenes, and real-life storytelling. My work is rooted in emotion and authenticity; I don’t just take photos, I document truth. Whether it’s an artist mid-performance or a candid moment behind the scenes, I aim to immortalize energy that feels lived-in and alive.
What excites me most is being able to amplify voices and scenes that are often overlooked—especially Black and independent creatives who are doing groundbreaking work without mainstream backing. I come from a background that taught me how to see people deeply, and I try to bring that same depth into every project I touch.
More than anything, I want people to know that my lens isn’t just about image—it’s about intention. Everything I create is personal, powerful, and rooted in purpose.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful things in my journey have been adaptability, emotional intelligence, and resourcefulness.
Adaptability came from surviving unpredictable environments growing up—it taught me how to adjust quickly, think on my feet, and keep going even when things didn’t go as planned. In art and entrepreneurship, nothing is linear. Being able to pivot without losing your purpose is a real skill.
Emotional intelligence helped me connect with people beyond the surface. Whether I’m photographing someone or collaborating creatively, knowing how to read energy, communicate with empathy, and hold space for vulnerability has been everything. Art that resonates usually comes from a place of deep understanding.
Resourcefulness was never optional—it was survival. I didn’t have access to fancy gear, money, or networks in the beginning. I had to make the most of what I had. That taught me how to be creative under pressure and how to create quality from the ground up.
Advice for folks starting out?
Don’t wait for perfect conditions—create anyway. Learn how to adapt without losing your identity. Practice listening, not just talking. And know that your most valuable tools will always be your perspective, your consistency, and your ability to turn limitations into strengths. That’s how you build something real.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
One book that played a major role in my development is The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. I read it at a point in my life where I was learning how to protect my peace, move with more strategy, and navigate spaces where being too trusting could cost you.
One of the most impactful takeaways for me was: “Always say less than necessary.” That law helped me realize the power of silence and observation. Not every thought needs to be shared. Sometimes, the most powerful person in the room is the quietest one—the one watching, learning, and only speaking when it counts.
Another one that stuck with me is: “Guard your reputation with your life.” In my line of work, word travels fast. Who you are when no one’s looking, how you treat people, and how consistent you are—that becomes your name in rooms you haven’t even entered yet.
What I appreciate most about the book is that it doesn’t romanticize power—it lays it bare. Whether you agree with every law or not, it forces you to think critically, especially if you’re someone who grew up having to survive on instinct alone. It gave me language for things I’d already been doing—and taught me how to sharpen the edges.
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