Meet Bella Blue

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bella Blue. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Bella, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I believe that there is something unique and special about each person. We may not always agree or see eye to eye — but I see my role as a human being is to see the good in others and work from there. I (try to) assume the best until that person shows me otherwise. I have found that the best way to approach someone is with open arms and a smile — ready to receive and welcome. And again, entering that space knowing that there’s always a chance that the other person could just downright be a terrible person. And that’s ok. But — they might be an amazing person and I will never get to know that if I don’t have the space to consider the best in them.

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?

The heart of what I do is hospitality. That comes out in different mediums but what I am typically known for is as a burlesque performer/producer and as an instructor. My most recent endeavor is having bought my own venue and restaurant alongside my husband and another business partner. It is in this space that all of the things I hold dear about being in the hospitality industry can come together under one roof. Feeding people amazing food, entertaining them, loving on them, and having an excellent staff to execute everything with the magic that truly encompasses New Orleans culture. I always want people to feel like they are loved and cared for when they are in my space.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

One of my first professional jobs was managing stores for Victoria’s Secret Beauty. This experience was by far one of the most stressful in my life but, I was young and had more energy! Ha! But, it taught me mostly everything I needed to know about running my own business. I often call back to the things I learned in the business early on and they apply to how I run my businesses today. Earlier on, I wish I would have learned more about how to manage and build credit and the different options that would have allowed me to save. I think that not being afraid to tackle your credit and getting your ducks in a row on that front is really the best advice I would give. Its all a game and learning how to play the game so that it works for the vision you have for your life.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

Honestly — my kids. I became a mother at a really young age. I was determined not to become just another person that the world would assume that I’d “never amount to anything” because I had kids really young. My father is an immigrant and his work ethic and dedication to make it in this country was palpable. Between having the responsibility of my children and the work ethic of my father, I really have always felt like anything was possible in my life. Being a young mother also forced me to have to get really clear on my communication, emotional wellness and maturity, and my boundaries. All of these lessons along the way were such an important part of shaping what kind of business owner I wanted to be and what I will continue to become.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bellablueforever.com
• Instagram: @bellablueforever

Image Credits

Katie Sikora
La Reina
Ashley Zoerner
CaitlynRidenour