Meet Melanie Bell

We recently connected with Melanie Bell and have shared our conversation below.

Melanie , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

I stay creative by pulling inspiration from all over. Sometimes it’s as simple as a can in the drink aisle or a sunset. I had a design I’d put on hold last year because I just couldn’t figure out what it needed, but the other day I saw a sunset that was so stunning and everything clicked. The colors pulled from it are perfect for the new design. Working with my team is also a big part of it. We’re constantly bouncing ideas off each other, and that helps keep everything fresh.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Melanie Bell, the founder and chief designer of Bell Leotards™. I started the brand in 2022 after years of designing for elite gymnasts at events like the World Championships and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. My goal with Bell Leotards was to create a brand that celebrates gymnasts who march to the beat of their own drum. We focus on bold, unique designs that make a statement – no cookie-cutter pieces.

What excites me most about what we do is how we’ve been able to build the most amazing community of girlies who support each other and cheer each other on. It has turned into the sweetest family. I also love that each leotard is something special and unique. We’re not about mass production; we drop just a few collections each year, and once a size sells out, it’s gone. It makes each piece feel rare, like you’ve found something one-of-a-kind.

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?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey are perseverance, creativity, and the ability to adapt. Perseverance was crucial because starting Bell Leotards wasn’t easy. There were a lot of challenges, from saving up for the first prototypes to figuring out the right way to bring my vision to life. Sticking with it, even when things felt tough, really made a difference. Creativity is at the core of what I do. Designing leotards that are both functional and unique takes a lot of out-of-the-box thinking. It’s important for me to stay inspired and open to new ideas, even if they seem unconventional at first. The ability to adapt has been key, especially in such a fast-moving industry. I’ve had to pivot and change plans many times, whether it’s based on customer feedback or market trends. Being flexible and willing to learn as you go is vital.

For those just starting out, my advice is to be patient and embrace the process. Develop your skills over time, and don’t be afraid to try new things; even if they don’t always work out at first. Focus on staying true to your vision, but don’t be afraid to adapt when necessary. And don’t underestimate the power of building a solid support system; whether that’s a mentor, a team, or a network of people who believe in what you’re doing.

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

Definitely my husband, Daniel. He has cheered me on every step of the way and helped me overcome challenges while building the skills I need to succeed. He’s an entrepreneur himself, so we bounce ideas off each other daily. It’s truly a blessing from God to have someone who understands both the highs and lows of running a business. He’s been a sounding board for new ideas, a source of support during tough times, and someone who challenges me to think differently.

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