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

Hi Anabella , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

TELL US WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO

My name is Anabella McCrary, 14 year old CEO and proud business owner of “Sweet Bella Grace.” I am a model, actress, teen influencer, and young entrepreneur. I represent my brand, Sweet Bella Grace, while using my platform to inspire confidence, kindness, and strength in others while pursuing my passion for the runway and the camera. Proceeds from my business go back to helping victims of domestic violence and spread awareness to end domestic violence in our communities.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY — HOW DID YOU FIRST GET STARTED IN MODELING AND ACTING?

My journey began with a simple love for dressing up, performing, and expressing myself. What started as fun photo shoots, pageantry, and small opportunities grew into something so much bigger. With the support of my family and my mentors, I began training, learning, and stepping into the world of modeling and acting with Amanda’s Models and Talent Agency. Every experience made me fall in love with the industry even more.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST MODELING JOB OR RUNWAY SHOW AND HOW DID IT FEEL?

My first big National TV Commercial was contracted with Amanda’s Models & Talent and Wild Adventures Theme Park, and it was unforgettable. I remember being on set feeling butterflies, but the moment I began my acting role, it felt natural. The lights, the energy, and the excitement made me realize this was exactly where I was meant to be. My first major runway event I flew to NYC to compete in the Runway Model of the Year and Won! This opened so many doors and I began to walk for many brands with Supermodels Unlimited in Fashion Weeks.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE, BOTH ON AND OFF THE RUNWAY?

On the runway, my style is fierce, bold, and confident—I love dramatic looks, high fashion with bows, rhinestones, and pearls especially the Sweet Bella Grace Couture Dress Line, and anything fashion that brings a strong presence and purpose.

Off the runway, I’m sweet, playful, and expressive. I love comfy clothes, cute accessories, and outfits that reflect my personality and creativity.

AS A MODEL — WHAT HAS BEEN ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE MODELING EXPERIENCES SO FAR?

My favorite modeling experience has been filming my new TV episode for Legacy Makers, which will air at the beginning of 2026 on major television networks. I loved being able to share my story—how Sweet Bella Grace was created and how my journey in modeling and acting has grown into something so much bigger than I ever imagined.

I am truly blessed to be the youngest entrepreneur ever featured on Legacy Makers TV. The growth of my business has soared, and I am so grateful to provide opportunities for models to walk in major fashion weeks representing my brand.

Sweet Bella Grace is more than a company—it’s a mission. It’s about giving people the chance to be seen, heard, and empowered, while using our platform to give back and support the fight to end domestic violence.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ACTING EXPERIENCE AND WHY?

My most memorable acting experience was one that allowed me to step into a completely different character and bring emotions to life. Acting gives me the chance to tell stories, and the first time I realized I could make people smile or feel something just by performing—it changed me in the best way.

OUTSIDE OF MODELING AND ACTING, WHAT’S SOMETHING FUN ABOUT YOU THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT EXPECT?

People might be surprised to know that I’m actually very goofy and love making people laugh. I have a big heart and even a bigger imagination. I love creating things, and I enjoy spending time with my family, dancing, and singing around the house.

TELL US ABOUT WHAT’S NEXT UP FOR YOU (EXCITING PROJECTS)

I have some very exciting opportunities ahead! Sweet Bella Grace is the featured designer for New York Fashion Week 2026. The charity that so support, the Haven Shelter for domestic violence victims was nominated to receive a charitable donation at the February NYFW Show. I am so excited to be hosting my first International show in Paris Fashion Week with Supermodels Unlimited September 2026. I am building more with my brand Sweet Bella Grace, including launching new make-up products, perfumes, designer swimsuits, specialty candles, couture gowns, and new modeling events. I am so excited to keep growing, inspiring others, and taking on every opportunity with gratitude.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At Sweet Bella Grace, we believe in being the light in someone’s life. We create specialty homemade candles that not only bring warmth and comfort, but also carry a deeper message of hope, healing, and empowerment.

For every candle purchased, one is donated to The Haven Shelter, providing survivors of domestic violence a symbol of strength and new beginnings in their safe space. In addition, 50% of all profits are donated directly to The Haven to support ongoing efforts in raising awareness and ending domestic violence.

Inspired by the idea of beauty beyond the crown, Sweet Bella Grace has expanded to include a line of meaningful jewelry, stylish hats, new swimsuit and lipstick line, and promotional t-shirts. Each piece is designed to uplift, inspire, and shine a light on our mission of advocacy, resilience, and love.

We are more than just a brand—we are a movement. Join us in being the light.

One of the proudest moments in my early journey came when I was just 12 years old: I learned how to set up an LLC with an attorney. At an age when most kids were still figuring out what they wanted to be when they grew up, I had a vision, a mission, and a purpose that I felt deeply called to pursue. Starting a business wasn’t just an exciting adventure—it was a responsibility I took seriously. I wanted to do it right from the very beginning.

Sweet Bella Grace was born out of a conversation with my mother. I sat her down, shared my heart, and told her about my dream: to create a brand that would raise awareness and drive change around domestic violence, teen dating violence, and sexual assault. My mother’s words always stayed with me: “Be sweet, Annabella, and show people grace.” That became the heart of my mission. The name Sweet Bella Grace is more than just a brand—it’s a movement rooted in kindness, unity, and hope.

Every candle I make is created with love, each one symbolizing light in someone else’s darkness. Every swimsuit or fashion item I design is infused with the same intention: to uplift, to inspire confidence, and to remind someone that they are seen and valued.

There were milestones that shaped me—each as meaningful as the next. One of my first successes was learning how to make beautiful, high-quality candles. Another unforgettable moment was watching models from around the world proudly wear my designs. Seeing women walk with confidence and men model my swim trunks—complete with symbolic pink bows—filled me with pride. It wasn’t just about the fashion; it was about what it stood for.

Of course, I’ve also had my share of learning moments. One of my early mistakes was not knowing how to properly ship candles. The first one I mailed arrived melted. Thankfully, it was sent to a family member who was supportive and understanding. That experience taught me a valuable lesson about logistics—and about grace. Every business owner will face setbacks and criticism, but the key to success is perseverance and the willingness to learn and grow.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Two years ago, my life changed in ways I never expected. I became very sick with a medical condition that left my body immunocompromised. I had to be taken out of school and spent months living in and out of hospitals, undergoing intense treatments and medications that not only affected my health—but changed my appearance, and with it, my sense of self. The journey brought overwhelming anxiety, depression, and isolation. It felt like my world had gone dark.

But through that darkness, there was light. By the grace of God, and with the support of incredible physicians, I began to heal. My mother—my biggest advocate—flew me all the way to New Mexico to receive care from some of the best doctors in the country. She never stopped fighting for me, and her strength helped carry me through.

During that time, I missed school, my friends, and the simple joys of being a teenager. I wasn’t able to volunteer in person at the Haven Shelter like I used to—but I still wanted to make a difference. Even though I was in pain, I felt this strong pull in my heart: I wanted to be the light in someone else’s life, even as mine felt uncertain.

That’s when I started making candles.

Each candle became more than just wax and wick—it became a symbol of hope, healing, and light. It gave me purpose during a time when I felt powerless. I prayed every day that God would heal my body and allow me to use my experience to help others who felt lost, scared, or alone. Out of those prayers, and that pain, Sweet Bella Grace was born.

This brand isn’t just a business. It’s the embodiment of everything I’ve been through—and everything I hope to give to others: kindness, awareness, unity, and the courage to keep going. Because no matter how dark life gets, there is always light—and sometimes, it starts with a single spark.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I can still remember the moment I sat down with my mother to talk about launching Sweet Bella Grace. We weren’t backed by big investors or corporate funding—we were the investors. Every dollar we spent and every dollar we earned was covered in prayer. From the very beginning, we trusted that if we honored the mission and kept God at the center, He would take care of the rest.

Our budget was tight, and we faced a lot of financial unknowns. But my mother believed in me with everything she had. Week after week, she sacrificed her own paycheck to help buy supplies for my candles. It wasn’t easy, but she never once hesitated—because she saw the vision just as clearly as I did.

One of the first defining moments for Sweet Bella Grace came when Ms. Debrah Dobbs at Kollier & Co gave me a chance. She believed in my candles and jewelry and graciously launched them in her boutique. That was my first real taste of growth—and from there, things started to bloom.

I’ll never forget my first market show. With support from our local community, I made $5,000 in just a few hours. It was surreal—and it showed me that people weren’t just buying candles. They were investing in a message. A mission. A story.

Today, Sweet Bella Grace is carried in four boutiques and continues to grow. But I never forget where it all started: in faith, with family, and in sacrifice. I carry that gratitude every day—not just for the business, but for the people behind it. Especially my mother, who gave so much so I could pursue this dream.

Sweet Bella Grace isn’t just a brand—it’s a legacy of love, perseverance, and purpose. And we’re just getting started.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.sweetbellagrace.org
• Instagram: @Anabella_mccrary @ Sweet_bella_grace
• Facebook: Sweet Bella Grace

Image Credits

Depends on which one
manny Cabo
Remington Jay
Melissa cosper