We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bell Darris. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrea below.

Bell, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful you have to have a clear understanding of what being successful means to you. For some it’s graduating with honors, for others it’s landing a dream job, and for someone else it may be investing in themselves to make a dream a reality. Write your vision down, create an action plan and give it all you’ve got.

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

Hey!! I’m Bell Darris and this is a story all about how…. My life’s journey led me to become who I was always meant to be. Entrepreneur, professional violinist, curator and creative, I am truly thankful to be able to express myself for a living. My mother was an educator and professional pianist, my father an engineer, professional guitarist and film maker. My upbringing was filled with music, church and laughter. I played all the way through college. Once I graduated I had moments where I questioned my art and felt I should quit. I was having trouble finding work and since violin wasn’t paying the bills I begin picked up a job as a bartender. This opened a whole new world for me. I a saw some of the biggest artists at the time live in concert. I was making great money and I was developing an interest in event planning. Then I got an opportunity to play in an all female band. That one opportunity changed my life forever. The band opened for John Legend and Lyfe Jennings. I also begin curating my own events. Since that time I ended up starting a promotions company. My clients included Walgreens, The Fox Theatre, Powell Symphony Hall, and many more. I begin curating an event call The Art & Soul Live Exhibit which just celebrated its 11 year anniversary at Angad Arts Hotel. I also begin a summer camp that taught children life skills on a backdrop of art, music, creative writing and entrepreneurship. As a solo artist I have opened for Tameka Mann, Jagged Edge and Anthony Hamilton. Drive and Ambition kept me going even when I didn’t have it all figured out

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I stayed consistent building my following, Offering quality music, a positive attitude, and customer service. Word of mouth is my strongest ally. Every performance leads me to the next. After Every performance I take time to network, pass out business cards, take pictures and sell products.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The old “covid pivot”

So of course during covid we all had to pivot in one way or another. I had to lean on creativity…. I was completely out of work. All the venues were closed and all my shows were cancelled. Ironically the shut down literally begin on my birthday. For a while I felt defeated. One evening while scrolling online I ended up having lightbulb moment. I started a luxury picnic company where I offer Private dinners with a serenade. It was a big hit. It provided the privacy and intimacy people craved during covid. It also gave me the platform to perform. Bliss Luxury Events was born. It was a culmination of all my skills: event planning, promotions, Music, and customer service.

Contact Info:

• Website: belldarris.com
• Instagram: belldarris
• Facebook: Bell C Darris

Image Credits
Renaissance TJS Nico Church Photography Wiley Price