We were lucky to catch up with Bella Dee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bella, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

During this past year, I was blessed to be apart of Creed III! This was my first time ever being apart of a movie, let alone being on a movie set. With that being exciting as is, I was proud to have the role of walking out the Mexican fighter, Felix Chavez, to the ring before his fight with Damian Anderson. Being a proud Chicana, I was proud to represent my culture with class on the big screen. I was dressed as a Catrina and I wore a traditional Mexican Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) makeup/facepaint and dress. That scene makes my heart beat out of my chest, because this is for LA RAZA! Another reason this project was special for me was that the makeup I wore in that scene was inspired by a photo shoot I had done a few years back. Michael B. Jordan actually selected the picture of me himself. The makeup artists for the cast had to recreate my own look on me! The entire experience meant so much to me and I would definitely say this has been my most meaningful project so far.

Bella, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got my start modeling in 2016 by going to local car shows, I loved being in front of the camera and creating art. I’ve been published in car magazines, my image has been used in various art pieces and tattoos, and have made it on the big screen twice. I had a part in the 7-Eleven’s “Take It To Eleven” lowrider bike commercial and a role in Creed III. It’s been my passion for 7 solid years now and I would say I would say I’m recognizable in the Chicano community. Having this kind of “platform” comes with responsibility. I started my newest project in 2022, a book club that focuses on books about Chicano/Mexican voices in our community, History and Self Love/Transformation. We call our club “Books 4 Crookz” because we’re hood but we are all about gaining knowledge of all aspects of our culture. We have been going strong as a group for about a year and a half. We have been blessed to have had authors and other guest speakers such as Luis J. Rodriguez, Gini Sikes, Chuco Moreno, John Ulloa, Hilary Paul McGuire, Jacob “Stitch” Duran, David Gonzalez and more speak to our members at our zoom meetings.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

We focus on these types of books because they aren’t as easily accessible. Therefore it’s harder for a brown person to begin to read on their own because the books that are offered in school we don’t relate to. We want to showcase these stories in hopes it sparks a new mind to pick up a book for the first time. When I was younger I was never a reader, there was no way you were going to get me to read! My passion began to burn after I read a book that related to me. I truly believe more people are readers, they just have to find a book that inspires you to want to learn!

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

There are 2 books that have significantly impacted my life. My love for reading began after I read “Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in LA” by Luis J. Rodriguez when I was 16. When I was younger reading wasn’t a cool thing to talk about so you kind of just kept those interests to yourself. But now that I’m older I wanted to find like minded individuals who read the same books as I do. That’s another reason why I wanted to start this book club. My favorite book that I’ve read is “Finding Freedom: Writings From Death Row” by Jarvis Jay Masters. It has taught me so much, the teachings in that book I use in my everyday life and I encourage people to add that one to your book shelf.

Contact Info:

• Website: bbxshop.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bbx.951
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/books4crookz

Image Credits
Pink Wheel – @thvtkidg inside car – @lil_bullet818 inside car with books – @oldschool_mentality group photo – @thvtkidg bumper shot – @thvtkidg