We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christine Savoy-Joseph a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine , thanks for joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?

Everyone wants to become a “small business owner”, as if it’s the newest trend nowadays. Yet, no one wants to really put in the work. Owning a business is beyond stressful and that’s why many don’t last. As for myself I have been in business for 3 years now. I’ve had some hard times, and that’s because I’m still learning how to operate my business. No one tells you the key elements you need to keep your business afloat, you have to go out and find it. You have to file taxes for your LLC every year, but no one told me that. If your business doesn’t make a certain amount during that tax year you won’t be taxed but you still must file. Even before that, if you don’t have your necessary permits, EIN, business email, etc, then you’re not going to be taken serious as a business owner. I figured this all out on my own. My business wasn’t funded with loans. I’ve used my personal savings to keep this business going.
It’s a lot more to talk about, but I would need more space to write (lol). I’m not in this business because others are doing this. It’s what I love what I do , and I love what I offer!

Christine , 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?

My brand is called Bella Nicole Bells. I am 38 years old, I am a wife to my wonderful husband (Frederick Joseph) and a mother of 2 kids ( Za’Haurey 17 ,La’Rose 2). I am also a full time Store Manager. I was once a consumer who was buying virgin hair, lashes, clothing, and getting my nails and feet done every two weeks. I was even spending bill money because I wanted to keep up with the latest trends. Eventually, I started researching for different vendors so I could focus more on my business. I had a previous business selling clothing and decided to become a One Stop Shop! I offer fast fashion clothing, virgin hair, press on nails, lashes, etc. and want to create a one on one experience with my girls. Why, because sometimes we as women forget how we used to be before we became wives, mothers, and having a career while still trying to take care of home. I don’t know about you, but I still love to get dress and look sexy for my husband! My goal is to help other women feel that same way! I am all about women empowering one another and that’s why I wanted a one stop shop. We all have a time frame when going somewhere. No one wants to go to multiple stores after just getting off of work. I have a mixture of everything from street wear to business casual to sexy and classy. Whatever you want to feel like,I can bring it to life!
I have been doing this for 17 years dressing women and getting them out of their comfort zone. Honestly I feel like we will add more to our brand in the near future. I really love what I do. It has never been about a dollar, it’s all about building a relationship and understanding the needs of these women! I’m very passionate about this and truly want to build a sisterhood with each and every woman.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I was online first, but I decidedI wanted a store front. Although I wasn’t even in business for a year before expanding it didn’t matter. I just knew I wanted a bigger space rather than working from home. I stayed in my location a year, I literally wasted so much money. I wanted to prove others wrong that I was able to do it. In reality, I was really miserable. I was barely going to the store and wasn’t making any money because I was never there. I was making foolish mistakes over and over. Then I upgraded my suite, WHY? Because I wanted to show others I could. Finally, I dropped down to my knees, and asked god for help. I no longer wanted to do things on my own. I wanted him to show me the way because of all the foolish mistakes I had made before, all just to prove a point. Most people don’t care about anything you have going on. They just want to see your downfall. I’m saying this to say, be careful of what you are doing. If it wasn’t planned for you, it has no purpose for you. I am happier than I have ever been. Business is great, and we have bigger and better things coming because I am allowing him to take control over my purpose.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I’m not shy at all but it took some time for me to become comfortable on social media. Being behind the camera and putting myself out there took a lot of getting used to but I knew I had to do it. Now, Bella Nicole Bells is all over Instagram, and TikTok! It’s helped me really get my brand out there and meet people I wouldn’t have if I never tried. It’s amazing how many like minded people who you have so much in common are just waiting to find your page! It’s been a great tool for my business and me personally! Nothings better than having fun doing what you love and connecting with others who share that same love. I’ve really grown my clientele through social media and the sky is the limit for my Bells!

Contact Info:

• Website: Bella Nicole Bells.com
• Instagram: @bellanicolebells
• Facebook: Bellanicolebells

Image Credits
I want to think my Husband, for the support. Also my Parents I wouldn’t know what to do without them. The support from my family has been made real. And I love it! That’s why it’s a must I have to go harder than I am now. No more Excuse all work. You will be seeing us soon like really soon.