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

Ciana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I’ve been asked this question many times throughout my career—especially now as the CEO of my own business—and my answer remains the same: anyone can be successful. Success isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s about the choices we make, the mindset we cultivate, and the consistency we bring to the table.

For me, the biggest game-changer has been a combination of hard work, dedication, deep self-awareness, and an unshakable belief in something greater than myself. I believe in operating with integrity—treating people with fairness and respect, no matter what. But one thing I’ve never subscribed to is shrinking myself to fit into someone else’s definition of humility. I move with confidence because I know where my strength, wisdom, and resilience come from.

Now, here’s the thing about success: anyone can attain it. We see it every day—both in people who inspire us and in those whose actions we don’t necessarily admire. But sustaining success? That’s a different story. True longevity comes from balancing the power we all have to shape our own narrative with the understanding that we’re not in control of everything. The ability to pivot, adapt, and keep going when things don’t go as planned—that’s what separates temporary wins from lasting impact..

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m a classically trained marketing leader with 15 years of experience in brand management and strategic marketing, specializing in the Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industries. Over the years, I’ve honed the art of brand storytelling, working with iconic brands like McDonald’s, P&G’s multicultural haircare portfolio, Scope, AARP, and more—always with the goal of creating culturally resonant narratives that drive impact.

One of my proudest career moments was leading the production of AARP’s award-winning Black History Month campaign, We Thrive Together, in 2022. That project was a testament to the power of intentional storytelling and collaboration. That same year, I launched StoryBridge Consulting, a brand management consultancy dedicated to helping small businesses and nonprofits implement data-driven marketing strategies that don’t just deliver results but leave a lasting imprint.

But my mission goes beyond just elevating brands—it’s about uplifting the people behind the brands. I’m deeply committed to creating opportunities for Black and Brown creatives—the strategists, designers, producers, and storytellers who make the magic happen but often don’t get the recognition or resources they deserve. At StoryBridge, we don’t just build campaigns; we build pathways for diverse creatives to step into rooms where they belong and thrive.

What sets us apart is our belief that marketing isn’t just about selling—it’s about storytelling with intention and impact. It’s about fostering real connections, honoring culture, and making sure the people shaping the work are just as valued as the work itself. I’m passionate about growth—not just my own, but for the industry as a whole. Whether it’s through content creation, brand strategy, or amplifying the voices of those too often overlooked, my goal is to help businesses and creatives show up powerfully and with purpose.

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

Toward the end of my second year running StoryBridge, I found myself in one of the darkest places I’d ever been. On the outside, everything looked incredible—StoryBridge had landed a six-figure government contract, new clients were rolling in, and I was surrounded by people who admired my work and celebrated my “rapid success.” But internally? I was struggling. I wasn’t sleeping, my anxiety was at an all-time high, my personal life was unraveling, and I was coping in really unhealthy ways. I felt overwhelmed by the pressure to sustain success, always chasing the next milestone, the next accolade, the next share-worthy moment.

Despite the wins, I felt lost—like I was moving on autopilot, disconnected from myself and unsure of where I was headed. Eventually, I hit a breaking point. It wasn’t quite rock bottom, but it was close enough to force me to pause and face the reality I’d been avoiding. I remember having a raw, unfiltered moment where I just prayed, “I don’t know who I am, what I want, or where I’m going—help me, God.”

That moment was a huge turning point for me. Let me also mention – I’ve always felt connected to source (our creator), but this was different. That moment in time forced me to acknowledge a truth I had been running from: some of us are called to move differently, to embrace our uniqueness, to lead, to be a light. And that calling isn’t always easy—it requires self-discipline, clarity, and the courage to reject anything that doesn’t align with who we’re meant to be.

So I made a decision. I found a new therapist. I leaned into prayer, reflection, and intentionality. I surrounded myself with people who truly saw me and supported my growth. I let go of the habits, thoughts, and spaces that fed my doubts, insecurities, and fears, replacing them with self-belief, peace, and purpose. And from that place of clarity, everything shifted—not just in my business, but in my life.

Now, whether it’s in business or my personal journey, I move with intention. I trust that every challenge has a purpose. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about external achievements—it’s about being grounded enough to sustain them and finding peace within yourself and God. And if there’s anything I want people to take away from my story, it’s this: You are exactly where you need to be. The setbacks, the doubts, the detours—they’re all part of your path. Trust yourself, trust your journey, and remember that you already have everything you need within you to build the life you want.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

For about two years before launching my business, I started setting aside anywhere from $300 to $1,000 every time I got paid. At the time, I thought I was saving for a house—but in hindsight, I was unknowingly preparing for something bigger.

That period also coincided with a major life shift: my decision to move back home to care for my mother as she battled breast cancer. The housing market was a mess, and buying my first home didn’t feel like the right move. But what I did have was a growing savings account and a desire to take a leap of faith. By the time I made the decision to step away from agency life and start my own business, I realized I had saved $25K—money that became the foundation for StoryBridge.

That initial capital allowed me to sustain myself while I built my business from the ground up. I was intentional about self-funding because I wanted to own 100% of my company, and I still do. Now, I know not everyone has $25K sitting around, but what this journey taught me is that financial discipline and sacrifice are essential when bringing a vision to life. It’s not just about having access to capital—it’s about making intentional choices that set you up for long-term ownership and control over your own destiny.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.discoverstorybridge.com/
• Instagram: ceo_ci (personal) story.bridge (business)
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciana-bell-bb2b4084/
• Other: Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/storybridge-consultingMy Portfolio: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGXVrlDSkI/wH7j0b_dTZcPT3Rrc6Slpw/view?utm_content=DAGXVrlDSkI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h08f2fd2af4

Image Credits

Anna Cillan