We recently connected with Martika Bell and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Martika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with 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.

I came up with the idea for Belle Swimwear in 2017 & there are a couple of reasons why I created my brand. I love fashion, but swimwear & intimates are near & dear to my heart. The goal of Belle Swimwear is to provide sexy, stylish & fun swimwear for women of all shapes & sizes. My mom was a plus sized woman who loved the beach just as much as me, however when it came to her swimwear options there were very few. She always described the choices as “ugly. boring & overpriced.” It was then in 2018 that I launched a RTW Swim Brand that caters to women sizes small through 4XL. The brand was also derived as an outlet for me to navigate through my struggle with body dysmorphia. As I learn to love my body, I want to encourage others to do the same. I know that wearing swimwear & intimates can make us feel our most self-conscious & I wanted to provide items that make you feel confident & beautiful.

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?

My name Is Martika Bell & I’m a resident of Chester Pennsylvania, I hold degrees in Early Childhood Education & Psychology. While working a profession in education, I begin to dive into my love for fashion, swimwear to be exact & the Belle Brand was born. This RTW line of bathing suits, cover ups & accessories embodies what it means to be a woman. With swimwear that ranges from beautiful, unique & sexy, all while remaining pronounced product quality. Belle Swimwear was created with women of all measurements in mind with the belief that all women no matter what shape or size should feel beautiful in their own skin because the perfect Body is the one, you’re in. “I started my business as a movement for women to love ourselves and the beautiful body that we’re in wholly and unapologetically. To serve women like me who’ve been critiqued our entire lives about our physical appearance, mostly our bodies. In a journey to love myself, I wanted to encourage women to the same. I love the beach and I know being there or near anywhere in swimwear can be a moment where you’re the most self-conscious. I wanted to curate and create swimwear that would make all women feel good and confident.

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

My second year in business, Belle Swimwear was thriving. That same year I lost my mother, grandfather & my brother almost lost his life. I also had just got out of a six-year relationship & transitioned to full time entrepreneurship. I tried to work myself through my grief which led to burnout, poor business decisions & not to mention my business was not doing well. I decided that I needed to take a step back from my business & focus on myself & my mental health. After doing so, I can say my creativity is flowing, I’ve been able to get realigned with my business goals & so much more. As a person, you cannot pour from an empty cup. The work will always be there. never forget to pour into yourself. There are still some days where it’s challenging & some days I give 100% & some days I give 20%. Do what’s best for you & know that it’s nothing that you can’t bounce back from. If I would have given up, Belle Swimwear would not have celebrated five years in April & I’m proud to say that even through all the grief & hardships I kept going.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.belleswimboutique.com
• Instagram: Belle__swimwear
• Facebook: Belle Swimwear
• Other: Pinterest Belle Swimwear

Image Credits
Mariah Tolbert (Eyemagination Studios) Tanisha Kane (Qing Photography) Deja Monet (D2BD Photography)