BELLA Boss: February 2025 Self-Discovery Issue
By Lynette Barbieri + Danielle Kiriakos
Success in business demands ambition, resolve, determination, and a relentless pursuit of goals. Here, we highlight successful entrepreneurs whose remarkable accomplishments demonstrate the importance of self-belief and daring leaps of faith.
If you’re looking to reshape your career journey, let their achievements inspire you to carve your path to success.
Bonnie Winston
New York, New York
Bonnie Winston Matchmaker
Founder
BonnieWinstonMatchmaker.com
How does your business reflect your personal journey, and what deeper meaning does it hold for you?
I was a veteran of the New York and L.A. dating scene, and I finally found love myself. I now view my calling as helping others find true love.
In times of self-doubt, what strategies do you use to maintain your confidence and clarity?
I surround myself with supportive people on my team, as well as people in my industry who can help me conquer any obstacles.
Photography by Eddie Sadiwa
What practices do you embrace to stay grounded and centered in your personal life?
I lean on my husband, and we do things that are traditional – play backgammon, go to movies, have friends over for poker, and spend time with our extended family.
From setbacks, what has been your most significant lesson, and how has it shaped your personal growth?
I was embezzled once years ago, and that shaped how I viewed money from then on. I found that when I stopped chasing dollars, I made more money than ever before.
Photography By Mike McGregor
Janis Spindel and Carly Spindel
New York, New York
Janis Spindel Serious Matchmaking Inc.
President, Author, Founder
Carly Spindel Serious Matchmaking Inc.
Vice President
JanisSpindelMatchmaker.com
How does your business reflect your personal journey, and what deeper meaning does it hold for you?
It embodies our dedication, resilience, and passion for helping others. Its success is a testament to our hard work as women who are committed to making a difference by helping people find love and meaningful connections.
In times of self-doubt, what strategies do you use to maintain your confidence and clarity?
We remind ourselves to take it one step at a time. Leaning on each other for support, we find strength in our partnership, knowing that together, we can overcome anything.
What practices do you embrace to stay grounded and centered in your personal life?
When life pulls us away from the office and work, we reconnect with what truly matters by spending time relaxing in the Hamptons or on Long Island with our family. Those moments remind us of our roots and the importance of balance.
From setbacks, what has been your most significant lesson, and how has it shaped your personal growth?
The importance of asking for help from one another. These moments have taught us that leaning on each other not only strengthens our bond but also fuels personal growth by reminding us that we don’t have to face challenges alone.
Photo Credit Dr. Sarah Henslez
Dr. Sarah Hensley
Lexington, Kentucky
The Dating Decoder
Founder and CEO
TheDatingDecoder.com
How does your business reflect your personal journey, and what deeper meaning does it hold for you?
I have a history of significant trauma, and with both faith in God and the knowledge to understand the science behind attachment, I was able to drastically change my life for the better by discovering the tools for earning my attachment security. Now I can share those tools with others, and it is a tremendous joy.
In times of self-doubt, what strategies do you use to maintain your confidence and clarity?
My faith in the abilities and promises of God is what I stand firmly upon in times of fear or doubt.
What practices do you embrace to stay grounded and centered in your personal life?
I pray a lot, and I still use the very same tools I teach my clients: healthy emotional processing and meta-cognitive skills for a healthy mindset.
From setbacks, what has been your most significant lesson, and how has it shaped your personal growth?
My most significant lesson is to never underestimate how God can change your life in a short period of time if you really seek to know His character and follow His direction.
Photography by Melissa Dajti
Elizabeth Bebe Malotaj
New York, New York
FLÈUR Galore Walls New York
Owner
FleurGaloreWallsNewYork.com
How does your business reflect your personal journey, and what deeper meaning does it hold for you?
It reflects my dual passions for flowers and design and enables me to craft unique walls and backgrounds to help make each occasion a memorable one. It was just another step forward on my personal journey from initially co-founding Bdazzled Events.
In times of self-doubt, what strategies do you use to maintain your confidence and clarity?
I reflect on how far I’ve come by revisiting past events and reading the positive feedback. It helps me feel proud and reminds me of the impact FLÈUR Galore Walls has had on making events special.
What practices do you embrace to stay grounded and centered in your personal life?
Helping others keeps me grounded and focused on what’s truly important. Whether its organizing charity drives or supporting campaigns, it brings me back to what matters most.
From setbacks, what has been your most significant lesson, and how has it shaped your personal growth?
A failed business partnership taught me the importance of personal integrity and ethics. I now prioritize surrounding myself with people who share these values in both my personal and professional life.
