BELLA Boss: October Arts + Culture Issue
By Lynette Barbieri + Meghan Connolly
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.
Victoria Vesce
West Palm Beach, Florida
Travel Content Creator, Victoria Vesce Travels
VictoriaVesceTravels.com
PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE AND WELLBEING: Self-care is non-negotiable for me - I carve out time every day for mindfulness whether it's through a yoga session, a walk by the beach, or simply disconnecting from social media to recharge and reflect.
ADVICE FOR OTHER ENTREPRENEURS: Always stay authentic to who you are and your vision; it’s your uniqueness that will set you apart in any industry.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: The secret to my success is embracing resilience - turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth and staying committed to my passion, no matter what.
Georgina Menzalji
Phoenix, Arizona
CEO + Founder, Alani Organics
AlaniOrganics.com
PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE AND WELLBEING: I prioritize my self-care and wellbeing by embracing clean living, which began when I discovered that the toxins and hormone disruptors in my skincare and makeup products were causing my skin to break out with hives, rashes, and eczema, while also affecting my thyroid and adrenals. This led to switching to natural, toxin-free products in every aspect of my life - a commitment that transformed my skin and health, and set the foundation for Alani Organics.
ADVICE FOR OTHER ENTREPRENEURS: Find a problem you're passionate about solving and be self-aware enough to understand how big that problem is. When you have a new business, always lead with compassion and empathy.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: The secret to our success is making it easy, safe, and convenient for women and their families to live a clean-beauty and healthy lifestyle.
Mayra Betances
Hilliard, Ohio
Yerbatera + La Jefa, Teas Your Spirits Eatery
TeasYourSpirits.com
PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE AND WELLBEING: I choose to not talk on the phone with anyone except my kids or mom if/when needed, everything else can be done through text or emails. Talking on the phone has proven to drain me completely, and is one thing I am strict with lately. This gives me mental quiet space; given that the nature of my business consists of constant in-person interactions.
ADVICE FOR OTHER ENTREPRENEURS: Wake up earlier in the day; earlier in your life and be upfront with everyone, including your loved ones. It is not easy, it’s super hard, like steady hard and challenging to run a business. To me, it has proven to be harder than giving birth to my 3 kids combined!
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: Consistency, discipline, trust, quality!
Nicole Greco-Peepas
West Caldwell, New Jersey
CEO, bro.com
NgpBro.com
PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE AND WELLBEING: Prioritizing my self-care and well-being requires a balance of structure and flexibility. I carve out time for personal workouts, mindful moments, and family bonding, just as I would for any business meeting or client session. I set non-negotiables for sleep, nutrition, and mental health while embracing moments of rest. Planning and staying organized allows me to stay on top of my commitments without sacrificing my wellness.
ADVICE FOR OTHER ENTREPRENEURS: Stay true to your mission and core values. The fitness space can be highly competitive, and it’s easy to get distracted by trends or comparisons. However, your unique approach and authentic connection with your community will set you apart. Focus on building genuine relationships, offering real value, and being consistent with your message - these organic connections will help your brand thrive in the long run.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: My relentless passion for helping others through fitness, creating genuine connections, and empowering people to transform their lives through innovative solutions like my app and lifestyle brand.
Victoria Taylor Romano
Seabright, New Jersey
Singer + Songwriter, Victoria Taylor
VictoriaTaylorMusic.com
PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE AND WELLBEING: After overcoming the challenges of stage fright and anxiety, I prioritized my Catholic faith and well-being. I committed to attending church regularly, and took hot yoga and pilates classes to master controlled breathing on stage. Now, I teach these classes in my spare time and feel both spiritually and physically liberated.
ADVICE FOR OTHER ENTREPRENEURS: Say YES to things that scare you, as you never know where it might lead. Growing up in the music industry, I seized every opportunity leading me to incredible experiences and connections. However, as a woman in this industry, I’ve also learned the power of saying no and acknowledging your worth, a lesson I am eternally grateful for.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: Understand that time is irrelevant when doing what you love, so maintain confidence, passion, and an unshakable belief in yourself and God, regardless of what others may think.
Shirin Yadegar
Los Angeles, California
CEO + Creator, LA Mom Magazine
LAMomMagazine.com
PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE AND WELLBEING: I try to do a one minute gratitude meditation every morning before I touch my phone to check messages. I work out at least 5 days a week, and take a weekly walk without technology which is where I get my divine downloads.
ADVICE FOR OTHER ENTREPRENEURS: The days that you want to quit, look at yourself in the mirror and say, "I am living my dream. I can do this." It may sound cheesy but it works. Every time I have wanted to give up in the past 14 years, I have been the one to get myself back up.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: My mission is to amplify inspiring voices to help women live their best lives, which is what drives me and empowers me every single day.
Sophie Fain
New York, New York
Artist + Live Event Illustrator, Sophie Fain LLC
ArtBySophieFain.com
PRIORITIZING SELF-CARE AND WELLBEING: I try to journal every couple of days to practice mindfulness and set my intentions.
ADVICE FOR OTHER ENTREPRENEURS: There is never a perfect time or place to start, so start sooner and give yourself grace to learn, grow, and evolve.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS: You don't need to reinvent the wheel, just put your own spin on it.