BELLA Boss: September Fall Fashion 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.
Maria Galatoulas + Georgia Galatoulas
New York, New York + Long Island, New York
Owners, Burgerology
BurgerologyUSA.com
OUR BUSINESS.
Burgerology is a USDA Prime Beef restaurant. We feature steakhouse quality burgers, hand-cut fries, a scratch kitchen, crazy milkshakes, craft cocktails, catering, and beer and wine programs. We also offer incredible event space rentals in the midtown Manhattan location, close to Madison Square Garden and the Javits Center.
MOST REWARDING.
We love hearing that kids beg their families to come back to Burgerology - whether it be for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s a family spot, where parents can unwind as much as kids. We find it rewarding to see the look of “WOW” on families faces when a burger or crazy milkshake arrives at the table. Being part of a large Greek family, some of our favorite memories are of meals shared together.
SECRET TO OUR SUCCESS.
Family.
Amanda Brooke Greenberg
Miami, Florida
Founder, The A Initiative + Influencer, @fromappletoorange
TheAInitiative.com + @fromappletoorange
MY BUSINESS.
The A Initiative is a boutique marketing and communications agency which specializes in tailor-made strategies and an integrated approach to business, to drive awareness and results across public relations, influencer collaborations, strategic partnerships, and more. I am also a lifestyle influencer! My account covers fashion, beauty, food and beverage, travel, and more.
MOST REWARDING.
Witnessing other businesses flourish and achieve success through my efforts. It's a privilege to contribute to their growth and see the impact firsthand. Applying these strategies to my own social media presence has also been helpful. Additionally, having the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with people enriches both my professional journey and personal fulfillment.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS.
My success lies in seamlessly blending passion-driven creativity with strategic expertise honed through countless hours of hard work, all infused with kindness.
Virginia Chamlee
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Artist + Writer + Author, Big Thrift Energy
BigThriftEnergy.com
MY BUSINESS.
I am a longtime professional writer and a collector of vintage pieces. In 2022, I married the two with my debut book, Big Thrift Energy, which is all about finding incredible things at thrift stores, antique malls, etc. and styling them at home. Since the release of the book, I've traveled the country sharing more of my tips and tricks.
MOST REWARDING.
There's nothing like the thrill of a good find, but for me, the joy is in sharing it. I love to teach others about how to shop for vintage pieces because it can be intimidating. Everyone should have access to beautiful designs but the antique industry has long felt exclusionary. It's rewarding to be able to offer people the confidence that they can find high-end pieces and not have to shell out thousands for it.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS.
I am a very persistent person and believe that if you truly want something you have to focus, tune out the noise, and don't stop until you achieve that goal.
Marilyn Schlossbach
Asbury Park, New Jersey
Founder, Oshin Love + Founder, Food For Thought By The Sea + Partner, Whitechapel Projects
MarilynSchlossbach.com, OshinLove.com, FoodforThoughTap.com, WhitechapelProjects.com
MY BUSINESS.
I am an entrepreneur who loves to embark on projects that make people feel good, by combining hospitality throughout restaurants, bars, wellness, beauty, and community. I’m now bringing the boldness and vision that defined me as a disruptor in the culinary world to the beauty industry with the launch of Oshin Oil, a product rooted in sustainability that is a natural extension of my commitment to a sustainable coastal lifestyle.
MOST REWARDING.
Making people smile! Nurturing people through food, beverage, and now beauty while always thinking of the impact on my community and planet.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS.
Tenacity, patience, and looking at the world through pineapple glasses!
Janell Stephens
Atlanta, Georgia
Founder + CEO, Camille Rose
CamilleRose.com
MY BUSINESS.
Camille Rose got its start in my kitchen, where I experimented with blends that could treat the sensitivity and eczema of my children. I began infusing my hair and skin care creations with well-loved, soothing, hydrating ingredients. My philosophy is, “what goes on your body should be as good as what goes into your body.” Camille Rose has grown into an award-winning leader in the multicultural beauty category with global reach.
MOST REWARDING.
My experiences at the forefront of the natural hair movement were rewarding in helping to drive its voice and growth in the community and retail space. This manifested through early product distribution and new retail partnerships, collaborations, events, advocacy, and being directly accessible to women learning how to go natural. The evolution has been extraordinary for people of color, we came together to lead significant change in all aspects of culture.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS.
Listening intently to what our customers need and not compromising on the integrity of product quality and efficacy. I don’t jump on passing trends and Camille Rose is not a “me too” brand.
Gina Edwards
New York, New York
Celebrity Manicurist + Stylist
@ginaedwards_
MY BUSINESS.
I first discovered my passion for nails during college, to help pay for my expenses. It was there my personality shone, eye for detail developed, and love for nail art consumed me. I have since secured credits with top magazines and developed an elite clientele including Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid, Jill Biden, Vera Wang, and more. I am also the global brand ambassador for KISS products, have led numerous fashion shows, and continue to collaborate with brands in the industry to forecast nail trends.
MOST REWARDING.
Connecting with people. Manicuring goes beyond the aesthetic of the nail, it’s a relationship and trust you build with a client.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS.
The secret to my success is making people feel more beautiful than they already are.
Chloe Marie Bean
Scottsdale, Arizona
Founder + CEO, Baldie Bean Beauty
BaldieBean.com
MY BUSINESS.
My company, Baldie Bean Beauty, helps people with hair loss feel beautiful in their own skin. Whether it’s with my “The Baldie Brow” temporary eyebrow tattoos, or with a customizable wig, my goal is to give people confidence and power over their hair loss.
MOST REWARDING.
The most rewarding part of what I do is receiving positive reviews from customers saying that my brows or wigs changed their life. I use my eyebrow products every single day, these products changed my life and when I hear they’ve helped other people, it means the world.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS.
Instead of letting Alopecia become a weakness, I turned it into my biggest strength.
Alexandra Silva Labarr
Coral Springs, Florida
Founder + CEO, Xandra Marketing & PR
XandraMarketing.com
MY BUSINESS.
Xandra Marketing, headquartered in South Florida, is a full-service marketing firm ready to supercharge your business. With decades of top-tier experience, we bring our unstoppable energy and deep insights to elevate organizations of all sizes.
MOST REWARDING.
Witnessing businesses succeed and grow to the next level. We take pride in empowering them with the skills and strategies they need to thrive. Seeing our clients' achievements fuels our passion and dedication.
SECRET TO MY SUCCESS.
The secret of our success lies in treating each client as an individual, delving into their unique brand story and differentiators.
