I opened the doors to a unique children’s boutique, “bella-mi” in August of 2008. Also inside the bella-mi doors, you will find “bella-sorella”, the tween store! We are located in Jefferson Square comfortably sandwiched between two Austin staples, The Garden Room and Anderson’s Coffee. Our store front faces Kerby Lane. This Square is so wonderful, it reminds me of the feelings of shopping in the small town where I grew up in New Mexico. People that work and shop here are friendly and honestly interested in what kind of day you are having. It is such a nice break from the mall mentality of today. It tales only a stroll around our airy whimsical shop to literally see the writing on the walls emphasizing “pretty is as pretty does”, a favorite saying from my grandmother.
The translated meaning of “bella-mi” is “beautiful me”, a name I selected from the desire for each of my little customers to know that their inner beauty is what transforms a simple piece of apparel into a “sparkling one”. It is a fun experience to see the kids pick out their clothes and take their walk down the runway complete with spotlights, built by my father. The kids have so much fun, it is contagious!.
I know firsthand the joy of dressing little girls and boys, as well as the importance of finding fun and age appropriate clothing.
I received my formal education in Health Care Administration, but have always had that entrepreneurial spirit. I think is comes from all the time spent with my grandfather, a self-made successful businessman. He began his extensive business career by first owning a small town grocery store in 1942. He knew each customer by name and “what their mamas and papas did too”. He taught me the value of customer service, all the little kind things we each want when we walk into a shop, and the importance giving back to my community. I want to carry on the legacy of personally knowing my customers. We try very hard to find items made in America.
I love working in the boutique, alongside family and have really enjoyed expanding this fun business. It continues to be a learning experience for all of us, and we do it with humor!
Due to many, many sweet requests from our customers, we are finally launching our online shopping feature! WOOHOO!! We are excited to be bringing online shopping to our current customers, as well as reaching out and bringing bella to new customers nationwide and all over the world.
Wrapping and shipping your treasures is our pleasure! We will go that extra mile to help you find just what you need for those special little ones in your life!
1601 West 38th Street #3
Austin, TX 78731
info@bella-mi.com
