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For this week’s Spotlight on Small Business, we sit down with Brandy McNair, owner of Bella Vita Jewelry in downtown Little Rock.
McNair recalls how Bella Vita was born.
“It all started in 2008. I was at a job I disliked, and I wanted to make jewelry again,” McNair said. “I was going to a Christmas party and made a gift from some materials and tools I had back when I made jewelry for fun before. It made me remember how much fun making jewelry had been. I got fired from the job I hated and got a job at Argenta Bead Company while also waiting tables. I went to every craft fair and art festival I could get accepted into to promote my jewelry, and that’s how I began.”
For McNair, day-to-day operations consist of checking emails and social media, meeting with employees to line up projects and tasks, and making friends with everyone who enters the store. Chester, McNair’s large chocolate lab, also enjoys greeting customers in between rounds of sunbathing. McNair explains that the best part of being a small business owner is that she’s created a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
“It’s the Bella Vita vibe. We’ve created something that you can’t find anywhere else in Little Rock, and I love that. I love designing jewelry. It’s stressful to wear a lot of hats, but it’s fun,” McNair said. “I love curating the shop and finding items from around the world to create the environment that we have here. From the feel to the smell and the look, every little detail is important. I also love the warm fuzzy moments. I found out two local shops in town have referred customers to me, and I get to bring joy to people by solving the problem of what gift to get someone.”
When reflecting on the challenges she’s faced, McNair highlights her struggle with delegating.
“Personally, I struggle with knowing when to delegate and hire something out. There’s a challenge in doing those two things because you have to have funds. Don’t do it all yourself just because you might feel like you can — that’s not a sustainable lifestyle,” McNair said. “I need to delegate more.”
Bella Vita has also seen great success since the doors first opened.
“I often think about the big picture and the overall support for what we’ve been doing,” McNair said. “We’ve had a lot of customers support us since day one. We’ve built up a community, and that’s something to be proud of.”
McNair shares some life lessons that she’s learned as a business owner.
“Being authentic and being who you are is so immensely important,” McNair says. “Be reliable — do the things you say you’re going to do. That has really been instilled in me through running this business — just being honest.”
McNair offers a few words of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“Make sure that whatever you’re doing isn’t already being done everywhere. Make sure your business and your idea stand out and are unique; take advantage of as many resources as you can do your research,” McNair says. “Make sure you’re committed to your business because it’s a beast. I call my shop my baby. My business doesn’t run or survive on its own. Be sure you’re ready for the commitment.”
READ ALSO: SPOTLIGHT ON SMALL BUSINESS: PARTY TIME RENTAL AND EVENTS
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