The Gem of Little Rock

My best friend likes to tease me because I say that each place I travel to smells completely different from the next. Arkansas by far had the cleanest air as I came in on I-40W on an October Friday. Oak, I think...

Saturday morning I found my way to North Little Rock’s River Market hoping to find a local coffee house. The town was charming and simple with a trolley that runs through it taking people from the river market, across the bridge into the heart of downtown. I stopped in Mugs Cafe Argenta (@mugscafeargenta), ordered my latte, and people watched to the tune of Julia Michaels while I waited. The energy matched the weather; all you could hope for it to be. The flow of people coming and going was easy, not overwhelming for how busy they actually were. People engaging, enjoying breakfast, and then moving on to the rest of their day. I did the same with only adventure ahead.

After grabbing my coffee, I headed towards West 6th Street to visit a boutique I’ve been following on Instagram for just shy of a year. The buildings downtown reminded me of Louisville a bit with their French architecture. Though many were empty, I can only imagine the generations of stories each one played a part in. Now with some fresh creative occupancy and those willing to take a chance on themselves, I can see this area beginning its revival. All it takes is one person daring enough to go for it. Brandy Thomason McNair did exactly that.

I don't know if it was the way the sun hit her shop perfectly that morning or the beautiful stencil painted steps leading in, but Bella Vita Jewelry (@bellavitajewelry) was simply inviting. Once I stepped inside, I was swept away to a place where for a moment everything in life seemed lighter than air. The ambiance was humbling and peaceful. Being an entrepreneur, every piece I work with I want people to see a part of my heart. It was clear between each handcrafted piece, fair trade good, book on kindness, and local artistry that this was a cultivation of what Brandy's heart must look like in tangible form.

After some social media correspondence that afternoon, I was so glad she agreed to meet and share her story with me the next day...

"I just feel like downtown is the heart and soul of the city. It's where it all begins," -BTM

While discussing the timeline of how Brandy and Bella Vita Jewelry came to be where they are now, we discussed a lot about growth and overcoming some obstacles that very well could have been roadblocks for other budding businesses. About the time I began 'following' BVJ on social media, she was preparing to move her shop from a 450 square foot space to a larger footprint in the building essentially next door. The new location is nearly triple that size. I found it inspiring that not only does she provide a variety of ethical goods to her customers, but she opens her space to other business owners to host their very own classes as well. I know for me, that speaks louder about her passion for networking and organic community growth than any BNI group you could ever join.

The more entrepreneurs I meet, the more I learn that often times they aren't the first in their family to become one. The traits it takes to become a successful business owner are almost like precious family heirlooms that no one ever actually gets to touch, but they all know they have access to them. Listening to the long-lined history of work ethic, and leap after leap of faith by both the men and women in her family was astounding.

"I got a good dose of great customer service, how to truly care, and even go that extra mile putting your whole heart into something from both sides of my family." -BTM

Her grandfather, a Luetinent Colonel in the US Army, upon retirement created a local attraction trout farm. Her father is a farmer, as well. She stated that her grandfather and godfather both opened restaurants giving her a 'taste' (if you will) of that environment. She spoke often about the antique businesses owned by her grandmothers and how they also dabbled in jewelry repair. I loved how evident it was that she gives credit to her whole family for how attuned she is to her customers because of those experiences.

After taking me back to a day in school at age 10 watching a classmate make bracelets with glass beads, she shared with me that her grandmother collected vintage buttons. Some of these were on display inside the coffee table right where we were sitting. They are all beautiful & unique, to say the least. She led me through her memories of spending time pursuing crafty things and going to a hobby store in her hometown of Harrison, AR with her mom. For her birthdays she received gift cards from her aunt to a bead store in Eureka Springs. She eventually began to work for the ladies in that very bead store after a friendship was born. Through all her endeavors leading to success, Brandy said she was so grateful for how encouraged and fully supported she was by her mom especially. With all these pieces falling into place as they did, her passion for custom jewelry making flourished.

Though Brandy holds a degree in Interior Design, I felt it when she said that working in an office setting was just not for her.

"At this point, I'm pretty sure I'm unhirable. I love what I do here." -BTM

There's something absolutely rogue inside the soul of a person that is meant to share their unique skills with the world. It's like a fire that only that person can tame. Knowing this feeling all too well, I wanted to see what sends her into the creative mindset that keeps Bella Vita Jewelry going.

"I'm highly inspired by the natural stones I work with and the antique buttons, too." "Set me down with my trays and make me make something." - BTM

'Vibe & go' is often how she creates new pieces for the shop. Sometimes inspiration can come from the music you're listening to, a season, textiles, you name it. Other times, your inspiration may just be handed to you and you have to adjust your vision accordingly. She walked me over to see some stones that were left by a brand new customer giving her full creative authority with them. Though admittedly she felt unsure why this woman had this vote of confidence in her, she followed with, "You know what, CHALLENGE ACCEPTED."

It can be scary to have someone hand you precious pieces, their trust, and hope that it all comes together to meet expectations. The only thing that matters is you get in front of it and just start. You never know how a piece you create just might play a role in someone else's life.

Learning how the pieces of Brandy's journey all laced together to become who she is and how Bella Vita Jewelry serves so many people, is nothing short of inspiring. Her vision is so much bigger than just each item in her store and the money it brings in. Her outreach to help their homeless neighbors, spotlighting local artists on the sidewalk, and ability to uplift other female entrepreneurs speak volumes about her compassion, upbringing, and the gem that Little Rock has in the heart of the city.

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