Hello, I’m Bella - founder of BCJ. And I wanted to take you on a little trip down memory lane, back to where it all began.
While Bella Christie Jewellery is now known as the bold, beachy brand that you see online across social media, it all actually began in 2019 when I started selling jewellery at market stalls!
Recently, my dad sent me a bunch of photos from those early days, and it was such a nostalgic moment I just had to share it with you. It’s amazing to look back and see how far I’ve come since setting up my very first stall at just 14 years old.
My business journey began in the Isle of Wight, in a little village called Seaview, where I have a holiday home that feels like a second home, and I go to every Easter, summer and New Year. Every summer, the village hosts a Regatta Day, a special event where the main road is closed off and the community comes together to celebrate sailing, rowing, and other watersports. It’s always been a highlight of my summer!
Regatta Day was also a chance for people, kids, and small brands to set up stalls. Each year, I took part and tried something new - I’ve always loved being entrepreneurial! Over the years, I sold everything from hair feathers and henna to slime, loom bands, shell photo frames, and painted rocks. But the thing that really stuck with me was beaded jewellery. I loved making it, and through those sunny summers in the Isle of Wight, I found my true love for jewellery making.
From setting up my stall, to chatting with some of the lovely first ever BCJ customers and learning what they loved, those experiences taught me so much about business. They helped to shape my creative jewellery style and also definitely taught me a lot about hard work and perseverance.
Fast forward to today… I’m 19, running a growing online business that reaches jewellery lovers all over the world, thanks to the power of social media and a community that supports and inspires me every day. (This is still such a pinch me moment!)
What started as a small dream on the Isle of Wight has grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined. I’m endlessly grateful for everyone who’s been part of this journey - from the friends and family who encouraged me early on, to all of you who wear Bella Christie pieces and share your stories.
Watch this space for more of my behind-the-scenes stories and, of course, lots more jewellery love.
Love,
Bella x