Today, we're shining a spotlight on Bella Naselli, Franchise Owner of Playa Bowls in downtown West Chester. Bella's journey to becoming a business owner is inspiring, especially as a young woman making her mark in a predominantly male-dominated field. She shared her experiences, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. Here's a closer look at our conversation.
Bella’s Journey to Becoming the Franchise Owner of Playa Bowls:
Bella's journey into business began at a young age. She first worked for Playa Bowls in Stone Harbor, New Jersey, starting at just 15 years old. “I was already involved in the business before it became Playa,” Bella explained. “It was a previous business selling similar products, and when Playa took over, I just naturally transitioned into their team.”
Playa Bowls, a rapidly growing franchise with over 250 locations, reached out to the previous owner of Bella's store to offer a franchise opportunity. Although Bella was living in Westchester, her parents saw potential in opening a Playa Bowls location there, and so the idea for Bella’s own franchise was born.
“At the time, I didn’t plan on going to college, so I thought this could be a great opportunity,” she said. With her parents' support, Bella was able to get the business started, and over the past two years, she’s slowly taken over the reins, now fully immersed in running the West Chester location.
Being a Woman in Business:
As a young woman entrepreneur, Bella's experience has been empowering. “Being a woman in business is pretty cool,” she said. “A lot of business owners tend to be men, but I’ve embraced that and made it work for me. It’s also been great to connect with other women business owners in West Chester.”
Bella also noted that her age, starting the business at 18 and now at 24, has allowed her to grow quickly and learn much about herself and the industry. She enjoys standing out as a woman in a field where there aren’t always many of them. “I kind of like being the odd one out,” she shared with a smile.
Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Business:
While Bella’s experience has largely been positive, she faced challenges, especially in the beginning. Her mother, who helped start the West Chester Playa Bowls location, had to contend with working in an environment dominated by men. “Sometimes, as a woman, you don’t get the same level of respect,” Bella reflected. “It’s a tough reality, but it’s also taught me how to stand up for myself and assert my authority. No matter your gender, you can show them who’s boss.”
Through these struggles, Bella has grown stronger and more confident. “The more you go through, the stronger you get,” she said, emphasizing that perseverance through adversity is key to success.
A Role Model Who Inspires Her:
When asked about her mentors, Bella pointed to her mother as the most significant influence on her career. “My mom is definitely my role model. She’s taught me everything,” Bella explained. “She’s strong, a go-getter, and has always told me to stay one step ahead and to never stop pushing forward.” Bella’s admiration for her mom is evident; she credits her as a massive part of her success.
Advice for Women Aspiring to Entrepreneurship:
Bella’s advice for other women looking to start their own business is practical and motivational. “Patience is key,” she said. “It’s a lot more work than people think. But if you’re passionate, have the time, energy, and the right support system, it’s totally worth it.”
She encourages women to stick with their goals and trust the process. “It’s going to be challenging, but if you stay committed and passionate, it’ll pay off,” she said.
Bella’s journey to becoming a franchise owner of Playa Bowls in West Chester is a powerful example of hard work, resilience, and the importance of strong mentorship. As a woman in business, she’s breaking barriers and inspiring others to follow their dreams. Her story reminds us that any challenge can be overcome with the right mindset, and success is possible for those willing to put in the effort.
Bella, thank you for sharing your experience with us today. We can’t wait to see how you continue to thrive in business and inspire others!
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