We had the good fortune of connecting with Bella Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bella, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Bella’s Dress Closet is a non-profit organization that I started at the very beginning of COVID in March 2019. I have grown up loving to volunteer and finding different ways to be hands-on in my community. While I love to spend my time volunteering, I also have a love and passion for all things fashion. I wanted to combine my two loves into something that not only I could take ownership in but also all the people in the network I have built over the years. Being in high school and competing in beauty pageants has given me the chance to find girls that would be able to provide dresses for my closet. My goal is to serve girls in low-income neighborhoods in a way that didn’t seem like charity. This is how I created my platform of #createtheopportunity. I wanted to create the opportunity for girls to wear high end dresses that could be used for any event whether it be prom, homecoming, church, a business dress, or just a dress to feel good in going out. I truly believe that you cannot put a price tag on confidence.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am actually a senior in high school. While starting a non-profit organization has been difficult, navigating finding balance between school, being a teenager, competing in pageantry, and running the dress closet has been quite a challenge. I have learned how to efficiently block time in my schedule for all of my responsibilities and things I love to do. I am most successful when I set goals. I ensure my goals are measurable and have a step-by-step path of achievement. This helps me keep my motivation and circle back to my “why.” When I make my schedule, I also block out time for self-care and relaxation time. By keeping myself organized and accountable, I prevent myself from burnout. I have my different passions and interests. I use my youth to my advantage to dive into those things.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I absolutely love living and growing up in Dallas. If a friend is coming in town my first stop would be break at an amazing Guatemalan restaurant/bakery called San Martin on McKinney Avenue. After a delicious meals and some pastries to go, I would head to the Dallas Zoo for a day filled of fun and adventure. I would conclude my day at Klyde Warren park for a movie on the lawn, a food truck dinner and, of course, a joy ride on the electric scooters.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My grandfather immigrated from Cuba in the 60s with the hope of creating opportunity for generations to come. His immigration story and unconditional love for creating opportunities for those around him is the foundation I built my non-profit on. Bella’s Dress Closet wouldn’t be progressing if it wasn’t for my all female-board that is just as passionate about my mission as I am.

Instagram: @dresscloset_dallas

Facebook: @dressclosetdallas

Other: Tik Tok: @bellasdresscloset email: belladressclosetdallas@gmail.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.