This month, MyMommyVents gives you an inside look at the lives of everyday moms who are juggling it all. From breastfeeding advocates and authors to designers, these women aren’t just changing diapers, they’re changing the world.
Before her son began walking, Roxanne Bryan found shopping for baby shoes difficult. “Most of the shoes on the market had soles, and the soft-sole shoes all were too ‘cutesy.” Roxanne’s frustration led her to create Bella Simone, where she designs and manufactures beautifully hand crafted shoes and booties for babies and infants with style.
Originally from the twin island of Trinidad & Tobago and Trini to de bone, Roxanne is wife to her college sweetheart Ezra, and mom to their 21 month old son, Ezra II (EJ).
Though she’s been in business less than a year, her passion for fashion shows in all of her designs. Roxanne creates stylish options, integrating fashion and function to give moms more choices than the traditional baby shoe.
“Most brands focus heavily on kids, you know, those ages 2 and up, and the baby category is left behind. I am not personally fond of cartoon characters on my son and the prints that over emphasize ‘BABY’ per se, and I have found that there are other moms like me around, who want a more stylish alternative for their babes.”
Bella Simone offers baby shoes for both boys and girls, with a wide range of colors and styles.
“The market is flooded with various girl styles, but the boys’ selection was so limited. I dabbled with some fabric samples, then leather & suede, and found that they were well received by friends and family. I decided to add them to my Etsy shop, [where] I was making headbands at the time.”
Inspired by magazines, blogs, and everyday fashion, Roxanne pairs her education with her creativity to create new designs.
“I have an undergrad degree in Fashion Marketing, so I have always kept up with the industry as much as I can. I have basic shoe templates and I add to them.”
But how does the busy mom manage a business and a baby?
“It’s a work-in-progress honestly. Bella Simone is at such a critical stage right now, that it’s like I have two demanding children under the age of 2. Motherhood is ongoing, and my son is at the age where he wants me N.O.W. Weekends are when I get the most of my physical work done for the business. My husband and family members are a big help.”
Find more of Bella Simone’s hand crafted shoes and booties for stylish babies at BellaSimoneNYC.com or follow @BellaSimone on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest .
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I love this! I wish these had been around when my kids were small. Such cute styles. What a great story!