September Local Business Q & A
Jenna Clegg, owner of Bella’s Closet // Womens’s Clothing Boutique // 2202 Alpine Blvd #103 www.BellasClosetBoutique.com
How does your business serve the community of Alpine? Bella’s Closet supports all the schools, and sports programs by donating gift cards, and gift baskets for fundraising. We also typically hire our employees within the community.
How long have you been a resident of Alpine? I was born and raised in Alpine. I have lived here for 36 years.
Tell us about your family. My husband’s name is Mike. We have been married for almost 12 years. We have 3 kids Cannon 10, Copper 9, and Charlee 4.
What made you choose to make Alpine your home? My parents moved here in the 80s, and I don’t know any different. I love that small town feel. I love walking into Albertsons and knowing 5 different people. I love the tight knit community that Alpine is. In this crazy world we live in, I feel like Alpine is protected in this little bubble, and it’s a special place to me.
What inspired you to start your business? I was working for my dad’s business doing accounting in 2008 when the economy was headed downhill, it was stressful and not what I had envisioned doing when I was 21. I wanted a fun job, and something that was more me. So, I came up with Bella’s Closet. For a few years I worked both jobs, so I could at least have a steady income, until I built Bella’s strong enough to support myself.
What is one of the most difficult things you have encountered while running your business? Well that is tough. In 2012 Alpine had the Sunrise Powerlink project that went straight through the center of town, which made traffic awful on the Blvd. most residents would avoid it at all costs. Many days I was never able to access my driveway to even open, so I would drive to work and not even be able to pull in my driveway. And then of course 2020, which was really scary in business for me. As I’ve grown Bella’s Closet over the years, so have my expenses. I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to pay my overhead, but by the grace of God we pivoted our way through it. We came up with some unique ideas, like curbside pick up, and even delivery. Alpine really knows how to pull together and support small businesses in trying times, and I was more thankful than ever to have my business in Alpine during that time.
What advice would you give someone wanting to start a business? Don’t ever give up. Just like life owning a business comes with so many ups and downs, you just have to stay strong and stick with the hard times and you’ll make your way through it. Stay consistent, and always work hard, In the end hard work always pays off.
How do you define success in your business? Success to me is still having the same people walk through my doors, 15 years later. I have built so many important relationships and friendships with my customers, and the fact they are still shopping with me 15 years later makes me feel like I am doing something right. We pride Bella’s Closet with great customer service which so many businesses don’t have these days, but it’s so important in a small town to keep these people coming back.
How is your business now vs. when you first started? When I opened in 2008 things were much simpler. I didn’t realize I would still be here 15 years later. (Time flies) We have expanded in many ways over the years, bigger store front, we are open 7 days a week, and a website. With the over saturated market online, and big box competition we are always working on ways to stay unique, but still true to ourselves. I truly think that’s why it’s so important to have a brick and mortar location so people actually have somewhere to shop.
How would you describe your companies’ culture? At Bella’s Closet we believe that your clothing is an expression of yourself. We have established a culture that is creative, passionate and friendly in order to inspire each person to embrace their unique style.
What do you look for when hiring employees? With having a brick and mortar location, it’s so important to have someone friendly and outgoing. Someone who isn’t shy about talking to customers, and can help with styling and outfit. Another important qualification is having someone reliable, someone who shows up on time, and is ready to work when they are here.
How have you personally grown since becoming a business owner? I have grown so much over the years. When I was younger I was intimidated by customers because I was so young. After many years in business I have grown so confident with how I run things. I know that it’s impossible to make everyone happy, but all we can do is try our very best everyday.
Do you have anything else you’d like to add…I’d like to thank Alpine for supporting Bella’s Closet these past 15 years. I still can’t believe we’ve been in business that long. It warms my heart being a part of such a special community that loves to support small businesses.
