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

Hi Bella, what do you want your legacy to be?
I like this question because it gives me a chance to reflect and reminds me of a quote I have saved: “I remember when I was younger I wanted to be beautiful; now I’m older and I want to be intelligent. I want to burn hearts with brilliance and engulf souls with compassion. I want to be loved for my thoughts and nothing else.” Some of my pictures have been used in art pieces and tattoos but what I really want to be remembered by is how close I stuck to my morals and what I stood for. I’ve always believed that having integrity allows me to be true to myself & live authenticly. Most importantly, I’d like my legacy to be recorded as my inner beauty.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am an published model. My brand is me. I sell my merchandise through my online store BBXSHOP. I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of artists, each of which who bring their own styles to the table. I’m also 1/2 of Funk Freaks Boutique which will launch summer 2020!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I am in San Diego my favorite place hands-down to visit is Chicano Park, located in Logan Heights. It’s a huge park under the Coronado Bridge. Every year in April people come from far and wide to celebrate Chicano Park day. The park is home to the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world. You can’t help but to stare in awe. When the celebration is taking place they have Aztec dancers who come and perform, musicians, vendors & lowriders all along Logan Ave. To have a refreshing drink I like to go to Por Vida Cafe. They have great coffee! Also on Logan Ave. Barrio Dogg & ¡Salud! Tacos always are a must go. It’s definitely an event that makes you feel proud to be a Chicano!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost I would have to recognize my mom, my tias & my dad. They all have allowed me to be who I am from the start. They all play a role in contributing to my growth. I also receive continued support from my second family & my fiancé. Another group of people who absolutely deserves recognition would be all the photographers/videoagraphers who have worked with me these last four years. They are a huge part of this!

Website: Bbxshop.bigcartel.com
Instagram: @bbx.951
Other: Sdvoyager.com/interview/life-work-bella-dee/

Image Credits
Photographers Instagram’s – Personal picture – @Kools.jpg 1. Copper dress – @Tijero_gold 2. Jeans – @Tijero_Gold 3. Curly hair – @Usual.suspekt 4. Red dress – mom 5. Lowrider Bike – @Kools.jpg