Here’s one of my most favorite people I met in 2009: the talented, beautiful (inside and out) and ambitious Summer Bellessa former Model, Founder and Editor of Eliza Magazine. Summer’s vision for sharing modest fashion as an art form is inspiring and beautiful. It’s clearly a challenge to create a new magazine in today’s economy yet Summer has proved there’s a market for her niche. I remember a conversation where Summer shared with me that yes, a lot of magazines have and will go digital (Eliza magazine offer both options) but fashion mags won’t become extinct because women want to tear out their pages…(so true! I have a vision board with some of her pages). If you haven’t seen a copy of one of her magazines check it out on her site and you’ll love the narrative style of her features and the interviews are fantastic. Be sure to check her blog too!
Enjoy getting to know Startup Princess Summer Bellessa!
Hometown: Chicago Heights, IL
Current Residence (City, State): Los Angeles, CA/Gilbert, AZ
Education: Some college, but I never did get that degree.
Professional Background: Modeling, now publishing
What you wanted to be when you grew up: Model/Actress/Creative
What you are: Editor and Founder of ELIZA Magazine
Brief Summary of your Start Up: I started ELIZA Magazine because there were no magazines that had my view point. I wanted high fashion with positive articles and images of women.
Company Website? elizamagazine.com
What inspires you? Audrey Hepburn inspires me with her style and the life that she led.
How long have you been in business? 3 years
How did you fund it? Bootstrapping it.
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? My mom.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Smarty LA, Linkedin
Current Business Challenge? The economy
What are you doing about it? Cutting back, but still being bold.
Favorite motivational quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Family? Not yet, someday.
Favorite book? The Bell Jar and Where the Sidewalk Ends
What do you do to relax? Watch movies in bed with my hubby.
What do you want to change most about your world? Make more money.
What are you most proud of? I try to learn from my mistakes and help those around me.
What advice would you like to offer other Startup Princesses? Start now with what you can, don’t wait for everything to be perfect.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Friends.
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? I would design a tarnished silver wreath of encrusted diamond flowers.
Summer is amazing and truly an inspiration to all women entrepreneurs. Her tenaciousness and perseverance in this economy is incredible. Eliza magazine is gorgeous with editorial shoots sure to please the pickiest of fashionistas and critics. Summer’s writers, photographers, stylists, make-up/hair artists, and models, are the creme de la creme. I wish Eliza a long and happy life in the fashion-world…. for all our sakes.
I love her work and her magazine! Continue the great work!!!
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