Mom Boss: Meet Nicole of Bella Bars
Hi Everyone, my name is Nicole Ingram and I am the founder of Bella Bars. Little bit about me, I live in Dallas, TX, I am a mom of 2 little ones, Lucas (3) Bella (1), full time job holder, entrepreneur and wife.
My entire life I always knew I had 2 things: Drive & an entrepreneurial spirit. I was the girl at 8 years old, setting up the lemonade stand and flagging people down just so I could get that new Polly Pocket my parents refused to buy me. As much as that entrepreneurial spirit was in me, I never found anything that sparked my passion enough to take the leap of faith to start my own company.
2 years ago, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes while pregnant with my daughter Bella. Having gestational diabetes is not only a change in diet but also a change in lifestyle. For me, the hardest part wasn’t checking my blood sugar 4 times a day or the constant thirst, it was finding items to eat! I struggled with finding snacks that were low in sugar, high in protein but that actually tasted good and were good for me and the baby.
I needed an on-the-go snack that I could eat in the mornings, between my meetings, or when I went to pick up my son from school that met the nutritional requirements I was looking for.
After a ton of research, I decided to create my own and name the company after my daughter, Bella.
Starting this journey & owning my own business has been the biggest roller coaster of my life but one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.
I had no idea how to start a business, let alone a food business. For me, getting into an industry I knew nothing about was the hardest. I had to learn quickly and lean on others that had the knowledge and experience I lacked. I also struggled with juggling it “all”. Moms are the hardest working people I know. Finding the balance between raising a family and going after your dream is tough. Not to mention, still working a full 9 am to 5 pm job. I had to sit down and say, I can’t do this all myself. I had to let certain things go & ask for help, which doesn’t always come naturally to me. I know some of you reading this are nodding your heads too.
I had to be ok with dinner being the 3-day old pasta and meatballs I made on Sunday & chicken nuggets for the kids...again. I had to be ok with the house looking like a complete disaster. I needed to let certain things go so I could focus on what was really important; spending time with my family, pursuing my dream, and also trying to maintain my inner peace.
Asking for help was another thing I had to change. I have been so fortunate to have amazing friends and family that have helped support me through this journey. One of my best friends in New York was furlough during Covid, she is an expecting mom & in between trying to find another job, she has been helping me with all the cost analysis for Bella Bars. I was hesitant to ask for help, but I knew I did not have the expertise and knowledge
that she did. She was so gracious and really helped lay the groundwork for the financial success of the business.
I have heard the quote “Successful women have a tribe of other women supporting them” and that quote really resonated with me. Amazing women, many of them who don’t even know me, have spread the word, offered contacts, or shared their similar stories of the struggles they had. When I hear those stories, it always grounds me in remembering my “why”, Why I started Bella Bars in the first place.
Throughout it all, I am so fortunate to be able to share my story in hopes that other women can follow what they are passionate about but still be amazing moms at the same time.
In Dallas, there are some great resources to help you start up your own business. DEC (Dallas Entrepreneur Center) provides education, mentorship, and advocacy as well as a wealth of other resources.https://thedec.co/
If you are ever in the market for healthy snacks; Bella Bars have 1G of sugar, 10G of protein, are gluten-free & keto but the best part is the taste! Visit our website www.thebellabars.com, I would love your support!
Thanks,
Nicole