After 30 years in the insurance and financial services industry, I sold my company to focus on a part-time hobby-business formed in 2011 that evolved into my full-time passion -- Just for Bella, LLC.

Just for Bella, LLC was formed as the result of my Shih Tzu puppy, Bella. Since Bella was my very first puppy, I did a great deal of research and shopping. There’s a lot of cute puppy “stuff” out there, but I found myself being very particular on color, design, and overall quality.

After many stops at local pet store establishments and countless hours on-line with accompanying orders, I thought, hey, why not make a dress pattern for Bella and pick out the exact fabric and embellishments that suit me? After all, I had a sewing class in junior high. How hard can it be? Well, that was August 2008.

Simple dresses transitioned into detailed patterns, trims, embellishments and even embroidery and applique. To complement all of Bella’s dresses, custom leashes adorned with matching ribbon were created. Then came Bella’s adorable and very practical harnesses with matching leashes too. Of course, Bella needed her coordinating blankets – and she has more than her share -- cuddly, warm, and customized “Just for Bella.” Next came Bella’s leather collars and leashes. High-quality leather hand-made using genuine Swarovski crystals and solid brass hardware. Bella’s favorite signature style is named “Bella” and is the moniker collar and leash style at Just for Bella, LLC.

After literally hundreds of dresses for Bella, dozens of outfits for Bella’s friends, hundreds of collars and leashes, and numerous requests for custom dresses, harnesses, collars and leashes for others, I decided to share Bella’s “Unique Puppy Couture” and opened Just for Bella on Etsy in 2011. I hope you enjoy perusing the many unique and custom-made items.