Here at Belly Bandit HQ, a women-owned and operated company, we believe in celebrating the success of all women in business! Our “Moms Who Made It” series is our way of honoring Mompreneurs who inspire us every day.
This month we are thrilled to be featuring Michelle Buelow, founder of Bella Tunno - a line fun and functional products that have a "greater" purpose. For every product sold, from bibs to bowls, Bella Tunno gives a child in need a meal -yes, 2 MILLION MEALS have been donated to date. We love everything about this company and their mission!
Describe your business philosophy:
Clever, Curious, Courageous, Generous, Kind.
What inspired you to go into business?
I lost my brother and only sibling, Matt, to drugs and alcohol. I wanted to create a fund in his name to leave his legacy as more than a drug addict. He was kind and funny and smart and my best friend. I wanted his name to be linked with all the good things he was instead of the label of ‘addict’ so I started the Matt Tunno Make a Difference Fund to give others the chance to live the life he would have wanted. We have never sold a product without donating to his fund.
When did you know you, “made it?”
I haven’t. I keep thinking I might feel that way after each big product launch, award or each time we land a big account, but I’ve come to realize that I don’t measure success that way. I think I’ll feel like I’ve made it when we can provide at least one meal to every hungry child in America. We’re at the 2 million meal mark, so we have a ways to go….there are 13 million hungry children in the USA.
Who is your mentor?
I don’t have just one. I’m so fortunate to be in many powerful women networks. I am a Vital Voices Global Ambassador and an Ernst & Young Winning Woman. I consider so many of the smart, kind, generous women that I’ve met through these programs my mentors. I’ve learned so many valuable things from them. think different people are put in your life for so many reasons. I’m so grateful for all of them.
What’s your #1 tip for moms interested in starting their own business?
Don’t overthink it. At some point, you just have to jump and figure it out on the way down. Naivety is one of life’s greatest gifts.
What does “me” time mean to you?
GIRLS TRIPS!!! Girl time is so good for the soul. I’ve been so fortunate that I’ve already done two in 2019 with some of my favorite women. I got to go to the Grammy’s with an amazing group of female entrepreneurs and to a remote town in Mexico with friends I’ve had for over 2 decades.
What‘s on your bedside table?
I don’t read. I’m a podcast girl. Here are my favorite podcasts:
- How I built this with Guy Roz
- Second life – Clique Brands
- Boss Files – Poppy Harlow
Words to live by - Share your favorite quote!
The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why. – Mark Twain
To learn more head to https://bellatunno.com/.
