Meet & Greet: Kelli & Blair, owners of Dallas

The Lonestar State plays host to two hilarious sisters, Kelli & Blair, owners of Bella Bridesmaid Dallas. After opening their Texas boutique in 2008, these ladies have kept brides and their maids excited to shop for the big day! While Kelli and Blair have managed to keep business and family life separate, their close relationship is displayed each day in the shop with the fun-loving environment. We couldn’t wait to catch up and hear a little more about their history and what they’ve been up to since opening their charming boutique…

BB: What were your careers before becoming Bella Bridesmaid owners, and what attracted you both to the franchise?

B: I was an auditor for KPMG when I lived in North Carolina, and then a pharmaceutical sales representative after I moved to Texas. Kelli and I come from an entrepreneurial family, so we always knew we wanted to own our own business together. It just took a lot of searching to find something we thought would be successful as well as something that we would both enjoy. I came across the Bella franchise opportunity on the Internet and immediately knew it was what we’d been looking for!


K: I had been in pharmaceutical sales prior to opening the Bella Bridesmaid franchise in Dallas. I loved the concept of a boutique that specialized in dresses for the bridesmaids instead of cramming them into the back corner of a bridal store, when in reality what your bridesmaids wear truly does set the tone for your wedding.

BB:  What is the most memorable moment so far in owning your boutique?

B: I don’t have a specific moment that comes to mind as much as the overall feeling of enjoying working with my sister. It’s so weird…we definitely have disagreements as sisters but as business partners everything flows rather seamlessly.  We went into this agreeing that we would never let work come between our relationship as sisters and we have stuck to that pact. Knowing you have a sister, best friend and business partner all in the same person is definitely pretty cool!

K: That is so sweet!  Owning the Bella Bridesmaid Dallas franchise together has been such a positive and fun experience for us and has definitely made us both more aware and appreciative of each other’s strengths. 


BB: What is your idea of a perfect night out on the town? Which one of our dresses would you wear, and how would you style it?

B: My perfect night out would be dinner with friends or maybe a gathering of friends at my house! I love the Ceremony collection by Joanna August and would pair the 8th Avenue with wedges and Kendra Scott jewelry.

K: Going out to dinner with my hubby and friends. I love Lela Rose style LR170 with a chunky bracelet and killer heels! 


BB: Fave celebrity wedding dresses?

B: I would probably have to say Salma Hayek’s gown by Balenciaga.  I love the difference in fabric/texture between the bodice and skirt as well as the deep v-neckline. Gorgeous!

K: I thought Reese Witherspoon was perfection when she got married last year. I loved the blush tone of her Monique Lhuillier gown and thought the proportions of the dress was ideal in that the gown didn’t overwhelm her petite frame. The long veil added a bit of drama to her effortlessly beautiful hair and make up; a very soft and romantic look!


BB: How would you each describe your own personal style?

B: I would describe my style as casual chic.  I love flowy tops in solid colors or fun prints.  A great bag and fabulous jewelry are also a must and jeans are the biggest staple in my wardrobe…I do live in Texas!

K: I would say my style is kind of an updated traditional look. I love to incorporate some trendy element with my tried and true basics… and at 5’2 1/2”, I love my heels!

BB: Favorite guilty pleasures?

B: Brisket Quesadillas and Mambo Taxis!  For those not familiar, a Mambo Taxi is a frozen margarita with sangria swirled in. YUM! 

K: Ooohh yes, I’d have to say a really good margarita, with salt of course, and a side of chips & homemade guacamole!


BB: Fave reality show?

B: Ice Loves Coco.  No, this is not a misprint. Those two lovebirds crack me up!


K: OMG; I don’t know whether I’m more embarrassed that my sister just said “Ice Loves Coco” or that I have to admit that the only reality TV I watch is “The Amazing Race” with my 8 year old son! Oh, and of course we watch “Survivor” this season to see Kim Spradlin, my fellow Bella owner in San Antonio & Austin!


BB: Must have beauty item?

B: Mascara & lip-gloss. Please don’t make me choose! Oh, & Retin-A…it definitely helps with the aging process!

K: I’m with Blair on this one; mascara & tinted lip balm!


BB: Dream vacation spot?