Kentucky Small Business Development Center

Bella Rose

Lexington, KY

Owner: Betty Spain
SBDC: Bluegrass

Bella Rose, an awarding winning clothing boutique, has been dressing Central Kentucky women in exclusive designs for 28 years. The store, owned and operated by Betty Spain, prides itself on offering “big city fashion” in an environment that offers “small town charm.” In fact, Spain insists that her customers kick their shoes off and stay until she and her associates find the perfect ensemble that makes the customer look and feel beautiful. This philosophy works; Bella Rose continues to serve the same women that shopped there 28 years ago along with their daughters and granddaughters.

Betty Spain has utilized the Bluegrass SBDC for support and guidance over the years. She made it a priority to conduct regular business check-ups with management consultant Bill Bloom. She constantly bounced ideas off Bloom and looked for ways to keep her store fresh. Bloom gave her the encouragement she needed and served as her “unbiased cheerleader.” Spain also learned the importance of being involved in the community from Bloom and regularly supports local philanthropic events.

"Small business owners can feel isolated so I was grateful to have the opportunity to take ideas to Bill, someone I trusted and respected. His creativity really encouraged mine,” Spain said.

Dr. Bloom passed away in January 2008 at the age of 91. He served as a management consultant at the Bluegrass SBDC from 1985 - 2006. He counseled hundreds of Central Kentucky’s most successful business owners during his tenure, including Betty Spain.

Bloom was proud of Spain and her success. He recommended that she be invited to participate in the exclusive Women’s Peer-to-Peer Mentoring Group sponsored by the Bluegrass SBDC. This group, comprised of Lexington’s most prominent business women, meets monthly to provide each other with advice and support and discuss important business issues. It is the only mentoring group exclusive to women in Central Kentucky.

“It’s so helpful to have a group of women that understands the different situations facing business owners. We have a wonderful time learning from the experiences of each other,” Spain said.