Luxury exemplary lives, our new series created to introduce you to extraordinary examples of life in the luxury industry. Throughout this series of interviews we will be immersed in the lives of renowned personalities in the industry to be inspired by their brilliant careers, learn about their goals and delve into their lives with the sole purpose of finding role models and extraordinary success stories.

Luxury Exemplary Lives Episode 1: Izabela Zofia Switon-Kulinska “Bella Sofia”   Izabela Zofia Switon-Kulinska better known as Bella Zofia is a Swiss businesswoman, blogger, influencer and journalist expert in fashion, beauty, travel and lifestyle who has an extraordinary career in one of the world’s most sought-after industries.    Her journey began at the young age of 15 as a professional model, which led her to grow up surrounded by a world full of luxury and extravagance. As time and her experience advanced, she discovered that her true passion was in the world of fashion and so in 2013 she became an entrepreneur, co-founding  Désirée Fashion, a company focused on the design of exclusive women’s dresses; At the same time, Bella was studying a master’s degree in art history and accrediting various fashion and business management courses. Later in 2016 Bella expanded her business horizons by founding Défile Events.   Bella entered the world of social media in 2018 as a content creator on IG (@bella_zofia) and continues her passion for fashion and lifestyle, always seeking to inspire and empower women to travel, undertake and grow professionally and personally. Bella founded her website where she delights us with all her knowledge, experiences and the best tips to live a life of wellness and motivate women and enthusiasts to continue exploring and seeking to achieve our goals. 

 

 

Without a doubt, an exemplary life, let’s get to know Bella in more detail and let her tell us a little about her life in her own words, her path to success and of course continue to fill us with inspiration…

 

• How does Bella define herself?

A:  Definitely as a mother, wife and entrepreneur. I am constantly looking for improvement and living my best life. What I mean by that is that every day I wake up and try to be a better version of myself and create life that I love and enjoy. I find it in a simple pleasures:  coffee with my husband, playtime with my son, walking in the park, attending fashion shows or working on a new exciting project. 

 

• Bella, you have been involved in the fashion and lifestyle industry since a very young age, so, since when you knew you wanted to pursue a career in this industry?

A: I started my journey with fashion at age of 15 with my first modelling job and a cover for a teenage magazine. Before that, I didn’t think much about working in the fashion industry. I was a creative child that loved art, beauty and fashion, but it was more of a joy and pleasure, not a career step. At that age, I imagined myself as an art gallery owner, which later in life also happened. 

 

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• Do you consider growing up as a model surrounded by fashion and luxury influenced your decision of starting a business in the luxury niche? Why?

A: Yes, of course. Fashion and luxury lifestyle were part of my world and even though I graduated with Art History Degree I have never wanted to stop this part of my career. There were moments in my life when I was working in a corporate surrounding and I missed fashion so much. The excitement of fashion shows, discovering new designers and seeing myself in a magazine or at an exhibition.

 

• You have worked with several top tier brands, which experience helped you or motivated you to learn the most in order to start your own business?

A: Every experience was unique for me and I was either inspired after or learn many lessons. I loved working with Porsche on their limited edition calendar. It was a huge organization and I felt like Alice in Wonderland. I loved the fashion weeks experience in Milan, back then as a model, not as an influencer like right now. Also participating in model contests was quite a journey that shaped me and made me stronger.

 

•  We admire the work you have achieved with Défile Events. How did you manage to create a successful entrepreneurship in one of the most demanded and desirable industries in the world?

A: Thank you so much. I believe that brands want to work with me mostly because of my strong fashion, luxury and events experience. I am trying to always give my clients the best treatment, I listen to their needs after designing the project they imagine. Same if it’s a fashion show, event or photo campaign.

 

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• Who was Défile Events´s first client? How was the experience?

A: It was a fashion show during the prestigious Geneva International Motor Show for the DS Automobiles brand. I presented my own collection of dresses for a luxury fashion show during the press day. I was also pregnant at that time and I kept beautiful memories from it.

 

• What do you enjoy the most of working in this industry?

A:  I love the excitement that is connected with the fashion industry. Exclusivity, beauty, craftsmanship and innovation. This job offers me freedom which is very important for me and my lifestyle. I love to travel often and discover new places, cultures and also new brands and possibilities.

 

• What would you consider was the biggest obstacle when you started your business?

A: For me always accounting part is the most challenging. I am a creative mind and often this field is a struggle for me, especially working in different countries.

 

• If you had to start a new business in the luxury industry, what would it be? Why?

A: I would start a luxury brand and jewellery PR Agency.

 

• We know you have lived in several countries, in your opinion, which country is the best option to be based in order to make a career in the fashion / luxury industry and why?

A: Every country has their opportunities, but also downsides. Italy, especially Milan or Rome and Paris in France are great for the fashion and luxury goods industry. We can’t ignore Dubai which is becoming one of the most important places for this industry.  My adopted home Switzerland has a less developed fashion industry, however, the luxury goods services are one of the highest in the world. It offers a lot of possibilities when it comes to jewellery, watches travel and the luxury industry. I also think that now in a digital era we can run a business from an exotic island and benefit from the amazing lifestyle while not compromising on our careers. 

 

 

• Do you have any advice for women trying to make a career or start a business fashion related?

A: I would say that first, it’s important to start with a passion. If the fashion industry fascinates you and you enjoy being part of this quickly changing world then it’s a good starting point. After of course, you need to have a clear vision of what your business will look like and be very consistent. Learn from the mistakes and move forward. Stick to your vision and it will pay off.

 

• What does the future look like for Bella?

A: I hope it’s a bright future. I am currently 7 months pregnant with my 2nd son, so after he will be born I will take some time off to stay with him. I definitely see myself as a wife and mother who balances her private life with a career. I would love to develop my Bellazofia website and still work on the Defiléé Events project. Hopefully, I could design some very exciting fashion shows or campaigns. Carry on with travelling and working with new fascinating brands and projects. 

 

 

Mother, wife, model and businesswoman, Izabella is the perfect role model. I can personally say that she was the main personality that motivated me to start AF Luxury & Lifestyle to share my passion with my readers. Throughout the process for this interview, Izabella was extremely attentive and kind to collaborate with us and to be able to share with you the feeling of inspiration that I felt when I learned about her story and all her successes. 

 

Definitely the best way to start this series, an inspiring story of constant work and full of successes, Izabella gives us the opportunity to learn about her story to inspire us to follow in her footsteps and pursue our goals and our passion every day. 

 

I am sure that all readers will want to know and learn more about Bella and her impeccable career, so I share with you the official links so that you can follow her journey and her lifestyle more closely:

Bella Zofia Blog: www.bellazofia.com

Défile Events official webpage: www.defileevents.com

Instagram: @bella_zofia  www.instagram.com/bella_zofia/

 

Special thanks Izabella Zofia Switon-Kulinska for giving me the opportunity to get to know her better and keep learning from her career, I will always be thankful for the kindness and motivation she gave me throughout the interview.

 

Written by Founder and Head editor: Anton Fernandez, in collaboration with Izabella Zofia Switon-Kulinska.