An Interview with Entrepreneur Meiyen Bell of Premier Designs

Classic, refined and refreshing are the words that come to mind when I think of Meiyen Bell. I met Meiyen recently at one of her Premier Design shows and she blew me away with her presentation. Meiyen's products are excellent quality, well designed, well priced and transcend age, culture and economic status.

Meiyen presented a show for me and a few of my friends recently and they too were very impressed with what she had to offer. Although the products speak for themselves, what impressed me most about Meiyen is her dedication and enthusiasm for something she really believes in. I recently was able to catch up with Meiyen and talk to her about her business and her vision for the future.

A.C.: Hi lovely lady! Thanks so much for taking some time to speak with me and our audience.

M.B.: The pleasure is all mine, Karen - thanks for having me!

A.C.: Okay, let's start at the beginning. Where are you from Meiyen and where did you grow up?

M.B.: Well, I was born in Nashville, TN, but my parents moved to Atlanta with me when I was two years old, so I've been in Atlanta pretty much all of my life.

A.C.: Since you were so young when you moved from Nashville, do you consider yourself an Atlantan?

M.B.: Absolutely! I learned how to drive in Atlanta traffic, and I can navigate all the different "Peachtree" streets, roads, and boulevards - if that doesn't make me an Atlantan, nothing can!

A.C.: I understand you graduated from Oglethorpe University with a BA in Communications. Do you think that your degree assisted you in your ability to express yourself as well as you do?

M.B.: I have no doubt that it has. Believe it or not, I was painfully shy when I first started college. However, during my very first semester, I opted to take a public speaking class!!! I don't know what I was thinking! But then I ended up with a communications degree, and now I'm in the process of getting ready to attend law school in the Fall of 2010! My education has enriched my personal and professional development so much. I can't wait to see what's next!

A.C.: Tell me a little bit about your aspirations for Law School.

M.B.: Well, I'm not quite sure what type of law I want to practice yet...I've thought a lot about going into family law, but honestly, I know that I would get way too involved emotionally in my cases, and I would end up driving myself crazy! That being said, I think I may wind up heading in the direction of corporate law. It would be challenging, non-stop, and I really think I'll enjoy it.

A.C.: Now, let's talk about your business with Premier Designs. How did you get into the business?

M.B.: I am not a salesperson, and I never have been. I've tried to sell everything from cosmetics to international long distance service, and I hate putting pressure on people to buy things from me. With Premier, I was introduced to top-quality jewelry at INCREDIBLY reasonable prices - and the jewelry is absolutely beautiful. It sells itself, so I don't have to put pressure on people to buy it! Besides, Premier is a company whose values are compatible with my own. It's a Bible-based company whose profits ALL go to support missionaries around the world. Everything about Premier has simply amazed me: I am passionate about the cause, the mission, and OF COURSE, the jewelry!

A.C.: Do you think that this is a passion that will continue even after you become a lawyer?

M.B.: You know, I really do. Premier is something that allows me to be flexible and work on my own schedule - and it's fun! As long as it never becomes a source of stress, I absolutely will continue my Premier career.

A.C.: You appear to be a woman of great faith. How has your faith impacted your daily life?

M.B.: Thank you, I appreciate that, Karen. My faith is a HUGE part of who I am, who I've been, and how far I've come. Jesus is the reason for every successful venture I've been a part of. He is my strength when I'm feeling discouraged. He's always, ALWAYS somehow managed to bring me out of negative situations, and He's still working on me. I try to pray about every major decision I'm faced with before moving forward. God knows I've tried so many times to do things my own way, and it has only resulted in Him having to pull me out of another bed of quicksand. But He never gives up on me, and I love Him so much.

A.C.: You have such an entrepreneurial heart and I love that about you! Can you let our audience know how to contact you for a Presentation or hosting one of your parties?

M.B.: I would LOVE to! You can call me at 404-217-4765, email me at Meiyen@mbellindustries.com , and be sure check out my website and contact me there: www.mbellindustries.com

A.C.: What advice would you offer aspiring entrepreneurs?

M.B.: I would say that, in order to truly succeed in your business, you need to make sure that you maintain a high level of integrity in EVERY correspondence, transaction, and interaction that you have with people. For instance, don't try to sell a product that you would not buy yourself. Don't sugarcoat the truth. Be honest with people, and they will see your transparency and appreciate you all the more for it. Besides, Jesus will bless you in your business if you honor Him in all that you do.

A.C.: Thanks so much for sharing with us about who you are and what motivates you to do great things in life. I wish you all of the blessings that God has in store for you and your family Meiyen!