Today we’d like to introduce you to Stella Hankins.
Hi Stella, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Russia and immigrated to the United States with my family when I was young. Creativity was always how I processed the world, but for a long time I struggled with addiction. Getting sober completely changed the direction of my life, and this year I celebrated nine years of sobriety.
During the pandemic, I started Bella Bonita Designs with a simple goal: to create artwork that made people feel seen, confident, and connected. What began as selling prints and illustrations has grown into a fashion illustration and textile design business, where I create products, exhibit my artwork, and provide live illustration experiences for brands, weddings, and luxury events.
Today, I’ve had the opportunity to illustrate for brands like Tiffany & Co., Fendi, and Carolina Herrera, open my own storefront in downtown Wichita, and continue building a business rooted in creativity, community, and the belief that art has the power to bring people together. My journey has taught me that some of the most beautiful things can come from the hardest chapters, and that philosophy is at the heart of everything I create.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building a business comes with plenty of uncertainty, but my biggest challenge happened long before I became an entrepreneur. I struggled with addiction in my early twenties, and getting sober was the hardest-and most important-thing I’ve ever done.
Like many small business owners, I’ve also faced financial challenges, self-doubt, and the reality of wearing every hat-from artist and designer to marketer, accountant, and shipping department. There have been seasons where I questioned whether I could make a living as an artist, but those moments taught me resilience and forced me to keep creating, learning, and adapting.
As an immigrant and a woman building a creative business from the ground up, I’ve learned that success rarely happens overnight. Every setback has helped shape both my work and my perspective. Looking back, I’m grateful for those challenges because they’ve given me empathy, determination, and a deeper appreciation for every opportunity I’ve had. They also remind me why I create-to encourage others to embrace their own stories and believe that difficult chapters don’t have to define the rest of their lives.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a fashion illustrator, textile designer, and creative entrepreneur, as well as the founder of Bella Bonita Designs. My work celebrates femininity, confidence, and self-expression through hand-drawn illustration. I create everything from original artwork and printed textiles to live fashion illustrations for luxury brands, weddings, and special events.
One of my favorite parts of what I do is live illustration. There’s something incredibly special about creating a hand-drawn portrait in just a few minutes and watching someone’s reaction as they see themselves through an artistic lens.
Beyond client work, I’m passionate about building community through art. I host creative events, workshops, and exhibitions that encourage people to slow down, connect, and embrace creativity. Whether it’s a gallery show, a drawing class, or designing a collection of wearable art, my goal is always the same: to create experiences that make people feel seen and inspired.
What I’m most proud of is building a business that reflects my values. Every opportunity-from opening my storefront in downtown Wichita to working with international fashion brands-has been built from the ground up through persistence, relationships, and a genuine love for my craft.
I think what sets my work apart is that it’s deeply personal. My illustrations aren’t just portraits; they’re a celebration of individuality. My journey through recovery, my experience as an immigrant, and my love of fashion all influence the way I create. I want people to leave with more than a beautiful illustration-I want them to feel confident, celebrated, and connected.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was funny, curious, and incredibly close with my family. We’re very family-oriented, and some of my favorite memories are traveling together, exploring new places, and experiencing different cultures. I’ve also always asked a lot of questions. My mom used to joke that I should become a lawyer because I always had a comeback or another question to ask. That was the plan for college until I took a huge risk and went to school for fashion design instead.
I was creative from a young age and loved drawing, but I was also bullied quite a bit for things that make me who I am today-my curly hair, my height, and being Russian. At the time, those things made me want to blend in. Now they’re some of the qualities I love most about myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bellabonitadesigns.com
- Instagram: @bellabonitadesigns
- Facebook: @bellabonitadesigns
