12/11/2007 5:12:00 PM
Passion, perseverance pay off for paraplegic
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| The living room walls of this B&B reflect a rotating art exhibit with all pieces for sale. Bobbie Stearn, the first featured artist, shows in galleries in Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. Bobbie’s art is an impressionistic vibrant palette of nudes, florals and Sedona landscapes. |
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| Bella tends to her herb garden. |
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Being a new business owner and a single woman can be challenging, but doing it from a wheelchair adds another dimension.
Annabel "Bella" Sclippa, 37, embarked on this path Oct. 21 when she officially opened a three-room European-style B&B in Old Town Cottonwood.
Also doubling as her residence, The Annabel Inn features all the comforts of home, including cozy couches and delicious homecookin' prepared by Bella, who specializes in European breakfasts. She uses fresh herbs from her garden and adheres to dietary nutrition in meal preparation.
Delicacies include cheeses from Holland, espresso from Italy, jams from France, and dark breads from Germany.
"From raw and organic to full fat indulgent, I am prepared to serve a high quality breakfast that will make you happy that you stayed here!"
This B&B also strives to be "green" with an eco-friendly environment. A water filter and a de-ionizer purify air and water, and Bella uses only cleaning products that are biodegradable and eco-friendly. In addition, all paper goods are either organic, recycled, or both. The walls reflect a rotating art exhibit every quarter with all pieces for sale. Bobbie Stearn, the first featured artist, shows in galleries in Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek, and is in a permanent installment in Tempe as well as private collections in four states. Bobbie's art is an impressionistic vibrant palette of nudes, florals and Sedona landscapes.
Bella didn't always see life from two wheels. At age 18, she sustained a spinal chord injury after being in a car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down.
"A lot of us are less disabled than we know," reflects the brown-haired optimist with sparkling chestnut-brown eyes.
She's had four surgeries since last December. In fact, it was while recuperating in a hospital bed that she envisioned starting a B&B. After visiting a friend in California who's also a B&B owner, Bella developed a business outline.
"The B&B is a nice focus internally," she explains, "because I can stay at home and have people over. ... I want to provide a cozy space for people that they don't want to leave."
Thanks to support from family, friends and local communities, Bella bought a quaint house adorned with a white-picket fence at 611 N. Seventh St. in Cottonwood. Everything inside, from furniture to kitchenware, has been donated by a long list of supporters. She received a stipend to buy new linens, which are non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Despite a hodgepodge of donations, the interior matches seamlessly.
"Everything melded so perfectly!" she explodes. "All the colors are perfect together. It's amazing!"
Numerous volunteers supplied immeasurable amounts of sweat equity to make her dream a reality, she says, tears welling in her eyes.
"It's nothing short of a miracle," she recalls of the endeavor. She purchased the house in July, moved in a month later, and the ribbon cutting for The Annabel Inn, Cottonwood's first official B&B, was Oct. 21.
Bella coordinated efforts by leaving sticky-notes on the refrigerator of projects people could do. Anyone who was able would stop by, select a note, do the task, and the cycle continued until the French doors were ready to open.
Outdoors smacks of a European flair with charming umbrella-covered patio tables lining the wooden deck, wind chimes dangling in the breeze and a bubbling pond lulling guests with serene ripples. It's like a piece of paradise in Old Town.
This B&B isn't Bella's first feat from her wheelchair. In 1994, she won the U.S. Open in Wheelchair Tennis and helped found the Colorado Association of Wheelchair Tennis. She's been assistant editor to Footprints, Colorado University-Boulder's undergraduate literary journal, and graduated Summa Cum Laude from CU-Boulder. Ten years ago she was a nanny for a single father with three children - all from her chair. She maintains some independence by driving a specially designed minivan. In addition, Bella has completed books of poetry and short stories and is currently working on more than one novel. She's also defying doctors' predictions and learning to walk with a walker and using parallel bars.
Challenges as a first-time business owner, she admits, include finding eco-friendly products that smell good and are affordable.
"It's easy to buy in bulk," she chides.
Her discerning European tastes require more effort, most of which can be satisfied at Trader Joe's, World Market or Mount Hope Foods. Bella's goal is to provide the best nutrition and high quality indulgences.
"I can serve to the palate."
Another challenge is learning the business side of running a B&B. She suggests other first-timers find a mentor and contact small business groups for guidance. The main ingredient, however, is to have passion for what you do.
"It takes perseverance and persistence and if there is not passion behind these it will feel like an incredible amount of work," she says, "but if there is passion, it will be playful, inspiring and add to your growth and joy... all of which this has done for me."
The rewards of running the B&B outweigh the challenges, she reflects.
"I can go on vacation whenever I want."
She also enjoys planning the menu, gardening, and interior design.
"It feels like a great accomplishment," she chimes. "I'm thrilled beyond words with my B&B!"
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Posted: Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Article comment by:
Nancy Hertz Ellis
I am proud to have helped Bella by editing one of her many manuscripts. I enjoyed this descriptive article. Such a resourceful and optimistic young woman, Bella will surely steer her beautiful and tranquil B&B to success. I can't wait to visit someday soon!
--Nancy Hertz Ellis
Posted: Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Article comment by:
Norbert Sclippa
Here is an excellent article that well describes Belle, for all the amazing things she is doing. And I should know, I am her proud father ! Looking forward to visit too, and thank you to all who help in this wonderful project.
N. Sclippa
Charleston U., S.C.
Posted: Friday, December 14, 2007
Article comment by:
JNSander
If each one of us could have Bella's outlook on life, the world would be a better place.
Go Bella!
Posted: Friday, December 14, 2007
Article comment by:
comprar
A nice and upbeat article about a deserving enterprise. We know Bella and are among many who are amazed by her talents, charm and perseverance. The Annabelle Inn is her dream, and we have no doubt it will be a comfy and sophisticated retreat for every lucky visitor.
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