The woman behind the success of local business Bella's Kitchen, Isabel Chadwick-Maiava says she is looking to expand regionally after opening a new outlet just last week.

She said her journey has been exciting and challenging. 

"I have come across a lot of of steps in life that have made me nervous and scared at the same time. During these times, I always feel God's presence with me. When I feel like I'm losing it, I always remember why I started this journey in the beginning - for my family to seek a better life," she said.

"Starting is always challenging. We don't succeed right away. We get tested a lot in how strong our faith is in our Lord. Believing in yourself and knowing you have the support of your loved ones will make a huge difference in how you carry yourself. 

"Believe, and you shall succeed with the help of your family and friends and those who have supported you since day one."

Isabella is a mother to three young boys. She said sacrifices were made to ensure financial stability. 

"My sacrifice is having to spend hours away from my children to complete everything needed for the business. I know it is a sacrifice I make because I believe it will benefit them and their future."

"We now have three branches for Bella's Kitchen. We have our main branch which is in Tauese operating for 4 years, we have Bella's Cafe located in Moata'a which we opened in June this year, and Bella's Kitchen 2 which we opened on 27 November 2024. "

In the long run, Isabel is aiming to go regional, she is targeting Fiji, Pago Pago, and Tokelau. 

"My goal is to continue the success of Bella's Kitchen, creating a safe and enjoyable working space for our staff, I want to help our staff succeed in life," she said. 

"I believe that you can be anything you want to be, dream as big as you want. I believe that you don't have to be successful in school to succeed in life. As long as your heart is in the right place, you can go as far as you want and as big as you want. 

"My goal is to have many branches for Bella's Kitchen especially in Tokelau, Pago Pago and Fiji. Only God can make that happen. Believe and trust in our Lord. He will make it happen if it's meant to be."

"I just want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you for your support. From when we started our food trailer to opening Bella's Kitchen until now. Thank you for all of your support. During COVID it was the most difficult time for us as we just opened Bella's Kitchen in Tauese, but God stood by our side throughout COVID. 

"We survived and we will continue to survive because my faith and trust in the Lord is solid and strong. Thank you all so much Samoa for making Bella's Kitchen a reality. They say dreams do come true, and can yours."