About

About The Bella Insider

The Bella Insider is a platform dedicated to helping new graduates navigate life after college. We encourage young women to use their unique talents & gifts, live with courage, and celebrate themselves. Here you’ll find weekly blog posts with everyday advice, fun inspiration, and unique travel finds & experiences⁠—for your first job, first living experience outside your college campus, and adventures you take post-college.

Meet Sarah

Hi there, my name is Sarah! I’m a new graduate from the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, one of the top engineering programs in the country. Growing up, I was skilled in math & science, and I was promised it would lead to a promising & fulfilling career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Heck, I planned to be an engineer since middle school!

Life turned out a little bit different though. 

Through my college years, I rediscovered old talents and felt the need for a creative outlet. I painted, worked with florists, interned with designers, wrote on this site, found any opportunity to learn new creative skills outside my demanding courses. I got my engineering degree, but my rebellious, creative spirit led me to pursue a full-time career in social media marketing immediately after I graduated. I now work full-time at a media production powerhouse in Austin, Texas.

When I’m not blogging or working, you can find me strolling through the snack aisles of Trader Joe’s, photographing lifestyle portraits for graduating seniors, or finding plane tickets for my next adventure.

Our Values

• We stay curious: We keep an open mind to new ideas. We are open to learning about others and their beliefs. We are always exploring through different hobbies and new experiences. 
  
• We choose possibilities: We don’t let our backgrounds define our futures. We believe in the freedom to create who you want to become using your unique gifts, talents, and skills. 
  
• We take action responsibly: We are reliable and honest. We do the right thing. We take risks while being informed. We make thoughtful choices that consider others and the planet even when it seems inconvenient.
  
• We value experiences over things: We see the value of experiencing more and owning less. We only recommend products and services that allow you to experience what life has to offer to the fullest and focus on the stuff that really matters.
  
• We choose a life well-lived: We see beauty in the every day and have fun wherever we are. We know people can approach us with a positive attitude, because we choose to live well.
  
• We connect with others: We help, support, and connect with others in our community. We ask for help, lend a helping hand, and celebrate each other’s wins.

Our Partners

The Bella Insider has partnered with brands and businesses to inspire college women, new graduates, and young working professionals. Some key partners have included: Pottery Barn Teen, Teen Vogue, Supergoop!, The Container Store, TOMS, Kraft Heinz, and top Texas grocery chain H-E-B. Want to be one of our next partners? Send us a message.

Did You Know?

1. The Bella Insider was started in 2011 as a way for Sarah to document her fashion and beauty finds!
   
2. Blogging was so unpopular when Sarah started, this site was featured in a one-page spread of her high school yearbook because no one else was doing it!
   
3. Sarah used to hate the color pink!

Need Some Help Getting Started?

Check Out These Links:

My Frequently-Asked Questions

The Advice I Give to All Graduation College Seniors

Working in Social Media: The 5 FAQs I Get on LinkedIn