How I Go Columbia: Reshieka Bell
Reshieka Bell is a woman of many talents.
In 2005, Bell joined the Columbia Fire Department as a receptionist while working on her associate degree in business. After completing the degree, she was upgraded to administrative assistant. But the Columbia native didn’t stop there. Bell went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and then, in 2008, a masters in business administration. In 2012, she was promoted to fire analysis specialist, a position in which she manages the fire incident and budget reports and works as the liason with insurance departments. Her current goal is to move up to deputy fire marshal.
“I want to not just work behind the desk but in the field as well,” Bell said.
But her work with the fire department isn’t Bell’s only occupation. She also owns Fashion Forward Mobile Boutique, a mobile retail shop specializing in women’s fashion accessories and apparel. Though the “shop” intially began in Bell’s car trunk, in 2014 a growing business and inspiration from the food truck revolution led Bell to purchase a 20-foot truck to bring stylish, affordable, designer-inspired fashion to her customers. In June, you can find Bell and her boutique at Columbia Fashion Week.
EAT: One of my favorite places to eat during lunch is No Name Deli on Marion and Assembly streets. Their menu has such a great variety, the food is delicious and the customer service is outstanding. They make everything from scratch so you know you’re eating fresh, unprocessed foods – not to mention, the portions are very large so you’re getting big bang for your buck.
When I have a taste for Southern charm, I eat at Yesterdays, the best in town for Southern cuisine. I always leave stuffed. It’s so worth the binge. When I’m feeling fancy, I drive across town to dine in at Liberty on the Lake on Lake Murray. There's nothing like enjoying great food while taking in the beautiful scenery of the lake.
DRINK: On the weekends when I’m not popping up shop in the fashion truck, I love to meet up with my social group, “Girls Wear Pearls” and enjoy fun, laughs and drinks at Mynt Lounge and Bistro. When I’m feeling daring, I’ll hit the Vista with my fiancé where we walk and enjoy the scenery, visit local shops and drop in at Wild Wing Cafe on Gervais Street to enjoy a few sweet daiquiris. I live for their Pina-Colada Daiquiri.
LISTEN: I love to attend The Township for the R&B concerts. Such a beautiful renovation inside. In the spring and summer I love their parking lot concerts. Columbia has a lot of talent and hidden gems that are slowly uprooting the metro area.
I enjoy the weekend Summer in the Park series of concerts at Finlay Park during the spring and summer months. I think it’s awesome that city Of Columbia Parks and Recreation showcases this free event yearly. My fiancé and I relax and unwind to the wonderful melodies of the artists all while our son enjoys playing in the park. It’s a great opportunity for me to spend time with my family in the midst of my hectic schedule.
PLAY: When I’m not in attendance at my son’s sports games and my fiancé’s basketball games, I’m roaming the city in my bright red fashion truck, Fashion Forward Mobile Boutique. A part-time career for me is considered my play time. While I’m actually working, it seems like play to me because I enjoy it so much. I love being able to live out my dreams of owning a boutique all while wardrobe styling, inspiring and changing the lives of women in the process.
SEE: My family and I love movies so most of my date nights are to the movies with my fiancé or we’ll catch a day-movie with our son on Sundays after church. Because we love to watch movies in comfort, I always opt for the best cinemas in town – Regal Cinemas Sandhill and Regal Cinemas Columbiana Grande. Beautiful theaters with a lot of amenities.
This story was originally published May 18, 2016 at 12:19 PM with the headline "How I Go Columbia: Reshieka Bell."