In The Press

Brandy Thomason McNair started sending out an email newsletter soon after launching her business, Bella Vita Jewelry, in 2008.

"It just seemed like the thing to do," she told Insider. "I was so green and didn't have a business school background or anything. I just thought I needed to keep up with people somehow."

What It's Like To Turn Your Craft Into A Career

AT THE TENDER AGE OF 18, Brandy McNair was burnt out. The creative fire for handcrafting jewelry that had fueled her childhood and teen years had fizzled. “I wanted to explore other things,” she recalls. But seven years, a bachelor’s degree in interior design and one desk job later, she realized jewelry-making wasn’t just a phase.

Rock City Makers | May 18, 2016

Brandy McNair Puts Her Stamp on Local Jewelry Design with Bella Vita.

Only in Arkansas: Bella Vita Jewelry | May 12, 2016

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Eight years ago, Brandy Thomason McNair started a jewelry making business called Bella Vita Jewelry.

"Handmade, something unique, something you are not going to find at box stores or chain stores," Brandy explains.

Brandy has a passion for the past. She started collected antique buttons years ago. She uses those buttons in her jewelry.

South's Best Holiday Experiences | December 2015

Bella Vita Jewelry featured for "delicate artisanal jewelry" in Arkansas.

Best of Arkansas | 2015

Bella Vita Jewelry voted "Best Artisan" Winner

Best of Arkansas | 2015

Bella Vita Jewelry voted "Best Gift Shop" Finalist

Vintage Redux: Antique Buttons

Bella Vita - Custom Made Jewelry

Brandy Thomason McNair, a Harrison native, is interviewed on Fox 16 about how she shares images from antique buttons through her Vintage Redux jewelry collection.

Drawing a Crowd

"When she created her artisan-jewelry business, Bella Vita Jewelry, in 2008, McNair says she started small and continued working a part-time job while the business grew. In July 2013, she became self-employed full time, and in October 2013, she set up her first Kiva Zip loan campaign for $5,000..." 

Article by Erica Sweeney.

Bella Vita - Custom Made Jewelry

Brandy Thomason McNair, a Harrison native, is interviewed on Fox 16 about her custom jewelry line and holiday shopping hours at her new storefront in downtown Little Rock.

Cute As A Button

"A pastime handed down from her grandmother has become not only a hobby but also a source of professional inspiration for this creative young collector and entrepreneur..." 

Story: Tiffany Burgess Adams | Styling: Mandy Keener

Minimalist

Item by Bella Vita Jewelry

"Jewelry can make or break any ensemble, and pairing the right piece with the right outfit is what makes a fashion statement unique. But when you're on the go, it's not always possible to spend time coordinating accessories. Finding a simple signature piece will make getting dressed in the morning a snap..."

Article and collection curated by Brandy Thomason McNair.

Official Merchandise

Fayetteville Roots Festival necklace by Bella Vita Jewelry

Interview with Brandy of Bella Vita Jewelry and Fall Preview

"Meet Brandy, creator and artist of one of Arkansas’ favorite jewelry brands, Bella Vita Jewelry. Brandy has been making one-of-a-kind jewelry for as long as she can remember, but started making it professionally and having a flourishing business in the last six years. Through selling her jewelry at trunk shows, block parties and craft fairs, she has become an Arkansas artist known by many and has recently been able to practice her craft full-time—something we find more than inspiring. Her jewelry is always infused with her own style and unique to her growing brand, Bella Vita. We decided to sit down with her for a Q and A and  give you all an inside look at her passion and her studio in Little Rock, Arkansas."

Article by Darcy Munoz

Meet the Maker

"Accomplished jewelry designer opens new space in the Main Street creative corridor"

Article by by Amanda Hoelzeman.

5 Stylish Ways to Show Your Arkansas Pride

Native necklace by Bella Vita Jewelry

"Lifelong resident? Show off your status with this stamped brass necklace."

100 One-Of-A-Kind Pieces

Vintage St. Christopher Necklace by Bella Vita Jewelry

"The small purple accents really help this necklace stand out when you layer it."

At Home On The Town: Winter Socialite

Tassel earrings by Bella Vita Jewelry

"Holiday calendar filling up? Here's your what-to-wear guide for every occasion this season."

Photography: Nancy Nolan | Styling: Anna E. Cottrell of Tulip Louise | Produced by: Paulette Pearson

Jewelry Design Success Stories

"The “who, where, and how” behind fabulous jewelry designs is just as interesting and inspiring as the jewelry itself..."

In The Hoop

Hammered copper and rare gemstone earrings by Bella Vita Jewelry

"Handcrafted by Brandy Thomason, these cutouts utilize hammered copper and highlight chrysoprase and chalcedony rare gems."

Recycled chic

"Jewelry classes make something old into something new."

Article by Marsha Schnedler