Bridging the Worlds of Business and Creativity

It’s easy to believe that career paths have to be linear. You choose a lane—business, arts, science—and stick to it. But what if the real magic happens when you break those silos and blend worlds together? What if you could combine a passion for the arts with a deep understanding of business?

That’s exactly what former Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy entrepreneurship student Bella Randle is doing.

Bella, now a junior at West Virginia University, first dipped her toes into entrepreneurship at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy. As a high school student, she became deeply involved in the school’s student-run coffee shop, The Leaning Eagle Coffee Bar. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

She remembers, vividly, a moment of doubt early on. “I don’t think this is for me,” she told me when I was leading CHCA’s entrepreneurship program. The fast-paced environment, the pushback on new ideas—it all felt overwhelming. But instead of walking away, Bella leaned in. She started problem-solving, bringing creativity into the coffee shop, and eventually stepping into a leadership role.

That experience became foundational, teaching her an invaluable lesson: entrepreneurship isn’t just about owning a business. It’s a mindset—a way of thinking that thrives on creativity, problem-solving, and resilience.

Fast forward to today, and Bella is applying that same mindset on a much bigger stage—literally. Last summer, she interned at The Lost Estate, an immersive theater company in London that blends fine dining, music, and live storytelling into a single experience.

At first, she wasn’t sure what her role would be. Would she be making coffee runs? Filing papers? Instead, she found herself working hands-on in finance, marketing, HR, and operations—just as the company was preparing to open a second location. And in those weekly operations meetings, she saw it:

Entrepreneurship and the arts weren’t separate worlds. They were two sides of the same coin. Creativity fuels problem-solving. Business strategy ensures sustainability.

Bella’s journey offers important lessons for students, teachers, and young entrepreneurs:

1. Embrace the Pivot – The path isn’t always straight, and that’s okay. Whether it’s switching a major or shifting career aspirations, every step adds to your toolkit.
2. Step into Discomfort – Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Bella’s biggest transformations came from moments of doubt, frustration, and uncertainty.
3. Build Relationships – From professors to peers, connections open doors. As Bella puts it, “Make yourself more than a name on the roster.”
4. Redefine Failure – Not every idea will work, and that’s part of the process. It’s about testing, learning, and iterating forward.‍

What’s Next for Bella?
As she looks ahead, Bella hopes to continue bridging the gap between business and the arts. Whether it’s through theater production, entertainment finance, or something she hasn’t even discovered yet, she knows one thing for sure: the entrepreneurial mindset will guide her wherever she goes.

And if there’s one thing she’d tell her high school self? “Everything is going to work out. You don’t have to plan every single step. Just take the next one.”

Bella’s story is a powerful reminder that the best opportunities often lie at the intersection of unexpected worlds. Where could an entrepreneurial mindset take you?

Follow Bella on LinkedIn to keep up with her journey and learn from her experiences.

Want to hear more of my conversation with Bella? Check out our podcast episode here.

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