Belle’s Story

In 2010, my good friend Melissa was visiting from London while I was living in Charlotte. Melissa and I had met during my freshman year at UNCC and had remained close friends ever since. A few days prior to the end of Melissa’s trip, she gifted me with a few knickknacks, one of which was a lovely Belle Pez dispenser. You see, Melissa and I had a common appreciation of the character Belle, from Beauty and the Beast. Belle was caring, brave, strong minded, craved adventure, and loved to read… just like the two of us!
Inspired by the gnome from the movie Amelie, as well as the various “companions” my cousins and brothers had used in their travels (trolls, rubber ducks, and pringles cans), I decided Belle should share in my adventures!
In the winter of 2010, she backpacked with me and some family through Europe, and then lived with me in Chile, where I was studying a semester in 2011. From 2010 until December 2019, Belle has accompanied me to 12+ countries, and multiple states!
She is definitely a conversation starter, and a perfect model for any photograph!