Bellissima: Celebrating all things beautiful

Since its humble beginnings in local sales of handmade Christmas decorations, Bellissima has grown into a thriving small business delivering exclusive, high-quality items across Norway. It all started with the simple joy of a well-made Christmas bauble.

Run by Monika Macedo with the help of her husband Kenneth Aalberg, Bellissima is a beautiful shop selling gifts, Christmas decorations, interior decor, and a range of other hand-picked products from around the world. In Norway, most of these products are rare so you will always find something special at Bellissima.

The shop is based on the idyllic island of Inderøy in Trøndelag. Located in the picturesque fjord village of Straumen, Bellissima is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. “Straumen is a wonderful community and a fantastic place to work,” says Macedo. “It’s a small place and everybody is supportive of one another’s ventures.”

While Bellissima’s products can be purchased from the online store all year round, the physical shop is open six days a week. Running a small family business is a lot of work and requires plenty of dedication. “Christmas decorations and interior decor have always been a passion of mine,” Macedo says. “I’m so lucky to be able to do something I truly enjoy – I love my job!”

Value-based passion project

Bellissima’s journey began with Macedo’s small-scale local sales of exquisite handmade Christmas glass baubles. The venture was unexpectedly successful, and with buyers asking whether she would consider running a shop, the decision was made to take the leap.

With many years of experience working in the retail industry, Macedo was in a great position to develop a thriving business focused on high-quality products and excellent customer service. “I choose every single piece in the shop myself, I enjoy finding beautiful and unusual items,” she says.

Bellissima’s products should be top-quality and produced sustainably, and Macedo has several criteria for sourcing the best items to present to her customers. “The products themselves have to be not just beautiful but well-made,” she explains. A central aspect of the decision-making process is the accessibility of items. “My concept is making items that nobody else is offering accessible here. Most of the items in my shop are only sold by me in Norway.”

The items are all locally produced by small businesses in the country of origin. Bellissima mainly collaborates with businesses from Europe but also partners with producers in America. “I value partnering with female entrepreneurs and small, family-owned businesses,” Macedo says. “I’m so happy to have fantastic partners to work with around the world – it’s important to establish trust and a mutually beneficial collaboration.”

Before deciding to partner with a business, Macedo undertakes research to ensure the production practices and values align with her own. “The partners I choose have business practices and values I identify with and operate in a sustainable and socially responsible way,” she explains. “Looking after the environment is a key consideration, and sustainable business practices are important.”

A love of beautiful, well-made things

Originating from Latin and Italian, the word bellissima means very beautiful. It was a natural business name for Macedo, who has a deep appreciation for Italian culture and craftsmanship. “Everything to do with Italy has always been close to my heart – the country, the food, the people, the architecture. The Italian people are passionate, and the products they create are well-made and deliberate.”

Bellissima has a wonderful selection of rare items. High-quality pieces ranging from interior decor to art prints, from serving plates to handbags and skincare, to tasty snacks and luxury teas. “It’s easy to buy gifts here,” Macedo says with a laugh. “Customers tell me that they love coming here, I appreciate getting that kind of response.”

The shop has a dedicated Christmas department where customers can find beautiful handmade baubles and decorations all year round. Among Bellissima’s most sold items are serving plates made with high-quality Nordic birch by a Danish family business. Made to last for generations, the plates are functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. “I like to sell products that are durable and made to last, that can be used again and again,” Macedo says.

Other popular items include artisan handbags from Florence, a range of kitchen towels made from organic cotton and printed with water-based ink in natural colours, as well as a wide selection of natural shampoos, aromatic soaps, and bath bombs that are gentle enough to be suitable for those suffering with eczema or psoriasis. “I appreciate products that are carefully considered and thought out,” Macedo adds. “Mass-produced items are made quickly with poor materials and working conditions. I want to offer something that has a deeper value, with concern for the environment as well as ethical production.”

Web: bellissima.no
Instagram: @bellissima.no

Bellissima
Sundsøya 4
7670 Inderøy