A Bells & Becks woman is someone you know even without truly knowing her. She’s smart, savvy, put-together, accomplished—and doing it all with flair. These are the women we know, admire, and have in mind when we design. Featuring some of their stories here feels like the best way to celebrate all they’ve accomplished (plus, how they’re doing it with joy and great style). We hope they inspire you as much as they inspire us.
When Loren Heller first encountered the underwhelming sartorial options available during her pregnancy, she didn’t simply make do—she approached the problem with the precision of a veteran retail buyer. Along with co-founder Hillary Cullum, Loren created Berkley Clothing, a line of luxury maternity activewear that celebrates changing bodies rather than just accommodating them. The result is a collection of flattering leggings and tops that makes expectant mothers feel confident, stylish, and seen.
“Our sole focus is and always has been maternity clothing,” explains Loren. “We’re one of the only brands that focuses solely on that market, and in so doing, our full commitment is to create maternity clothing made for women during that important time period of their lives.”
We sat down with Loren to learn more about reimagining maternity wear, balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, and why staying true to your personal style matters more than following trends.
How do you describe your business?
Berkley Clothing is a luxury maternity activewear brand designed to make women feel beautiful and comfortable throughout every stage of pregnancy.
What have been some of the biggest, most notable wins while building your career?
Wins and success come in different shapes and sizes throughout your career and certainly have for mine as well. Some of the moments I’m most proud of at Berkley are the reactions we’ve had from our customers about how they feel in our clothing. The realization that we’ve created something that women truly love and that makes them feel confident and beautiful is the biggest win we could have hoped for when we originally started Berkley.
What makes Berkley unique in the market?
Our sole focus is and always has been maternity clothing—we’re one of the only brands that focuses solely on that market, and in so doing, our full commitment is to creating maternity clothing made for women during that important time period of their lives.
We believe in the idea that if you want something done, ask a busy woman. What are some of your best tricks or hacks for working through a busy schedule and keeping lots of balls in the air?
We love a to-do list and making sure it’s reprioritized daily and sometimes hourly, as needed!
What are the best and worst parts of being a female entrepreneur?
The best part is the sense of accomplishment and the TRUTH that we’re making a valuable impact in women’s lives. The worst part is the balance and constantly balancing expectations, accountability and family. It’s hard!
What is your best career advice that you’ve received or given?
To trust my gut. As experienced, knowledgeable women, our intuition is so important and usually right—especially at this point in our careers. I have to remind myself of that and make sure to remember to trust myself!
What is your go-to outfit and why?
In the summer, an easy-breezy dress that makes me feel beautiful. In the winter, a pair of jeans, a long-sleeve tee (with some kind of fun detail) and a cute coat. I need to be comfortable but I also need to feel put together, and both go-to outfits accomplish that!
How has being a mom changed your style?
In a lot of ways, it hasn’t. I’ve always strived for a mix of beautiful design and comfort—both of which are even more important being a mom. I think the biggest mistake women make after having kids is sacrificing style because they think their clothing can ONLY be comfortable and durable. I totally reject that notion!
What is the thing about your wardrobe that gives you the most joy?
That I have really stayed true to myself despite changing trends and fashions. I continue to choose things I know look good on my body, regardless of what’s happening in the fashion industry and as a result I know I will feel good about myself in any piece I select. It’s important that you curate a wardrobe that makes you feel beautiful and isn’t too restrictive to seasonality and trends.
How does wearing a great pair of shoes make you feel?
Like the most put together, fabulous person who has thought of every detail! As a former shoe buyer, shoes will make or break any look and they’re some of my absolute favorite things to mix and match!
Shoe Lightning Round
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Flats or heels? Flats (but heels for at least 15 years of my career!)
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Brights or neutrals? Neutrals, with a few notable bright moments like a great sandal or pump
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Trends or classics? Both :) But a foundation of classics to start with!
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Closed toe or open toe? Open toe whenever the weather allows!
