Today we’d like to introduce you to Shena Bowers.
Shena, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
The idea of Bellybutterflies started in 2010 as an online dating site. I hired a developer from California to create my site, which he completed. After the initial launch, I bought business cards and started passing those out. Also making announcements asking others to spread the word. I started to become defeated once I noticed no one was really signing up. I kept telling myself this is not going to work. While all this was happening I was in broadcasting school along with being a mother to 3 little girls, so I told myself I would just put this off for right now.
Fast forward after graduating in 2012, I still had a passion for starting my own business, but I wanted to start a speed dating service. I noticed a lack of Speed Dating on the Southside of Chicago and a place where singles could just come together as a whole and mingle. Although I had this great Idea, I still somehow told myself all the reasons why it wouldn’t work and sometimes that tends to happen in life, where you prepare your mind to be defeated before you give it a full try and that’s never a great Idea.. So once again I convinced myself this was not going to work.
I remember watching the great speaker Joyce Meyers and she said something that struck me and ignited my soul. She said “Do it Afraid” and I felt she was talking to me, so instead of telling myself all the reasons this wouldn’t work again. I told myself all the reasons why it would. Once that happened Bellybutterflies was officially launched in 2017. If I had to describe Bellybutterflies it’s a cool, poetic flow where single men and women of all races can come together and mingle. Its truly fun and there has actually has been second dates to occur and that makes me so happy. Who doesn’t want to feel those butterflies in there belly, I would have to say that is one of the best feelings in the world.
Bellybutterflies allows you to get out of your phone and actually communicate with one another and laugh. If you never tried speed dating I would have to say give it a try and don’t hold your self back,you won’t regret it.You never know where things can go, rather you develop a relationship or friendship,it’s worth a try. I have such a passion for what I do, because I love to see men and women come together, talking, laughing, and getting to know one another. I have received emails from individuals thanking me for starting this, some have expressed how socially awkward they are and this allowed them to break away from that and just be themselves.
Bellybutterflies events has sold out for both Single Men and Women. I pride myself in making sure the ratio of men and women are even. I make sure to listen to the needs of my Singles rather its them giving me feed back by email or rating our events. I truly appreciate and thank them. One of the things I’m also passionate is about is promoting healthy and non toxic relationships. I think that is something that is very important to express and get out there. Bellybutterflies is here to stay. A website and t-shirt line is in the works and I plan in the near future to expand as I grow. Please feel free to Follow us on Facebook/Instagram @Bellybutterflies.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I myself was dealing with loosing the man that I loved and was stricken with grief because of his death, so that halted me moving forward and putting things off even longer. also being a mother and having to not only gather myself and try to hide my pain, but be there for your children who no longer has there father, so I have definitely faced struggles along my way. God has helped me and continues to help me mentally and spiritually.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bellybutterflies – what should we know?
I am the Owner of Bellybutterflies a Speed Dating Company that services single Men and Women. I organize speed dating events throughout Chicago for singles. I launched in 2017, although that is a short period of time. I would have to say I’m known for being professional and making sure that bellybutterflies offers great quality service. I most proud that my Singles are satisfied when they leave or when I’m sent an email or inbox saying thank you for bringing this type of service to the community and best wishes.
When I make them aware that a match was found and they are excited about that, that makes me so proud. I would have to say what sets me apart is quality and passion. When you have passion for what you do, you don’t put it together without really thinking about how my customers feel and are they truly satisfied. What can I do better ?Alot of complaints I have heard about speed dating in general is how some feel that it is totally uneven amongst men. so I make sure to break that view with Bellybutterflies by the way I promote my events, which is why my past events have been sold out by single men and women.
I’m also making sure to cater to all ages, young and older. People are tired of the club and lounge scene also, so I make sure most of my events are held in a different environment, coffee houses, restaurants, etc. Sometimes people can get tired of the same places.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would have to say my biggest supporter is my mom Maureen Bowers who encourages me and has told me throughout my whole life that the sky is the limit and I can have what I want. My little sister Starsha Bowers who encourages me, gives me advice and great pep talks.
My cousin Chaniece White who host these events with me. She is also the Manager of Bellybutterflies and supports me 100 %. My aunt fay and Maryanne who always in encourages me and tells me to follow and listen to God. I have other family and friends that root me on and I’m grateful for them as well.
Pricing:
- Prices can vary anywhere from $25-30 per event
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bellybutterflies.com
- Email: bellybutterflies3@gmail.com
- Instagram: Bellybutterflies
- Facebook: Bellybutterflies
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
