The Birth of Ginabella
In 2019, I started a new job as a Sales Manager, leading a team of more than 70 people. It seemed like I had finally found stability.
Our place surrounded by beautiful gardens and a peaceful forest, the salary was good, and I genuinely believed I would stay there until retirement.
Life, however, had different plans.
When COVID arrived, everything changed. The company decided to let go of all employees over the age of forty. It was a difficult and painful time, but thanks to my lawyer, I was able to negotiate eight additional months of salary before entering the unemployment system.
Looking back today, I realize that what felt like the worst moment of my career became one of the greatest gifts of my life.
During the lockdowns, I suddenly had something I hadn’t had in years: time.
Time to think. Time to walk through the forest. Time to be with my dogs. Time to ask myself an important question:
What truly makes me happy?
Deep down, I already knew the answer. Like so many people, I had simply been afraid of change. Afraid of leaving my comfort zone. Afraid of the unknown.
The answers came surprisingly easily.
I wanted to spend more time with my dogs and other animals. I wanted to be surrounded by nature every day. I wanted to bring joy to elderly people and people with disabilities. I wanted to build something that belonged to me by selling my own products. And one day, I wanted to help those who have no voice.
That was the birth of Ginabella.
I created my webshop and began selling carefully selected dog products. At the same time, I started a small dog-sitting service, caring for just five dogs at a time. It quickly grew through word of mouth, and I was fortunate to build a loyal customer base.
Every day felt like a dream. Long walks in nature with my dogs and my clients’ dogs became my new office. I was finally living a life that felt meaningful.
But the most rewarding part was still to come.
Together with my dogs, I began visiting homes for people with disabilities. We spent time together, went on beautiful walks, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. Seeing someone smile, laugh, and light up while petting a dog is something that is impossible to describe. Those moments are priceless.
Later, we also started visiting care homes for elderly people living with dementia. Watching memories awaken through the simple presence of a dog was another deeply moving experience. It reminded me that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference.
That was the moment I knew I had found my path.
For many years, I worked hard building other people’s dreams. Today, I work every day to build my own.
Do I regret my years in the corporate world? Sometimes.
But I have also learned to appreciate that journey. Every experience, every success, every disappointment, and every challenge gave me the courage to take control of my own life.
Without that chapter, Ginabella would never have existed.
And this is only the beginning.
More in my next blog…
