ZAK BELL: THE BRAINS BEHIND THE BRANDS JON MARC COLLECTIONS AND NATIONAL CURVES DAY INC.
Photographer: Alina Mayer: @Dubai_Photo_Inspiration | Location: Dubai - Make Up: ZaK Bell - Designer: ZaK Bell of Jon Marc IG: @JonMarc_Collection
ZaK Bell is an accomplished International American Fashion Designer. Throughout her years of designing and showcasing her award-winning collections that have graced the runways in Paris, London, and New York to name a few, her focus has been encouraging confidence through fashion. ZaK’s work has captured the eye of many producers, editors and chiefs of well-known magazines, headlined blogs, and has been spotted on city billboards, by staying true to her tagline, “Because Every Curve Is Beautiful”! Her passion for self-love and self-care turned into her ministry by birthing National Curves Day in October 2015. A day once founded for women to love who they see in the mirror quickly became CoEd and all-inclusive by late summer 2017 through the award-winning non-profit National Curves Day Inc., where she serves as Co-Founder and President. Her talents and visionary perspective have earned her the title of “highly effective” teacher in DCPS school system. It is there ZaK educates and empowers high school students with financial literacy skills and the benefits of having an entrepreneurial mindset. She prides her knowledge on real-world street smarts and her higher education where she received a BA in Fashion Design and Marketing and MBA.
ZaK is currently a global citizen since the transition of her late husband John Bell Jr.(2021) and her Mom Peggie Shoulders (2022). She enjoys traveling, eating vegan/pescatarian, listening to rain, talking with her therapist, and creating memories with her 4.5, which consists of her two daughters Brianna & Sydney, her son King, and her business partner Aubrey.
Photographer: Alina Mayer: @Dubai_Photo_Inspiration | Location: Dubai - Make Up: ZaK Bell - Designer: ZaK Bell of Jon Marc IG: @JonMarc_Collection
Who is Zak?
QSM: Well this has been a long time coming. Thank you for making time for us. Are you ready!? Who is Zak?
ZaK: Hey, hey! It’s definitely been a long-time coming. And NO! I’m not ready but I’m going to do it anyway!
Now to get to your question, who is ZaK?! I’m peace to pieces. I’m the black sheep and change agent. I challenge the past, I participate in manifesting the future, but most importantly I’m finally present. I believe in evolving into my higher self with the guidance of my creator. Empowering my people, mental health, passing the baton, and advocating for unlearning toxicity is very important to me and a part of my mission and purpose. It’s so much more but I'll stop there and go back to I’m peace to pieces.
QSM: Let’s get into the theme for this shoot., share with us the inspiration and location?
ZaK: Woman, I snatched my tribe up and took a business class flight to Dubai just to shoot for this cover. Okay maybe not just for QSM but let me tell you it weighed heavily. I thought we were going to die for this shoot honey. We were in the car with a stranger (photographer) we met on Instagram. How about once we were in the car the photographer says, it’s 45 minutes to the desert you can go to sleep! I was thinking B!S#h where!? I promise I was praying like I never prayed before at 7 am. The inspiration was Woman, Goddess, and had a baby almost two years ago where? I’m just being honest, so if you’re judging (readers), judge your mother! Yes, I said it, I’m proud of my snatch.
QSM: Let’s get into the snatch!!!!!! Baby where? LOL. When it comes to your brands, you have been more of a “behind the scenes” operator. Why would you say that is?
ZaK: It was all intentional. Most successful brands are woman-owned. Yet most respected brands have a man's name. When my company started it was called Totally Secret! because it was all things “me” focused. However, when we rebranded, which only happened because of a project/class in undergrad, it seemed to be respected more.
QSM: Congratulations on your upcoming anniversary, 20 years in business. How do you feel about this accomplishment? Where do you see the Jon Marc brand next?
ZaK: How about I’ve been counting but not if that makes sense. But yes, twenty whole years. I’m excited, nervous, and conflicted. It’s definitely an accomplishment, therefore, I’m elated, to say the least. I didn’t see any of this when I started as Totally Secret! I’m nervous because it’s been twenty years and the pressure is on. Yet I do find peace in knowing we have done a lot and when I’m wondering why I’m not further I remember three things: in God’s timing, Michael Kors was discovered his 20th year in business, and I’m running my race. The conflicting part is, I love to sew but finding time is a struggle. With that being said, I’ve started looking for manufacturers to take the brand to the next level for small mass production.
Photographer: Alina Mayer: @Dubai_Photo_Inspiration | Location: Dubai - Make Up: ZaK Bell - Designer: ZaK Bell of Jon Marc IG: @JonMarc_Collection
QSM: For those that may not know you, let’s go brand by brand. Tell people a little bit about National Curves Day Inc.
Photographer: Alina Mayer: @Dubai_Photo_Inspiration | Location: Dubai - Make Up: ZaK Bell - Designer: ZaK Bell of Jon Marc IG: @JonMarc_Collection
ZaK: Well, that story has been told a million times and is a click away on any search engine. But honestly, what most people don’t know is- it was a movement before the trends such as “Plus Is Equal” and others, if you know you know! However, because of the capital behind them, they fueled the bigger picture of what I was advocating for, in addition to becoming a staple in the community. Then when the trends died down the conversation grew and the focus widened to becoming inclusive, that’s really when NCD took off in my opinion. Truthfully, and as with anything I do, it’s not really about me, it’s always much bigger (pun intended). That’s why I’m always behind the scenes. I want my children to know their mom didn’t just exist, she pushed the envelope, shook sh!t up, broke generational curses, built the house the table sits in, and left a legacy of greatness because she took her burdens and made lemonade.
QSM: You are no stranger to QSM; we love and adore you. But I want to discuss something that you mentioned in a previous interview we did with you. You mentioned that as a designer, you named your brand Jon Marc because you thought it would get more respect. Can you share more one that? And has it proven to be true?
ZaK: I love you guys more and again, thank you so much for this opportunity. When I mentioned that, I definitely felt that way and to some degree, still do. A man’s name in my opinion has a tendency to receive more attention. When it comes to Jon Marc, it’s the name! I’m not biased but it does sound strong and powerful.
QSM: In addition to being a 2X full time entrepreneur, you are also an educator. Tell us more about that. I won’t bother asking where you are finding all this time because I GET IT!!!! Lol
Photographer: Alina Mayer: @Dubai_Photo_Inspiration | Location: Dubai - Make Up: ZaK Bell - Designer: ZaK Bell of Jon Marc IG: @JonMarc_Collection
ZaK: I didn’t want to be about that life. I promise! Yet, I am obedient! I took a position as a substitute thinking I would only do this to purchase a car. To my surprise, I’m really good at it. And I say to my surprise because I don’t like kids. I love them from a distance, but I do not like them. A few people in the position of power thought I was good at it also and offered me a full-time job. I turned that down because I love my freedom and wanted to operate my businesses on my time. Guess what, they came back with another offer for a part-time position. I spoke with a few people in the education field and prayed on it and the rest is history. I will say the blessing is I teach what I do! Honestly not many people get to do exactly what they love. People will pray for jobs and then hate that it’s Monday. I can honestly say favor ain’t fair. I give all honor and glory to God.
QSM: I know this is going to be difficult, but I want to talk about John. You suffered a HUGE loss when you lost your husband in 2021. We know that John was a big part of your world. How have you and your family been coping with his loss?
ZaK: It’s been tough and every day I make it through another day I “count that basket” (in John’s voice) as a win. I/we have a therapist and have been seeing a therapist for almost a decade now. If I wasn’t already practicing self-care and working on my mental health it would’ve been ___________! Fill in the space, I don’t have a word for it. I still cry, I'm still shocked, I’m still grieving, and I still talk to him!
QSM: Are you are open to sharing the details of his passing?
ZaK: We all had Covid and unfortunately, he didn’t survive. I found him in our room.
QSM: John was family to QSM and he will forever be remembered! John left you with an extremely precious gift named King. How old is he now?
ZaK: Yes, King was a surprise baby and I can do an entire article about that experience. It almost divided us. As you know, my girls are big. I wasn’t about the start over life- John on the other hand was allllllll the way in. Of course, I did what I do, pray about everything. And as you mentioned, we have a very handsome (now two-year-old) King.
QSM: At such an early age, how and when do you tell him about his dad?
ZaK: I talk to King every day and often about his dad. I don’t make it a sad occasion. I tell him how much he loves him and he’s in heaven now.
QSM: Tell us about King?
ZaK: King is a bright world traveled little guy. However, he has a potty mouth. When he’s upset he’ll say PuH! We don’t know which bad word this is but it is one! We’ve honestly adopted the word to express when we are upset about things and it has become our family saying.
QSM: What do you think about when you look at King?
ZaK: When I look at King I think about how much John wanted him and I wasn’t on board, and I’m so grateful that the Creator chose me to be his mom. I’m excited to share life with him and travel the world. Just when you think you have plans for your life, God says, ha ha ha. I have bigger ones!
QSM: You have other children correct? Tell us about them.
ZaK: Yes I have big girls Brianna (Kween) and Syd. They have been seen with us on the runway since they were little people. Those girls make up my tribe (in addition to Aubrey). When it comes to John being their Dad. You couldn’t tell him those little women weren’t his children.
Zak’s mom holding King
QSM: You also lost your mom less than a year later, correct?
ZaK: Yup, eight and a half months later the Queen of my heart transitioned. She was assisting me with processing John’s passing and then BOOM! She found out years prior about her health and didn’t share it with me or the family until it was really bad. I guess she had her reasons, I’m at peace knowing she’s no longer in pain. But trust me, it hurts like HELL!
QSM: How have you been able to bounce back from suffering two devastating losses back to back?
ZaK: I haven’t! So I advise everyone to always checking on their strong friends.
QSM: Let’s switch back to a lighter topic. Your JonMarc Collections brand has expanded beyond just clothing (which we are excited about). Tell the people more honey!!!! Spill the tea.
ZaK: Ironically, I wanted to start this way. I thought if I could get women to trust me with their feet they would trust me with what they put on their bodies. To that end, it’s a shoe line. It’s been a long time coming for this one though. I would drop the original name but I still may use it so I’ll refrain. But I’m excited because men will finally be able to have a piece of Jon Marc.
QSM: You guys are hosting a retreat this year; let’s talk about it.
ZaK: Honey, It’s called the turn-up or better yet, turn-down for what. We are truly back outside (safely might I add). We are all things curvy and plus heading straight to the Dominican Republic to shut it down. From the All-White Party to the Brown and News Crusie. OMG, I just got tapped on the shoulder. Aubrey said I’m saying too much. Details are being released in a few days. But I swear you know who to ask because I’m gonna tell it!
QSM: Before we go, go ahead and drop those dates for the next NCD Show while you are plugging lol.
ZaK: Let’s just say this. National Curves Day is celebrated on the second Wednesday in October ev-er–y year. We wear red that day, pose for the camera, share our stories, and post. As far as our annual celebratory experience you’ll just have to stay tuned to see what’s next.
QSM: Let people know where they can follow and support please! And you know you are family over here. If you need anything, we are only a call away.
ZaK: I’d like to thank the Most High, my Creator, and Lord and Savior. Of course my tribe, Kween, Syd, Aubrey, King, Chaz (my bonus kid), Dad (Big Fred), Grandma Doris, my Best! Bruce, my sister cousins Dee-Dee & Charita, new family member Tyenell, and all of our family, friends, and supporters. I’d like to give a special shout-out to my students (in entrepreneurship), I’m passing the baton to you. Do great sh*t! Thank you to my partner in thought and education Tesha Cunningham, Co-Founder of Prissy Athletics, the millions are around the corner. Also, thank you AP Cartagena for trusting me with the role of 11th-grade launch teacher for 3DE Entrepreneurship. Developing, grooming, and growing our future business owners and/or business-minded powerhouses have been nothing short of challenging yet rewarding. I love every minute of it.
To anyone thinking of pursuing your passion, do it scared, do it afraid, just Do It!
To my late husband, John (Goochie) Bell Jr. and Mom, Peggy Shoulders I love and miss you so much. Continue to Rest In Peace.
Social media handles:
National Curves Day on Facebook and Instagram
JonMarc_ Collection on Instragram
The Jon Marc family would like to offer QSM readers 20% off for our 20 year anniversary. We are celebrating 20 years on March 17, 2023. QSM readers will receive 20% off all of February by entering QSM2020.
Photographer: Alina Mayer: @Dubai_Photo_Inspiration | Location: Dubai - Make Up: ZaK Bell - Designer: ZaK Bell of Jon Marc IG: @JonMarc_Collection
