“After retiring as a professional showjumping athlete, I wasn’t sure where life would lead me next. I spent over 10 years dedicating my life to a sport I thought was 100% my future. Upon changing courses, I knew my next career would involve real estate.

To feel fulfilled I realized I needed to be able to use my creativity and not solely focus on business and finance. I finally jumped into an urban design class at NYU the summer of 2022. I easily spent most of my time sketching and found myself up late hours to continue “working." At that point I knew I needed to shift my studies from solely real estate business to design as well. As a result, I began studying architecture and design fall 2022. 

I am blessed to have grown up with a family who loves fashion & design while also being surrounded by beauty in a home designed by award-winning architecture firm Liederbach & Graham. I would pour through the fashion and design books in our library (pictured below). Thus, I was predisposed to style from an early age. Design has always been a love of mine.

The name Bella Holt was considered many years ago in discussion with my mother as a possible fashion label or future name for a design business. Rediscovering my passion for interior design was always part of my life journey. I am glad to be home.” 

- Annabella Holt Sanchez