When life threw Danielle Vataj its hardest challenges—job loss, financial strain, and her beloved dog’s illness—she found an unexpected path forward through creativity, community, and compassion. What began as a way to stay afloat became Belles Books and Gifts, a heartfelt online shop blending nostalgia, pop culture, and purpose. Today, Danielle’s store not only celebrates art, collectibles, and vintage treasures—it powers real-world impact by donating to causes close to her heart. This is the inspiring story of how one woman turned adversity into action and built a brand that gives as much as it grows.
Interviewer: Danielle, thank you for joining us. Let’s start at the beginning—what inspired you to start Belles Books and Gifts?
Danielle Vataj: Honestly, I never saw myself becoming a business owner. It wasn’t a long-term goal or a dream I had growing up. It happened out of necessity. I was injured and out of work, and at the same time, my dog—who meant the world to me—was falling ill. His medical bills were piling up, and I had to find a way to care for him. That’s when I started selling some of my personal belongings just to keep us afloat.
Interviewer: That sounds like a deeply emotional time. How did it lead to creating your own store?
Danielle: During that period, I remembered something my brother had said to me years before—he suggested I open a store of my own. I’d always loved Disney and nostalgic collectibles, so I decided to take a risk. I began selling Disney items online, and to my surprise, people really responded to it. That was the beginning of Belles Books and Gifts.
Turning Passion Into Purpose
Interviewer: So what exactly does Belles Books and Gifts offer now?
Danielle: What started with Disney collectibles expanded quickly. I realized people loved finding unique and hard-to-get items from their childhoods—things that brought back memories. Now we carry pop culture memorabilia, handmade goods, books, art, and rare vintage finds. But more than that, I wanted the store to feel like a safe, welcoming space. It’s not just about what we sell—it’s about how we make people feel when they visit.
Building a Business from the Ground Up
Interviewer: What were some of the early challenges you faced in launching your business? Did you have someone who supported you on this journey?
Danielle: Getting the word out was tough. I didn’t have a huge marketing budget, so I had to be scrappy. I researched customer trends, studied what was working on eBay, created flyers, and started building a presence on social media. Trust was another big hurdle—proving that my store was legitimate and reliable took time. But I stayed consistent and connected with customers one by one.
I did have a support as my brother helped me a lot with everything, from business to supporting me emotionally when I needed someone to fight these challenges with me. I am really happy that he is also running a successful business. You can check out his store: Power Plant Motor Sports
From Recognition to Impact
Interviewer: Your work has been featured in some major publications—how does that feel?
Danielle: It’s surreal, honestly. Being recognized by Forbes Founder, Elle, and NYC Journal meant the world to me. It reminded me that hard work and staying true to your purpose really does get noticed. But even more meaningful to me is what the business allows me to do for others.
Giving Back, One Purchase at a Time
Interviewer: You donate a portion of your proceeds to several causes. Tell us about that.
Danielle: That’s the heart of what I do. We support a range of causes—from feeding the hungry and helping children with cancer, to rescuing animals, aiding war-affected communities, providing school lunches, and funding women’s shelters. I always say that every sale can be a small act of kindness. Giving back is not optional for me—it’s part of the mission.
Looking Forward
Interviewer: What’s next for Belles Books and Gifts?
Danielle: Growth! I’d love to expand our reach and impact even more people. My passions—art, music, books, and nostalgia—are what fuel this store, and I’m always thinking of ways to incorporate those into new products, partnerships, or creative directions. But at the core, I just want to keep building a business that brings joy and does good.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Interviewer: What advice would you give someone who’s thinking about starting their own business?
Danielle: Just don’t give up. That’s the biggest thing. There will be hard days. Some people won’t understand your vision, and you might feel discouraged at times. But keep going. It truly does get easier with time, effort, and belief in what you’re doing.
Interviewer: Danielle, your journey is a beautiful blend of resilience, heart, and purpose. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Danielle: Thank you so much. I’m grateful for every part of the journey—and for every person who’s supported it.
Belles Books and Gifts is more than just a store. It’s a reminder that even in the face of adversity, something meaningful—and magical—can be built from love, grit, and a desire to give back.