Isabella Mwebaza affectionately known as Bella, the creative genius behind Bella Art Uganda and Paint and Sip Uganda, absolutely adores the title Woman Rising. Why? Because it perfectly sums up her life philosophy: “There is never arriving; you always keep upgrading.” Think of it like this: She’s not just climbing the ladder of life; she’s building her own escalator, one step at a time. For Bella, growth isn’t a destination—it’s a never-ending adventure of evolution, learning, and, of course, rising. Think of her as the Indiana Jones of entrepreneurship, dodging obstacles, uncovering treasures, and always coming out on top with a smile (and maybe a few paint splatters).
The Woman Behind the Vision (and the Clean Brushes)
This powerhouse attributes much of her awesomeness to her mom. From her, she inherited a treasure trove of qualities: neatness, creativity, organization, and leadership. For Bella, a clean and organized space isn’t just a preference—it’s where creativity thrives. Walking into her studio feels like stepping into a Pinterest board where every detail is thoughtfully arranged, creating an atmosphere of calm and inspiration. It’s proof that when order meets creativity, magic happens.
A Woman-Founded Business (Because Who Runs the World?)
Bella Art Uganda and its dynamic offspring, Paint and Sip Uganda and Paint and Kids Uganda, aren’t just businesses—they’re empowerment hubs. With over 63% of her clients being women, Bella has created a space where women feel seen, celebrated, and inspired. But here’s the kicker: while she’s out here inspiring women, they’re also inspiring her. It’s like a never-ending cycle of girl power. Think of it as a potluck—everyone brings something to the table, and Bella’s table is always full.
Faith as the Foundation (and the Ultimate GPS)
Isabella Mwebaza is a born-again Christian, and her faith is her North Star. She strongly relates to Mary, the mother of Jesus, seeing herself as a vessel for God’s work. Her journey of turning creativity into a thriving business wasn’t just a personal hustle—it was a God-led mission. She’s driven by the desire to be of service, using her talents to bless others. Basically, she’s like a modern-day Picasso, but with a divine purpose and an amazing business plan.
From Creativity to Business (Because Passion Pays the Bills)Turning her creativity into a business felt as natural to Isabella Mwebaza as breathing. With divine guidance, what started as a passion for painting evolved into a thriving enterprise. The “bigger picture” is Bella Art Uganda, with its “children”—Paint and Sip Uganda and Paint and Kids Uganda—carrying forward her vision. It’s like a family business, but with more paint and fewer awkward holiday dinners.
The Birth of Bella Art Uganda (or How to Turn University Hustles into a Legacy)
In 2016, while studying at a university in Nairobi, Isabella Mwebaza began exploring her artistic side. Thanks to her parents, who nurtured her creativity from a young age, she discovered her love for body painting. She started with student events, branding her work as Bella Art Uganda. Painting on the human body as a canvas? That’s not just art—it’s next-level creativity.
When she returned to Uganda, she built a community that became the foundation for Paint and Sip Uganda, which officially launched in 2020. Over the past five years, the business has grown faster than a toddler with a marker. What began as face and body painting has expanded to include canvas, pots, bags, and more. For Isabella Mwebaza, anything can be a canvas. She jokes that while Bella Art Uganda is the “mother,” Paint and Sip Uganda is the “Omo of Mukwano”—the star child that keeps her and her team busy.
Challenges and Growth (Because What’s a Hero’s Journey Without a Few Villains?)
Like any entrepreneur, Isabella Mwebaza has faced her share of challenges. Betrayal taught her the importance of contracts and protecting her intellectual property. These experiences helped her patch up loopholes and strengthen her business blueprint. But beyond the practical lessons, they also taught her to extend grace. She believes everyone is on a journey of becoming, and sometimes people make wrong decisions because of their circumstances.
Building a strong team has also been a challenge, but one she’s embraced wholeheartedly. She deeply appreciates the Paint and Sip Uganda team for their dedication and hard work. Think of them as the Avengers, but with paintbrushes instead of hammers.
Copying as a Form of Flattery (Because Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Hustle)
Isabella Mwebaza has a unique perspective on competition. She sees copying as the highest form of flattery. When others replicate her business model, she feels inspired and recognized. It motivates her to keep innovating and improving. As she puts it, “If competitors stop copying, who will they get inspired by? So let me keep growing since I am the vision bearer, so they can get better.” Basically, she’s the Beyoncé of the art world—everyone wants to be on her level.
Rising Women (Because We Rise by Lifting Others)
Isabella Mwebaza is a firm believer in the power of women rising together. She applauds platforms like Chloe Basiima, which celebrate and uplift women. For her, the journey is not just about personal success but about creating opportunities for others to rise as well. It’s like a group project, but everyone actually pulls their weight.
Final Thoughts (Because Every Great Story Needs a Mic Drop)
Isabella Mwebaza’s story is one of faith, resilience, and continuous growth. Through Bella Art Uganda and Paint and Sip Uganda, she has not only turned her creativity into a thriving business but has also created a space for others to explore their artistic sides. Her journey is a testament to the power of rising, upgrading, and never settling.
But it doesn’t stop there. Through her art, Isabella Mwebaza has brought something even more profound to the table: therapy, bonding, and connection. Families, friends, and workmates have found a unique way to come together, laugh, and create memories—one brushstroke at a time. It’s not just about painting; it’s about healing, sharing, and building relationships over eats, drinks, karaoke, and games.
As she continues to inspire and be inspired, Isabella Mwebaza reminds us all that the journey is the destination. And what a colorful, joyful, and meaningful journey it is.
