Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Wendy Bellissimo Sets Sights on Bright Future
October 16,
2013 by in Designer Weekly 
Less than two years after her re-emergence into the business of creating beautiful products for families, Wendy Bellissimo Media has established licenses in 10 family-centric consumer categories, including youth furniture.
The more recently created partnerships are consistent with the company's strategy to expand the décor, apparel and accessories brand beyond baby and juvenile lines. The company is looking to build its overall presence in home.
In 2010, Wendy Bellissimo stepped away from the growing business to focus on her family as one of her four daughter was battling a rare form of cancer. In late 2011, when the child entered remission, Bellissimo and husband Joe Bellissimo decided to rejuvenate the business.
"We emerged from this period in our lives with a completely different outlook,” said Wendy. “It was a daunting concept to think about having to reboot our business, but after what we had been through the challenge seemed relatively insignificant. In fact, we had a renewed determination to follow what we felt was right and move forward on our own terms. We’re excited about the balance and momentum we’ve been able to achieve.”
This week at the High Point Market, Bellissimo will debut Inspirations, the line of youth, nursery and guest room furniture designed with Legacy Classic Kids.
In addition to the furniture line, Bellissimo has just signed a multi-year clothing deal to expand her reach beyond baby and kids.
"We’re in a great place right now,” said Joe Bellissimo, Wendy’s husband and longtime business partner. “We have a diverse and solid portfolio of licensees and we are actively working to grow that portfolio organically into other categories that reach families.”
To assist in growing and diversifying the brand, the company has named Kimberly Muroff to head up that part of the business. Muroff was most recently senior director of brand and business development for Shabby Chic.
"As much as we have happening right now, in my mind, this is only the beginning," Wendy Bellissimo said. "We've always taken this business one baby step at a time, but now that we've achieved this new level of balance, I am 100 percent ready to forge on ahead."