On the latest episode of Letskeepit100podcast, the hosts sat down with Ms. Bellargo, a successful business owner from Philadelphia whose ventures range from daycare centers to a fashion brand that’s stood the test of time. With over 20 years of experience running the BGO clothing line and multiple daycare facilities, Bellargo’s journey is one of ambition, perseverance, and growth.
Bellargo owns and operates several daycare centers in Philadelphia, many of which accept government subsidies to help provide quality care to local families. Her commitment to the business is shared with her boyfriend, who partners with her in running the daycare centers.
In addition to her work in childcare, Bellargo has maintained a long-standing stake in the BGO brand, which began as a clothing line but evolved into two separate entities: BGO Films and BGO Clothing/Consulting. The latter, which Bellargo now runs, is a fashion brand that has witnessed various shifts throughout the years, including a brief hiatus between 2016 and 2018, as she took time off to focus on her personal life.
Bellargo views business partnerships as a nuanced balance of professionalism and personal connection, likening them to marriages due to their complexity. She’s encountered challenges with male partners who’ve felt insecure about her success, a situation that has highlighted the importance of establishing boundaries and documenting agreements in partnerships.
One notable story she shared involved a dispute with Sean John, who, according to Bellargo, copied BGO’s iconic boy box design. Despite the setback, Bellargo has maintained a clear vision for her businesses, emphasizing the importance of ambition and growth.
“My approach has always been about freedom,” Bellargo says, pointing to her ability to control her schedule and make key business decisions as a major motivating factor in her entrepreneurial journey. Her dream collaboration? The late Virgil Abloh, whom she considers an icon in the fashion industry.
As a successful woman in business, Bellargo also shared her thoughts on modern dating dynamics. She expressed frustration with women who, in her view, try to “milk” men for money and emphasized that social media often amplifies such negative behaviors.
The conversation shifted to personal style, with Bellargo noting that expensive brands don’t automatically equate to good taste. She stressed the importance of authenticity in both fashion and business, pointing out that being true to oneself is crucial in navigating the fashion industry and business partnerships.
Bellargo also provided her views on cosmetic procedures, supporting individuals who choose surgery while cautioning against younger people undergoing procedures before their bodies have fully developed.
Exploring the complexities of modern relationships, Bellargo explained the difference between approaching love from an emotional perspective versus a survival one. She revealed her own focus on love and connection, highlighting the importance of communication and trust in today’s challenging dating landscape.
Finally, Bellargo shared her candid thoughts on infidelity, noting that women often cheat for emotional reasons, while men tend to engage in affairs without any emotional attachment. This reflection highlighted her view that understanding the emotional dynamics of a relationship is crucial in navigating modern dating.
