the story of NicaBella
The seed of NicaBella was planted during a vacation in Costa Rica several years ago, and grew each time Roger and Carolyn Keeling toured countries in Central America. The culture, the people, the landscape and climate of these countries, pulled on their hearts, urging them to return time and time again. From exploring the treetops of the rain forest to hiking up volcanoes, the richness of the experiences offered in these countries stirred the couple in ways they couldn't ignore. Several years ago they began to explore investment opportunities in Costa Rica, but ultimately found everything they wanted here in Nicaragua. Together with two like-minded friends, Sam Elam and Ursula Webster, Carolyn Keeling devised a way to share her commitment and passion for the country and its people with other newcomers to Nicaragua.
NicaBella is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and diversity of the Central American experience that so enthralled the Keelings. The team has cultivated sources among talented local artisans with superior craftsmanship who can provide quality furniture and unique artifacts for your new home. They love to showcase the work of native Nicaraguans whose hand-made creations represent generations of artistry and skill. They also take every opportunity to promote and support the local economy.
Each of the partners in NicaBella brings a unique set of skills to the team. For over 20 years, Carolyn Keeling has been involved in building, design, home decoration and art, focusing on creativity combined with functional elegance. As co-founders of Hunter Blair Homes, she and her husband Roger, have received numerous awards and recognition for their designs from Southern Living Magazine, Builder Magazine, Street of Dreams and the Georgia Homebuilders Association.
Sam Elam was very much a part of the insurance world in Atlanta for 20 years prior to joining NicaBella. She has an intricate knowledge of project organization, client communications, setting and managing client expectations, and accounting controls. Additionally, Sam was partner in her husband's construction and remodeling business in Atlanta.
On August 3, 2008, after a 12 hour road trip and a 4 hour plane ride with their daughters and 13 animals between the two families, the Keelings and Elams made Managua, Nicaragua their full-time residence.
Ursula Webster is NicaBella's stateside presence. As president and founder of Galaxy Bright, a graphic design company in Atlanta, she is able to structure many successful business processes necessary for NicaBella. Her design experience gives her a great eye for design, color, texture, and working all these elements together for a beautiful and exciting room or home.
Whether imported or procured from local craftsmen, each piece offered by NicaBella is carefully selected to help create the perfect ambiance for a tropical dream home. You will be amazed at the originality, quality and beauty of NicaBella's furniture accessories. Their designs reflect the rich legacy of Nicaraguan heritage, art and culture, surrounding you with the comfort and elegance of the tropics.
Roger and Carolyn Keeling with daughter Claire
Greg and Sam Elam with daughter Tiffany
Marvin and Ursula Webster with daughter Sierra
