Bella Intimates' Story

A Company Like No Other

It started in 1993, when I began working part-time for an established fine lingerie boutique in Portsmouth, NH. It was within that atmosphere that I was to find my true calling, which was to provide a positive impact on women by helping them to feel good about themselves. The owner of that fine lingerie shop ultimately retired and I was recruited to open and manage a new intimate apparel shop. The new shop was highly successful, but I felt that I needed to go in a different direction, a direction which would allow me to exercise my own creativity and vision.

The concept of "Bella Intimates" was then born, and I opened the store in 2003.

Two years after opening my shop and expanding, I was diagnosed with stage-three colon cancer with a 20% chance of survival. I endured two surgeries and chemotherapy, four days a week, for eight months. The recovery transformed what I believed to be my 'true calling' into my passion, which was not only to support women who have been through cancer or other life challenges, but to give them the ability to feel whole and beautiful within.

Award Received

On the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day on March 8th, 2011, Shelly Manougian was awarded for her outstanding service for going "above and beyond the call of duty." Manougian received the Outstanding Service Award in honor of her continuous commitment to her region and the members of her community. The awards are given annually by the "Women's Information Network's (The WIN) throughout all 50 states of the US and internationally.

These awards are presented worldwide, to honor the women for their extraordinary efforts to make a difference in the world. As a recipient if this award, the Women's Information Network recognized Shelly for contributing to the fulfillment of their mission to "strengthen women and families worldwide." Manougian, the sole New Hampshire recipient, received her award for; "investing herself and her business to whole-heartedly serve women as the best bra -fit specialist in NH." Her passion is especially for women that have survived and are thriving in and with breast cancer.

Bella Intimates Accolades

Fearless Women

Shelly was recently featured in Fearless Women, Visions of a New World. This latest book of famed photographer, MaryAnn Halpin's Fearless Women book series. Fearless Women, Visions of a New World celebrates strong women with a mission to create a new and better world. This extraordinary book contains photographic portraits as well as inspiring stories of 50 fearless women.

he Fearless Women Book "Visions of a New World" will be available to purchase at Bella Intimates.

Nominated for the Best of Initma 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015

Finalist Best of Intima 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015

Fearless Story

Best of Intima

In only 14 years, Bella Intimates proprietor, Shelly Manougian, has been driven to achieve what many are unable to achieve in a lifetime. Becoming one of the very best in the world at one's chosen field or service is a goal that everyone aspires to reach. Bella Intimates was recently chosen by "The Best of Intima" as the sole representative of the United States; recognized as one of the best 13 lingerie boutiques in the world for 2017. A total of 10 countries were chosen in addition to the USA; those countries include Russia, Canada, Switzerland, China, Latvia, Belgium, Italy(2), France(2), and the UK. The Italy based magazine is recognized as the world's leading authority and best informational source when it comes to lingerie. It is also North America's leading magazine dedicated to the top lingerie and swimwear throughout the world!

Bella Intimates was first launched in 2003 and was quickly distinguished as the best lingerie and bra fitting boutique in the seacoast area. The reputation of Bella Intimates grew throughout the region and Shelly proved to be an innovative store owner by often hosting a range of events from Breast Cancer Support Groups to Bridal runway shows. It didn't take long before Bella Intimates was recognized nationwide, and being highlighted by Susan Nethero on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" as being on 'the top 100 list' of best bra and bra-fitting Lingerie Boutiques in America.

Bella Intimates has been recognized by The Best of Intima, and had received awards of excellence over a number of years, but Manougian feels that "The Worldwide Boutique" rating is the highest honor that any lingerie boutique could hope to receive. "It's so humbling and flattering", said Manougian, "the whole idea of Bella Intimates began with the goal of serving women to the best of my ability, and with the hope of offering the most unique, helpful service", she continued, "and I would never have dreamed that Bella (Intimates) would one day be chosen as the only lingerie boutique from the United States to represent the best 13 (lingerie) boutiques in the world", she concluded. Manougian also cited her assistant, Pam Doyle, as having been instrumental in Bella's success, "I couldn't have done it without her". Manougian said.

Manougian has indeed established herself as "the Seacoast's Premier Bra Fit Specialist."

There are three reasons I shop at Bella Intimates, all are important to me. Bella Intimates carry good quality and very lovely lingerie. Shelly knows how to fit all body types so that you are comfortable and confident in your purchase. It really does take experience and a practiced eye to enhance a woman's shape, Shelly has these qualities in abundance. And last, but never least, Shelly understands that no matter a woman's age, she wants to feel attractive and self-assured. I fall into the "older woman" category, but Shelly doesn't see woman aging, she sees someone looking to feel attractive, sexy and self-confident. I am very grateful for her sense of style and her expertise.

Pamela Bottomley

I recently purchased several new 'everyday' bras from you, which I absolutely love. It didn't occur to me to ask if you also offered sports bras. Thanks for all your patience and help while I tried a couple dozen bras on one afternoon - certainly makes a difference in how I feel and how much better my clothes fit.

Chris Randall

This is the best place for bras. Expert fitting. Outstanding service. Great selection.

Cyndi Jacoby

LOVE the pieces I got from you Shelly! They are amazing! I cannot wait to get more! It truly makes a difference in how I look AND feel about myself!! I have NEVER had bras that fit so well...now i can say never had bras that actually fit correctly!! Thank you a million times over!!!