From Global Fashion Capitals to Wichita: Stella Hankins Finds Creative Home Downtown

Inside a downtown Wichita storefront, art often happens in real time.

Guests step up, Stella Hankins studies their style, and within minutes their likeness appears on paper. It’s part performance, part storytelling and part fine art.

For Hankins, founder and creative director of Bella Bonita Designs, those moments capture the heart of her work.

“My work lives at the intersection of fashion illustration, fine art and live-event experiences,” explained Hankins.

A Global Journey

Born in Russia, Hankins immigrated to the United States as a child. She later lived in Geneva, Switzerland, New York City, Paris and Savannah, Georgia.

Along the way, she built a career as a live illustrator, creating custom portraits at weddings, fashion events and luxury brand activations.

Her work has taken her across the United States and internationally, with clients discovering her illustrations through social media and inviting her to bring live art to their events.

“The goal is always to capture a moment and turn it into something memorable,” Hankins said.

She has illustrated for brands such as Prada, Tiffany & Co., Dior and Fendi.

Choosing Wichita

Nearly a decade ago, Hankins moved to Wichita to be closer to family. What she discovered was a city where she could build something meaningful.

“It’s the best city I have lived in,” she said. “Starting a business here has been a wonderful experience. It’s truly a blessing for me to be here.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she launched Bella Bonita Designs as a small creative venture. It quickly grew into a full art business and eventually led to the opening of her downtown Wichita studio and storefront.

Today, Bella Bonita Designs serves as both a working studio and a creative space where Hankins creates artwork, prepares for live illustration events across the country and welcomes visitors into the artistic process.

A Place Where Creativity Can Grow

For Hankins, Wichita offers something many larger cities cannot: the ability for artists and entrepreneurs to build something while staying connected to the community.

Downtown Wichita’s growing network of creatives and small businesses has helped fuel that growth.

“People here genuinely care about local businesses and creative work,” she said.

That support, she believes, is what makes Wichita a place where creative talent can thrive.

“Wichita is a place where your ideas can truly take root,” Hankins said.