Evangeline Bell: Pivoting Into Power — Turning Loss Into Opportunity

After two decades in the travel industry, Evangeline Bell’s life took an unexpected turn. The pandemic forced her to close her ten-year travel business, and the loss of her husband tested her resilience in ways she never imagined. Rather than letting these challenges define her, Evangeline transformed them into a powerful new chapter: property investment. Drawing on lessons of discipline, strategy, and emotional strength—honed through fitness, mindset work, and personal reinvention—she now builds assets for herself and future generations. Her story is a testament to courage, vision, and the power of pivoting with purpose.

“You don’t recover from loss—you rebuild stronger.”

Can you tell us a little about your journey from running Citrine Travel and Tours to entering property investment?

Before starting my franchise travel business, I worked in the travel industry in the city for almost ten years. Eventually, I decided to launch my own franchise travel business from the Global Travel Group, operating from home. For a decade, my business wasn’t just a company—it was part of my identity. I helped clients book family holidays and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and being part of those moments was deeply rewarding.

Then the pandemic hit the travel industry almost overnight, and my late husband and I made the difficult decision to dissolve the company.

Property investment represents security and strategy. It’s about building lasting assets, not just generating cash flow, and achieving long-term capital growth. This shift wasn’t a pivot out of desperation—it’s a pivot into power.

How did your experience as a widow shape your approach to life and business?

Becoming a widow changes you in ways that are hard to explain unless you’ve lived it. Grief is the most unbearable experience I’ve faced.

I had no choice but to stand firm on my own two feet, both emotionally and financially. I became fearless and resilient, with a positive mindset. The loss didn’t break me—it reshaped me, and I rebuilt my life differently.

How did fitness help rebuild your strength and mindset?

The gym gave me structure when everything else fell apart. Through fitness, I developed resilience, endurance, and emotional balance.

It’s the foundation of my self-discipline, self-control, motivation, and consistency. Strength, I’ve learned, is built—it’s never gifted.

What lessons are you bringing into property investment?

I’ve learned how to manage cash flow through uncertainty. The biggest lesson? Never build something without long-term security in mind.

In property, I am focused on building assets—for myself and for future generations.

“Security is built in what you create for tomorrow.”

 

How did the pandemic affect your business?

 Looking back, having a ten-year business collapse due to the pandemic was heartbreaking.

But closing that chapter wasn’t failure—staying stuck would have been. That decision created space for reinvention, and reinvention is another form of growth.

 What inspired you to join the Global Woman Property Club?

 I joined the Global Woman Property Club to surround myself with strong, like-minded female entrepreneurs. Women in the group aren’t just building wealth—they’re networking, collaborating, and sharing ideas.

Our CEO, Mirela, is incredibly inspiring and supportive, and the community itself accelerates both confidence and growth. Together, we lift each other up.

What challenges do you anticipate?

Property is a male-dominated industry, but preparation eliminates insecurity. Confidence, positivity, and a mindset of lifelong learning are key.

It’s important to value respect over being liked, handle conflict strategically, step into leadership roles, and support other women through associations and mentorship.

How do you balance emotion and strategy?

Balancing emotions and strategy in property investment means anchoring decisions to goals rather than impulses. Emotions give me purpose, while strategy gives me direction. Together, they guide measured, intentional decisions.

What advice would you give other women starting again?

 Embrace change with self-compassion, trust your instincts, and prioritize financial independence. Build a supportive network, set new goals, and take care of your physical and mental health.

What does success look like for you?

Success is a choice. It’s personal satisfaction, freedom, balance, and flexibility—not just wealth or status.

Key elements include:

• Balance and flexibility: Time for family, health, and personal happiness
• Freedom and autonomy: Independence in decision-making and career direction
• Impact and purpose: Contributing to the community and leaving a positive legacy
• Personal growth: Continuous learning, self-improvement, and integrity
• Financial security: Enough resources to live comfortably without worry

For me, success is defining your goals based on personal values rather than societal pressures. I am transforming the hardest chapter of my life into the foundation of my strongest era.