Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Blaze Bell
Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell
Blaze Bell is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate whose journey is rooted in resilience, authenticity, and fierce compassion.
Born and raised in Anchorage, Blaze grew up navigating severe allergies that kept her indoors — leading her to discover a love for theater, music, and storytelling at an early age. “I learned to tap dance because I was allergic to grass and trees,” she laughs, recalling summers spent at theater camps instead of outdoors. That spirit of adaptation and creativity has shaped her path ever since.
Blaze’s professional journey is as dynamic as it is inspiring. A certified holistic health coach, motivational speaker, and podcast host, she draws from her lived experience as a survivor of trauma and addiction to uplift others. During COVID, she launched a podcast called The Blaze Bell Show, which she later relaunched as From Pieces to Peaceful, exploring healing, empowerment, and self-discovery. She also co-hosts a second podcast, What’s Up, Alaska?, alongside food reviewer for Justin’s Eats Alaska, Justin Williams, where they spotlight inspiring Alaskan artists, change-makers, business owners, and more. “I was a prisoner chained to my past,” she shares on her website. “Today I choose to live. I choose joy.”
For the past three years, Blaze has served as Communications Manager at Recover Alaska, where she combined her talents in marketing, storytelling, and community engagement to advocate recovery and wellness. She credits Tiffany Hall, CEO of Recover Alaska, as one of her greatest inspirations and mentors. “I really believe in the power of surrounding yourself with people who live in alignment with their values,” Blaze says.
Now, Blaze is taking a bold leap — transitioning to full-time entrepreneurship to focus on coaching, creative workshops, and her growing platform. Her calendar is already filling up with women’s gatherings, empowerment coaching, and collaborative community events. Her newest project under the From Pieces to Peaceful umbrella includes one-on-one coaching and intentional retreats aimed at helping others return to joy and personal power. She also recently joined the board for Last Frontier of Comedy, the organization behind the beloved improv group Scared Scriptless, reflecting her commitment to bringing joy and connection through creative expression.
Over the years, Blaze has served on numerous boards, including as Board President of Victims for Justice and Vice-Chair of the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. She was a recipient of the 2019 First Lady Volunteer of Alaska Award and was named one of Alaska’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2022. While she has stepped away from the heavy work of crisis response, her advocacy continues through creative, uplifting channels. “Joy is my justice,” she says — a mantra she lives by in her current season of life.
When asked what advice she would give to young women, Blaze doesn’t hesitate: “Be brave. Be bold. This is your life.” She encourages women to start before they’re ready, to not wait for perfection, and to trust their inner voice. “Don’t wait for everything to be perfect before you put yourself out there,” she says. “You’re not alone, and your story matters.” She reminds us all to breathe, show up authentically, and create a life we’re excited about.
Whether hosting workshops, coaching clients, or simply being present for her two teenage children, Blaze radiates what it means to be empowered and in purpose. She’s not just leading — she’s lighting the way.