Allanna Bell is making waves in the closet design industry. As the owner of Optimization Dolls, a company focused on custom closets and home organization, she’s turned her passion for design into a successful business. Her work goes beyond simply installing shelves — she is creating spaces that reflect the personalities and needs of her clients. In addition to running her business, Bell serves as the Communication Director for the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals (ACSP).

Design philosophy
Bell’s entry into closet design came after years in retail, where she gained experience setting up stores for major brands. After a while, she wanted to do something different, so she started an organization company. During this period, she noticed a gap between organization and effective space utilization. “I realized that without the right system in place, spaces wouldn’t stay organized,” she explained. This led her to start Optimization Dolls, where her goal is to create functional, lasting solutions for her clients.

Bell believes a closet should tell the story of its owner, and this idea is a core principle of her work. “Every person’s closet tells their story,” she said, which is why her designs are always personalized. This approach has resonated with clients, making her services more than just a standard home upgrade.

Inspiration and trends
Drawing from her background in retail, Bell stays in tune with trends while recognizing their cyclical nature. “I feel like the trends are repeating themselves,” she noted. “Things we did 10 years ago, you’re starting to see come back into style.” While modern flat front panels are in demand, she also sees the return of more traditional styles, especially in color. “So, whatever the color is for that season, in Fashion Week, or even in interior design, you’re starting to see those colors come in, but I do see traditional coming back, but with a twist.”

Business growth and goals
Under Bell’s leadership, Optimization Dolls has expanded rapidly. She currently manages a team of six, including designers, organizers, and installers. Efficiency is key to her operations, with projects often completed in just one day — a point of pride for Bell. 

Closet designers typically take inventory of a client’s clothing to space, plan, and create a design. “So, why not offer a service to put it back?” she asked.  Offering the boutique closet solution plus professional organization allows her to give the clients a full-service experience. “We do everything in one day,” she added.

Looking ahead, Bell plans to continue growing her team and adding more trucks to meet increasing demand. But her vision isn’t just about expansion. She hopes to build an iconic brand in the industry, even imagining a day when her company is recognized on a broader cultural level.

“I wouldn’t mind seeing a little Optimization Dolls truck with a little Allanna doll, and the little girls are playing with it, and they’re like, ‘Hey, dolls, I’m building a closet.’”

Challenges and successes
Like any entrepreneur, Bell has faced challenges, but she’s navigated them with award-winning resilience. One memorable project involved stepping in after a big box store’s design fell short for a client. “We knocked it out,” she recalled, with the designer adding finishing touches like wallpaper and lighting. 

This experience reinforced the value of expertise and adaptability in custom closet design.

Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Winning a Top Shelf Design Award was a significant milestone and an emotional moment for Bell. 

“When I won, I was just so happy,” she said, reflecting on the recognition she received from her peers.

Driving industry engagement
In her role with ACSP, Bell has been instrumental in increasing the association’s presence, particularly on social media. 

“We didn’t have an Instagram or LinkedIn, and now we have over 700 followers,” she pointed out. She focuses on bringing valuable and engaging content to large and small independent companies in the industry.

Bell is a name to watch in the closet design and home organization space, whether through her work with ACSP or via her own engaging Instagram account (@opmdolls).

Her practical approach and deep understanding of her clients’ needs have propelled Optimization Dolls to success. 

Learn more at optimizationdolls.com.