The strength of friendship knows no bounds, and the devotion of a loyal pet is the ultimate symbol for that friendship. bellaballs studio is honored to work with Christopher and Mieke Hoppin to create the Zoe Ball in honor of Kim Sorensen Kyler.

When Kim was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 37 she was forced to make some difficult decisions about things that mattered most to her. Examining her ‘bucket list’ the answer was simple; Kim’s top priority was to help others by giving back. She focused her efforts on fundraising for local cancer research and treatment. Surrounded by her close friends, she spearheaded a fundraiser for the South Sound CARE foundation. Her dog Zoe was always by her side.
Sadly, Kim lost her battle on February 5, 2012. One of her close friends Mieke Hoppin wondered how she could honor her friend, and continue her devotion to fundraising for cancer research and treatment. “To be quite honest, the idea of having the bellas made was my coping mechanism, it gave me something positive to do. I wanted to have something created that would be a daily reminder of how lucky we are to have amazing people in our lives. bellas make me smile; the Zoe ball will make me smile and remember Kim. I hope they will have that affect on everyone lucky enough to own one. “ said Mieke. “I chose Zoe’s paw print because Zoe and Kim were best friends.” In March, a group of Kim’s friends joined us in the hot shop to participate in the process.

Having met during adverse times in their lives, Diane and Lesli saw the glass float, which begins by holding up fishing nets then breaks free when storms hit, as a powerful lesson in courage and strength to them. Japanese floats can teach us a lot about giving. The kindness we show today will come back to us when we need it the most.
To celebrate friendship, and keep Kim’s dream alive, the Zoe Ball is available in three colors, Kiwi, Limoncello (one of Kim’s favorite summer drinks), and Mandarin. “…three vibrant colors for a vibrant woman…” said Hoppin, who chooses to celebrate Kim’s life. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of the Zoe Ball will benefit South Sound Care Foundation.

For additional information visit the South Sound CARE Foundation. To purchase a Zoe Ball on behalf of the foundation, visit the Kim Kyler Bellaballs Page.



Anyone who has grappled with the frustrating task of preparing a pineapple may wonder how this disobliging fruit, bristling with spikes and tough, armored skin, came to be a powerful symbol of wealth, welcome, and hospitality. Without this insight, you might imagine Irish poet Richard Brinsley Sheridan was describing a particularly sharp and surly Mr. Darcy type (prone to guarding all his internal sweetness) when he asserted “he is the very pineapple of politeness.”


As it turns out, even the pineapple’s formidable exterior is the epitome of community spirit. Every one of the mighty little facets of the pineapple is an individual fruit that joined with its neighbors after flowering to create something greater, and stronger than itself.
At bellaballs, we intend our pineapple adornment to convey that living beautifully is a choice. It takes both host and guests to designate a home as a place of welcome, generous in laughter and compassion. The pineapple proclaims that we’re all in this together, our homes and hearts are receptive.






