Part 1: Stories of Millionaire Women

Gayla Bentley knows fashion and design. But it took a dramatic shift in her life to propel her to make her passions work for her.

"I broke my neck in a bad car accident and it was the best thing that ever happened to me," she says.

During her three years of recuperating, Bentley designed a new life for herself.

"I really wanted to reach out and help as many people as possible learn about style."

Her ten year foundation dressing women for Saks Fifth Avenue helped lay the groundwork for her own business but a trip to Paris gave her a million dollar idea.

"I thought I am in the fashion capital in the world and there are not beautiful clothes for a woman to buy if she's over a size twelve."

She had the idea, the desire, and the support of her husband. In 2000, Gayla Bentley Fashion Design Group was born.

"Our focus is clothes of all sizes but the main focus is clothes for women with curves."

After three years in the first floor of her home, she moved into her West Houston studio space. Now she's preparing to move into her first flagship store in the Galleria area.

This week, her designs will be featured on the finale of the show "The Biggest Loser." Bentley says mentoring young fashion students is a top priority.

"I think it's important to surround yourself with other successful people and try to be an apprentice in the business that you want to be involved in. "

And Bentley's advice for designing your own business?

"So you make a list of all the things you have going for yourself. And then you look at that list and say, from what you know, what could you do to make a living. "