228. Designing Intuitive, Intentional Fashion with Cleobella Founder, Angela O'Brien

Inspirations

Angela O'Brien's journey to founding Cleobella was deeply influenced by her extensive travels and the vibrant cultures she encountered. Her adventures across Europe, South Africa, and Bali sparked a desire to create something meaningful and sustainable, leading her to connect with local artisans and design unique handbags and skirts 1. Angela's partnership with her husband, who she describes as a grounding force, played a crucial role in their fearless approach to entrepreneurship. She reflects on their dynamic, saying, "I'm the balloon floating in the air, and my husband is grounding me" 2.

   

Challenges

Building Cleobella was not without its challenges, as Angela O'Brien navigated personal health issues and the complexities of entrepreneurship. Diagnosed with an autoimmune disease at 16, she learned to manage her health through natural therapies, which became a recurring theme in her life 3. Angela's journey was also marked by a bootstrapped approach, working from her garage and learning the business from mentors who guided her through the early stages 4. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and gratitude, noting, "I continue to be guided in the right direction" 4.

   

Success

Cleobella's growth is a testament to Angela O'Brien's dedication to sustainable fashion and her commitment to preserving traditional crafts. The brand's aesthetic, rooted in global inspiration and femininity, has matured into a harmonious expression of Angela's vision 5. A key aspect of Cleobella's identity is its signature block printing, a meticulous process that celebrates imperfections and heritage techniques 6. Angela's hope is for Cleobella to create timeless designs that resonate with customers, stating, "We're creating timeless designs that are comfortable and feminine" 6.