One of my favorite things about what I do is getting to explore brands and companies beyond the ones I typically interact with everyday. While no business is perfect, and perfection is an unreasonable measure in any circumstance, there are many that seem to be moving in the direction of greater beauty and harmony in a modern world.
You know me, I love my staples and good basics, but this summer I was looking for something new to share that had a little more life and vibrancy.
Ask and you shall receive!
Pinterest and their carefully targeted ads got me again and introduced me to Cleobella, the colorful, bohemian brand that fit the bill for the global inspiration I was seeking.
Founder, Angela O’Brien, started the company in 2006 after a year-long trip across the globe inspired the start of the business she’d always dreamed of creating. Her first design was the Mexicana clutch that is still a bestseller today.
The early days of Cleobella consisted of selling leather handbags and wrap skirts made from recycled saris at flea markets in Hawaii. Eventually, Angela and her husband moved back to the mainland and found a small, 1920s cottage on the California coast to set up shop. Six years in, they added clothing to their assortment and, as of today, Cleobella is now sold in over 300 retailers.
Despite its wide reach, Cleobella was built on and continues to cultivate the core relationships and bonds with the artisans that are an integral part of the brand. Promoting the principles of slow fashion and conscious consumerism, Cleobella’s products are handmade with integrity and aim to preserve artisan craftsmanship. Angela says that “the love that is poured into each piece is what truly makes Cleobella so special.”
Cleobella’s designs are inspired by the cultures of Bali and India. In their recent woodblock printed collection the beautiful patterns are created using an ancient technique where carved wooden blocks are dip dyed and transferred to the fabric one at a time. Where possible, they use natural dyes and dying processes and combine traditional methods with modern advancements to create products that honor their original heritage while moving towards greater sustainability. Cleobella pieces are an investment, but they are truly a work of art and support the time-honored methods that have been passed down for generations.
Angela desires to keep her business heart-driven and lives in Bali four months out of the year to remain connected to the people that are the foundation of her success. She says that the impact that the work has on the livelihoods of the makers is what inspires her to continue to grow and that they have changed her life as much as Cleobella has changed theirs.
Check out my favorite Cleobella products here!