To close out Season 1 of Shelf Help, I’m joined by Angela O’Brien, founder of the sustainable fashion and accessories brand Cleobella. Angela shares her remarkable journey from selling handmade accessories at local farmers markets to landing partnerships with major retailers like Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Rent the Runway, and more.

Throughout our conversation, Angela outlines the journey to becoming a certified B Corp, including how she continues to cultivate lasting relationships with artisans across Asia, creating a solid foundation for sustainable, purposeful growth. She also touches on how she and her team are navigating the ever-changing social media marketing landscape while maintaining authentic connections to their core demographic. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or ethical fashion lover (or both!), Angela's story offers incredible insight into what it takes to build a mission-driven brand with patience and passion.

IN THIS EPISODE:

- (4:22) How Angela’s around-the-world trip inspired the first Cleobella designs

- (8:18) The importance of sustainability and ethical production in Cleobella’s business model

- (14:04) Advice for building and maintaining relationships with international artisan partners

- (16:28) Behind-the-scenes of selecting aligned wholesale retailers

- (18:08) Examples of how to create an authentic brand story and resonate with customers on social media

- (29:37) Angela’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs about patience and staying true to your values

CONNECT WITH ANGELA

Follow Angela on Instagram

Shop Cleobella

CONNECT WITH TINA

Follow me on Instagram

Check out my Website

Listen to more Shelf Help

Mentioned in this episode:

Scale your product-based business with Founders Framework!

Founders Framework

Launch your product strategically and responsibly with guided expertise from Wellspring Studio!

Wellspring Studio

RESOURCES

Download my FREE Annual Planning Guide

Refinery 29: How I Moved On From My What Not To Wear Style

Whenever I talk to a super successful founder, one thing always stands out – their authenticity. Today’s guest, Stacy London, is no exception! Many of you may know her from TLC’s What Not to Wear, but now she’s making waves in a new way as an entrepreneur and designer at QVC, one of the most unique retail platforms out there. In this episode, Stacy shares her journey of selling directly to customers through live TV and how that experience has shaped her approach to design.

Throughout our conversation, we discuss her innovative “addable” designs, how she continues to fill major gaps in the fashion industry, and her tips for creating products with inclusivity, accessibility, and authenticity in mind. Plus, Stacy highlights the opportunities and challenges of selling on QVC and reveals how the data gathered from the platform helps shape her collections.

IN THIS EPISODE

- (4:03) What inspired Stacy to start her own fashion business and how it’s evolved

- (7:37) The challenges of transitioning from TV to entrepreneurship

- (13:44) Strategies for designing an inclusive and accessible product

- (18:52) Stacy’s experience of pitching on QVC and her vision for bringing a younger audience to the platform

- (24:06) Stacy’s creative process and how she’s innovating the fashion industry

- (27:27) The role of authenticity and expertise when selling a product online

- (30:53) How Stacy’s sense of style has shifted as a fashion founder

CONNECT WITH STACY

Follow Stacy on Instagram

Check out by Stacy London on QVC

CONNECT WITH TINA

Follow me on Instagram

Learn more on my website

Listen to more Shelf Help

When you align your brand with your passion and purpose, magic happens! Joining me to prove it is Nyakio Grieco, a leader in the beauty industry and the founder behind Thirteen Lune and Relevant Skincare. In this episode, we dive deep into the creation of Thirteen Lune – a revolutionary e-commerce platform dedicated to showcasing beauty brands by Black and Brown founders. Nyakio shares her experience of translating a brand into a successful online platform and offers expert insights on partnering with major retail giants.

Nyakio also opens up about the challenges of building a brand in today’s economic climate with tips for overcoming them and shares her strategies for creating a product aligned with your mission. Plus, you get a sneak peek at what’s next for Thirteen Lune and Relevant Skincare, along with Nyakio’s favorite self-care ritual.

IN THIS EPISODE:

- (0:19) Nyakio’s unconventional path into beauty retail

- (4:18) The transition from owning a brand to launching an entire platform

- (7:54) Nyakio’s criteria when selecting brands and founders to feature on Thirteen Loon

- (9:58) A deep dive into the incredible partnership between Thirteen Loon and JCPenny

- (13:10) Advice for filling gaps in your industry with a brand that balances innovation and tradition

- (22:04) Strategically approaching direct to consumer versus direct to retail

- (24:30) How to merge your passions and mission with your brand

- (27:48) Nyakio’s top self-care rituals

- (29:15) The future of Thirteen Loon and Relevant

CONNECT WITH NYAKIO

Follow Nyakio on Instagram

Follow Relevant Skin on Instagram

Follow Thirteen Lune on Instagram

Connect with Nyakio on LinkedIn

Check out Thirteen Lune’s website

CONNECT WITH TINA

Follow me on Instagram

Learn more on my website

Listen to more Shelf Help

Mentioned in this episode:

Launch your product strategically and responsibly with guided expertise from Wellspring Studio!

Wellspring Studio

Scale your product-based business with Founders Framework!

Founders Framework