February 6, 2025

How to Grow Your Brand Without Compromising Your Mission, Vision & Values with Angela O’Brien, Founder of Cleobella

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 ANGELAFollow Angela on InstagramShop Cleobella CONNECT WITH TINAFollow me on InstagramCheck out my WebsiteListen to more Shelf HelpMentioned in this episode:Scale your product-based business with Founders Framework!Founders FrameworkLaunch your product strategically and responsibly with guided expertise from Wellspring Studio!Wellspring Studio

Also available on Apple Podcasts ↗