Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises

The Cleobella Story: Creating Jobs, Style, and Sustainability - Angela O’Brien, Founder and Creative Director of Cleobella


Listen Later

----------------------------------------

Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.

We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.


To learn more, please visit causeartist.com


In episode 230 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Angela O’Brien, founder and creative director of Cleobella, an ethical fashion brand rooted in global inspiration, artisan partnership, and sustainability.

What began as a dream during a year-long adventure through Southeast Asia in 2006 has grown into a globally recognized brand celebrated for its craftsmanship, transparency, and commitment to empowering women.

In our conversation, Angela shares the remarkable 20-year journey behind Cleobella, the brand’s ethos, and how deep, long-standing artisan partnerships have shaped every collection.

Angela’s early career as a model took her across Europe and Japan, but she always felt called to create rather than be the product. That creative spark led her and her husband Jim on a global backpacking trip that would change everything.

In Bali and India, Angela connected with local artisans whose traditions and techniques would inspire the very foundation of Cleobella.

What started with wrap skirts made from recycled saris and hand-tooled leather bags sold at farmer’s markets in Maui has now evolved into a certified B Corp fashion label, recognized for blending luxury design with slow fashion values.


----------------------------------------

 Causeartist is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:

  • Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.
  • Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.
  • Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.
  • Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.
  • Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.
  • IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.
  • Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.
  • Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.

As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.com

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social EnterprisesBy Causeartist

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

52 ratings


More shows like Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises

View all
HBR IdeaCast by Harvard Business Review

HBR IdeaCast

1,864 Listeners

Pivot by New York Magazine

Pivot

9,335 Listeners

How I Built This with Guy Raz by Guy Raz | Wondery

How I Built This with Guy Raz

30,231 Listeners

Pod Save America by Crooked Media

Pod Save America

86,745 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,088 Listeners

Up First from NPR by NPR

Up First from NPR

56,011 Listeners

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

7,698 Listeners

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee by Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

3,479 Listeners

Today, Explained by Vox

Today, Explained

10,135 Listeners

Worklife with Adam Grant by TED

Worklife with Adam Grant

9,176 Listeners

The Daily Stoic by Daily Stoic | Backyard Ventures

The Daily Stoic

4,832 Listeners

My First Million by Hubspot Media

My First Million

2,643 Listeners

Investing in Impact | Impact Investing by Causeartist

Investing in Impact | Impact Investing

15 Listeners

Tools for Scale by Causeartist

Tools for Scale

3 Listeners

SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

SmartLess

57,637 Listeners

The Ezra Klein Show by New York Times Opinion

The Ezra Klein Show

15,503 Listeners

Fairbee Buzz | Sustainable Lifestyle & Fashion by Causeartist // Fairbee

Fairbee Buzz | Sustainable Lifestyle & Fashion

0 Listeners

Changemaker Rehab by Causeartist

Changemaker Rehab

3 Listeners

AI Explored by Michael Stelzner, Social Media Examiner—AI marketing

AI Explored

83 Listeners