We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angela Arevalo Smith. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angela below.
Alright, Angela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The story of how I came up with the idea for Baan De Sol is deeply personal and rooted in my life experiences, passions, and my multi-ethnic family heritage.
After several years in the healthcare industry, where I last held an operations management role, I decided to take a step back to focus on motherhood. I had my son and felt a strong desire for more flexibility, which led me to consider entrepreneurship instead of continuing to climb the corporate ladder in healthcare. Around this time, my family and I took a reunion trip to Thailand. It was during this trip that I found the inspiration that would become the foundation of Baan De Sol.
While in Thailand, I was captivated by the vibrant textiles created by local artisans. These artisans, many of whom were women, had incredible stories and skills that had been passed down through generations. I was moved by their dedication and the beauty of their work. This experience ignited a passion in me to support these small communities and share their exquisite craftsmanship with a broader audience.
I saw a clear opportunity to create a business that would not only bring these beautiful, artisan-made products to market but also support the artisans and their communities. This vision was fueled by a desire to make a meaningful impact and help with preserving the cultural heritage of weaving.
The emotional connection I felt to the artisans and their work was a significant driver in my decision to start Baan De Sol. I wanted to build a brand that embodies sustainability, comfort, luxury, and style, much like the kimono we offer. I knew that by creating small-batch products in Thailand with creative direction from me, a Latina owner, we could offer something unique and culturally rich.
From a logical standpoint, I believed this would work because there was a growing demand for ethically made, artisan products that tell a story. People are increasingly seeking out unique, high-quality items that have a positive impact on the world. Baan De Sol was perfectly positioned to meet this demand, offering not just products but also a connection to the artisans.
Celebrating my multi-ethnic family roots was also a huge part of the motivation behind Baan De Sol. As a Latina woman married into a multi-ethnic family, I wanted to create something that honored both cultures. It was important to me to show my son that he could celebrate and take pride in both his Thai and Latin heritage. Through Baan De Sol, I aim to blend these rich cultures, showcasing their beauty and traditions in a way that resonates with others who appreciate cultural diversity.
What excited me most about this idea was the potential to build a community around it. I saw parallels between being a small business owner and a new mom – both require nurturing and growth but can also be isolating. By participating in markets and connecting with like-minded individuals, I began to build a community of supporters who shared my passion.
In essence, Baan De Sol was born out of a combination of personal experiences, a strong desire to support artisan communities, and a vision for creating beautiful, meaningful products. It was about solving the problem of bringing unique, high-quality, and ethically made products to market while making a positive impact on the lives of artisans. This combination of emotion, logic, and cultural celebration made me confident that Baan De Sol was a worthwhile endeavor.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
How I Got Into the Industry:
My journey into the artisan-made sustainable fashion and home decor industry began when I was in high school. I was in DECA, a business club for high schoolers, where I competed in competitions focused on product marketing and social enterprise. This early exposure to business and the importance of social impact planted the seeds for my future endeavors. When I went to college, this dream was put on hold as I pursued other interests and career paths. It wasn’t until I became a mother that I had the time and space to revisit my dream of owning a small business and boutique. Our family reunion trip led to the creation of Baan De Sol. During this trip, I was captivated by the beautiful textiles and crafts created by local artisans. These artisans, many of whom were women, shared their stories and skills passed down through generations. I felt a profound connection to their work and a strong desire to support these communities by bringing their exquisite woven creations to a broader market. This inspiration led to the creation of Baan De Sol, an artisan-made clothing brand that supports small communities in Thailand.
What We Provide:
At Baan De Sol, we offer a range of artisan-made lifestyle products that blend sustainability, comfort, luxury, and style. Some of our standout items include our modern kimono and petite handwoven napkins.
Problems We Solve:
Baan De Sol addresses the growing demand for ethically made, high-quality products that tell a story. Our customers are looking for unique items that have a positive impact on the world. By supporting artisans in Thailand, we help preserve traditional art of weaving and provide economic opportunities for these communities. Our products are not just items; they are stories and cultural artifacts that connect our customers with the artisans who made them.
What Sets Us Apart:
What makes Baan De Sol unique is our deep commitment to cultural celebration and sustainability. As a Latina woman married into a multi-ethnic Thai family, I blend these rich cultures, showcasing their beauty and traditions in our products. Our emphasis on small-batch production ensures quality and sustainability, and our creative direction adds a unique touch to each item. We are more than just a brand; we are a bridge between cultures, bringing the best of both worlds to our customers.
What I’m Most Proud Of:
I am incredibly proud of the community we’ve built around Baan De Sol. The journey from being a new mom to a small business owner has been challenging but rewarding. We’ve created a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for cultural celebration and ethical craftsmanship. Additionally, we’ve built Levanta PDX, an initiative to support women and mom-owned businesses, fostering connections and providing growth opportunities.
I also recently became a partner and owner of a boutique in Portland, OR, called Origin Story. This has been a dream of mine since I was 16, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see it come to life. It’s a testament to the idea that you are never too old to achieve your dreams!
Final Thoughts:
Baan De Sol is more than just a brand; it’s a celebration of culture, community, and craftswomanship. We aim to make a positive impact on both our customers and the artisans we support, creating beautiful, meaningful products that tell a story. Our journey is about honoring our roots, supporting artisans, and building a community that values cultural richness and ethical production.
Have you ever had to pivot?
One significant pivot in my business journey occurred when I transitioned Baan De Sol from a home decor brand to a clothing brand. This change was driven by a combination of market feedback and my desire to better align with our customers’ interests. When I first founded Baan De Sol, the vision was to create a home decor brand that supported small communities in Thailand. In the early stages, I focused on building solid artisan partnerships and connections. Our home decor products, including handwoven napkins, were well-received by customers who appreciated the unique designs and cultural significance. These products allowed us to support the artisans and share their stories with a wider audience.
As Baan De Sol grew, I saw an opportunity to expand our product offerings. I decided to test out a small batch of clothing. This decision was a leap of faith, driven by a desire to explore new avenues and see how our customers would respond. The response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. People not only loved our story but also fell in love with our clothing. Customers appreciated the quality, comfort, and cultural richness of our clothing, which seamlessly blended Thai and Latin heritage.
Recognizing the potential, I decided to pivot Baan De Sol to focus more on clothing. This change required a strategic shift in production, marketing, and overall business operations. However, the foundational relationships with artisans and the commitment to ethical craftsmanship remained the same. This pivot was a significant turning point for Baan De Sol. It taught me the importance of listening to customers and being open to change. By embracing this new direction, we were able to create products that resonated more deeply with our audience and better showcased the artisans’ incredible talents.
Pivoting from a home decor brand to a clothing line was a bold and rewarding move for Baan De Sol. It allowed us to grow, reach new customers, and make a more significant impact on the artisan communities we support. This experience reinforced the importance of flexibility and innovation in business, and I am incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Through this journey, we’ve not only expanded our product offerings but also strengthened our commitment to cultural celebration and ethical craftwomanship.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building Baan De Sol’s social media presence has been a journey rooted in organic connections and community marketing. From the start, I prioritized fostering genuine relationships with our audience rather than relying on paid promotions or aggressive marketing tactics. By connecting with local communities and like-minded individuals who shared our values of cultural celebration and ethical craftsmanship, we were able to establish a strong, authentic presence.
Our approach involved attending events, collaborating with artisans, and engaging meaningfully with our audience. Sharing our brand’s story, the stories of the artisans we work with, and the emotional significance behind our products allowed us to create content that resonated deeply with our followers. This strategy helped us build a community of people who not only appreciated our products but also connected with our mission.
For those starting to build a social media presence, my advice is to cultivate authentic connections by engaging genuinely with your audience and community. This helps establish a loyal and trusting following. Share your brand’s narrative to let your journey and values shine through, making your content relatable and engaging. Emphasize community and collaboration by partnering with local businesses and influencers who align with your mission; such collaborations can expand your reach and reinforce community ties. Maintain consistency and authenticity in your voice and visual style, as this is crucial for relatability and trustworthiness. Lastly, engage actively and listen to feedback, adapting your content based on your audience’s interests and needs.
By following these principles, Baan De Sol has successfully cultivated a vibrant social media presence that reflects our brand’s essence and fosters a deep connection with our audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.baandesol.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopbaandesol/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092556694595
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baandesol
Image Credits
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