Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Arevalo Smith

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

Growing up, I discovered my passion for business and creativity through my high school’s business club. My favorite projects were the marketing campaigns I developed for a small boutique concept, where I always incorporated a give-back element. It resonated with the community, and my efforts were recognized with a generous scholarship to a fashion and design school.

However, life took me in a different direction. I chose to attend university in Hawaii, a place that deeply influenced my perspective on life and community. After graduation, I returned to California and pursued a career in healthcare. My path was abruptly altered when I was diagnosed with cancer. The journey through six months of chemotherapy and radiation was challenging, but I’m proud to say that I am now celebrating 14 years in remission this month.

After my recovery, I found my way back to healthcare, where I discovered a niche in operations and people management. I thrived in this role, but the pandemic and the birth of my son, Leon, shifted my priorities. I decided to step away from my career to be more present for my family.

A turning point came when my husband, who is of Thai descent, and I took a couple of months to visit his family in Thailand. It was during this trip that the spark to create a brand aligned with my values was reignited. I felt a deep connection to the artisans we met and the beauty of their craft. Using my skills in community building and relationship management, I began partnering with these artisans to bring my visions to life.

It’s essential to me that our partners not only use sustainable practices but also receive fair wages for their artistry. This commitment continues to guide me as I build a brand that honors the craft and the people behind it, while staying true to my values of community and meaningful impact.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Building my small business has certainly come with its share of challenges, but I see each one as an opportunity for growth and improvement, while always staying true to our brand’s core values.

Recently, I faced an issue with a design. After my partners and I went through a thorough pattern and sampling process, the final order arrived different from the agreed-upon sample. This situation led us to reevaluate our operations, adding more quality checkpoints throughout the process to ensure the final product meets our standards and aligns with the original vision.

Working internationally also presents its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to cultural differences. Establishing clear communication practices early on has been essential to prevent misunderstandings and ensure smooth collaboration.

Every challenge teaches me something new, and I embrace them as chances to refine our approach, strengthen our processes, and ultimately grow as a business.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

Baan De Sol is an artisan-made lifestyle brand that supports indigenous communities by creating small-batch clothing and home decor. Our home decor pieces are handwoven on pedal looms using ancestral techniques passed down through generations, while our clothing is crafted from sustainable, handwoven fabrics. Each partnership and piece is intentionally created, allowing you to carry a piece of art and cultural heritage with you.

What truly sets us apart is that every item is made one by one, ensuring a personal touch in each piece. We’re also committed to providing fair wages and sustainable livelihoods for our partners, which is an incredibly empowering part of our mission.

What does success mean to you?

I define success as living in alignment with my values and making a meaningful impact. For me, it’s about building a business that uplifts communities, supports artisans, and creates beautiful, intentional products that carry a story. Success isn’t just about reaching milestones or hitting targets; it’s about the relationships I’ve built, the cultural heritage we’re preserving, and knowing that the work we do is empowering others.

It’s also about growth—both personally and for the brand—learning from challenges, embracing change, and continuously finding ways to improve. If I’m staying true to my vision and creating positive ripple effects, then I know I’m on the right path.

Pricing:

• $20-$250

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.baandesol.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baandesol
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092556694595