We recently connected with Roberta Donato and have shared our conversation below.
Roberta, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
My Happy Cabaña was created almost by accident!
My best friend and now business partner, Claudia and I, were always in search of easy but unique dresses and skirts that fit our lifestyle. We are both moms, we love to laugh and have fun, and have both worked in fashion, so we wanted to look stylish as well, without breaking the bank and in a realistic way. We couldn’t very well wear a gown to the playground!!
Claudia came across some beautiful textiles in Panama, worn by the indigenous community Guna Yala. These fabrics were mostly cotton with very fun and unique motifs, such as pineapples (our logo!) and animals, etc. When she showed me these fabrics, I knew immediately what to create with them!
Our first styles were the “Rio Skirt”, a flat panel, midi length skirt with button closure, and a very easy, just slip on midi dress with a sash, our “Kuna Dress”. Perfect and flattering in every body shape!
We made a few pieces and wore them around, always getting stopped with compliments. Friends started asking us to custom order for them and after a few orders, that’s when we realized there was a market for easy to wear, easy to maintain (no dry cleaners!), unique pieces that are flattering, fashionable and fun.
And so we created our business in 2019, My Happy Cabaña.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was born in Rio de Janeiro, so I’ve always been drawn to natural beauty, simplicity and a tropical lifestyle. I started my career designing swimwear, dipped my feet in personal styling, but my passion has always really been in designing apparel, especially dresses.
Creating flowy, easy to wear dresses and skirts with beautiful prints that exudes fun, confidence and can transport you on a colorful journey is what we’ve been aiming to do at My Happy Cabaña since we started in 2019.
We are a brand that embodies a carefree, fun and timeless feel. Our prints paired with non-complicated silhouettes is what sets us apart. I am really proud that we’ve been able to maintain true to our identity, and with every collection our DNA gets stronger.
Have you ever had to pivot?
My Happy Cabaña was started in 2019… right before a global pandemic! And as you now know, our true love and first collection was purely dresses and skirts! We were just starting to get our brand name out there by doing trunk shows, markets and pop up events, when all that came to a halt. No one was really interested in buying dresses to stay home…
That’s when Claudia and I had to quickly decide how to use all the fabric we had purchased for the collection.
We realized that with more people staying at home it had to be something with homeware.
We started making tablecloths, placemats and napkins, all in prints. We called it “My Happy Table”. And it was a hit!!!!
These items were so different from anything else in the market. Suddenly not only was your dress or skirt fun and unique, but you could also have a table setting that was as authentic and joyful.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective way to growing our clientele has been participating in bazars and markets.
We’ve found that by meeting our customers, taking the time to help them chose, style and outfit their purchases has been really positive for the brand.
We have seen that a lot of customers are seeking that individual attention and shopping experience and by being at the markets we can really provide that, and our customer keeps coming back and better yet, bringing their friends!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myhappycabana.com
- Instagram: @myhappycabana
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/myhappycabana/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-happy-caba%C3%B1a/
Image Credits
Photographer: Eve Greendale Photography Model: Kristina Stephens Prop Styling: The Social Resort