We were lucky to catch up with Veena Venkersammy recently and have shared our conversation below.
Veena, appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?
From Passion Project to Production Puzzle: Making 2020 Worth It for Cleoblvd
Hi my name is Veena Venkersammy. It’s a pleasure to meet all of you.
Jewelry-making became my sanctuary in 2020, a year defined by my resilience. After a serious accident left me unable to walk for a year, I rediscovered my love for creating with my first-ever jewelry kit, which I found on Amazon. I remember the first pearl earrings with Austrian crystals and gold beads I made. It was more than a design to me. They were a symbol of triumph, a testament to making 2020 worth it.
However, when I transitioned to selling online, a dilemma arose. My designs couldn’t keep pace with the demand for e-commerce websites in the UK. This was a wonderful problem to have, but it meant I needed to find a way to scale up production without compromising the heart of my creations.
The Unexpected Hurdle of International Harmony
Initially, I partnered with a sample sale site in the UK. Their quick turnaround times were fantastic, except for one crucial detail – I was based in the US. Unfortunately, fulfilling orders internationally meant delays for eager customers. This wasn’t the experience I wanted for my brand, so I had to make the tough decision to focus on US-based platforms.
A Dream Collaboration Takes Flight
Then, something incredible happened. Wolf & Badger, a renowned online and West Hollywood boutique known for supporting emerging designers reached out! Being featured on their online platform was a dream come true. They not only offered a wider audience but also provided invaluable support in spreading the word about my brand. My social media following soared, and orders poured in both in Europe, Australia, and the U.S.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson – challenges are often stepping stones to unexpected opportunities. It takes flexibility, resourcefulness, and a touch of faith in the creative journey!
To anyone reading this, never give up.
Veena, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Cleoblvd emerged in 2015, as a brand with a mission embodied with bold colors and enduring California Malibu & Guyanese vibes. Founded by Veena Venkersammy, a woman sculpted by the fires of chronic pain, Cleoblvd wasn’t about fleeting fads or chasing the ever-shifting whims of the industry. It was a defiant statement, a declaration that even amidst the throes of chronic pain, brilliance that beauty could bloom.
Veena wasn’t your average designer. This was a warrior, a survivor who had wrestled with pain and emerged, not just standing, but thriving. Her journey wasn’t a secret. It was woven into the very fabric of Cleoblvd, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Each piece, handcrafted with meticulous care and ethically sourced materials by Veena herself, was more than just an accessory; it was a silent battle cry, a whisper of encouragement to those facing their own invisible battles.
But Cleoblvd wasn’t a solitary path. It was a community, a gathering place for women who understood the language of pain, the relentless ache that could sometimes dim the fire within. Veena envisioned Cleoblvd as more than just adornment; it was about empowerment. The brand partnered with other survivors, women who had stared adversity in the face and refused to blink. Their stories, shared on social media and through captivating blog posts curated by Veena, resonated with a deep, soul-stirring truth. In their struggles and triumphs, others found a reflection of their own battles, a spark of hope that they too could not only survive, but thrive.
Fueled by the growing community and her own unwavering spirit, Veena set her sights on scaling Cleoblvd beyond the confines of small boutiques. Trade shows were battlegrounds where Veena showcased her collection with the unwavering spirit of a gladiator, each piece a testament to the strength that resided within.
Social media became a vibrant tapestry, woven by Veena with stunning visuals of the jewelry and the powerful stories of the women who wore it. Collaborations with carefully chosen influencers, those who understood the power of vulnerability and resilience, amplified the brand’s message. Cleoblvd wasn’t about hiding pain; it was about celebrating the indomitable human spirit that danced with it, a philosophy championed by Veena herself.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. There were moments of doubt, nights spent strategizing the next move, the ever-present throb of pain a constant companion for Veena. But never one to back down from a fight, she wouldn’t give up. Veena constantly experimented, trying new marketing channels, hosting online events where women could connect and share their experiences. User-generated content, with women proudly displaying their Cleoblvd pieces and the stories etched into their faces, became a powerful testament to the brand’s impact, a testament to Veena’s vision.
Cleoblvd continues to blaze a trail, its foundation built on the unwavering strength of its founder, Veena, and the ever-growing community it empowers. It’s a brand that doesn’t shy away from the realities of chronic pain, but instead, embraces it as part of the magnificent tapestry of the human experience. Cleoblvd is more than a brand; it’s a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, beauty and strength can still be forged, a testament to the fact that we are all warriors, adorned with the invisible battles we fight and the unwavering spirit that allows us to rise.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
Early on, I might have taken negative comments to heart, but I’ve learned to use them as a chance to grow. If someone points out something I can improve on, I take it as a learning opportunity. But sometimes, negativity is just noise. I’ve developed a thicker skin and learned to focus on the amazing women who wear Cleoblvd and the positive impact it has on their lives.
In fact, sometimes those negative comments even fuel my creativity! I want to keep pushing boundaries and creating pieces that empower women even more. Cleoblvd is about fighting through pain, embracing healing, and feeling beautiful no matter what. The haters might not understand that message, but the incredible community of Cleoblvd women most definitely do. Their stories and support are what keep me going!
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
I poured my heart and soul, and yes, all my savings into creating beautiful pieces that empower women. It’s been an incredible journey, but like any entrepreneur, I’ve hit a turning point. Cleoblvd is growing faster than I could have ever imagined, and to truly reach the women who need it most, I need to scale up. Currently, to ensure Cleoblvd maintains its high quality and reaches its full potential, we’re actively seeking investors who can partner with us on this exciting journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cleoblvd.com
- Instagram: @cleoblvd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleoblvd/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThDZ0gsev3M&t=82s
Image Credits
Pictures by Sophia
Photographers brand: ISOPH CINEMATICS
IG link: @isoph_cinematics
Our brand link: www.cleoblvd.com
My IG: @cleoblvd
Whatnot account: Please follow Cleoblvdgems
At CleoBlvd, we are dedicated to empowering individuals through innovative fashion that blends style, comfort, and sustainability. Inspired by Veena’s Guyanese heritage and West Indian color schemes. Our pieces celebrate the vibrant colors of our culture, creating timeless designs that inspire confidence and self-expression while contributing positively to the voice of traumatized women. Join our live streams on Whatnot at Cleoblvdgems and become part of our vibrant community. The photos above are our recent photoshoot. Sophia and I captured the voice of strength and freedom in these photos. Sophia’s vision is always around empowering women to feel vibrant, beautiful, and strong.