Welcome to The Plain Janes Journal; Don't just exist, live!
We focus on people's lives and how they arrived to where they are today. Each month we will be celebrating individuals and their experiences.
Say hello to Kitty, she's an easy breezy, summer lovin' Coastie girl. Kitty has made a name for herself in the oh-so fashionable swimwear industry. As a self proclaimed mermaid, it was obvious that this was the path for her. The idea came to Kitty as a young 6 year old girl and as soon as she was old enough, she was using her mums sewing machine to make and wear her very own cossie's.
Kitty has a creative ability of combining colours, textures, patterns and shapes and that is why Cleonie Swim is one of Australias most recognisable brands.
Brit: It’s safe to say that Cleonie is well and truly a household name, how does this
milestone feel?
Kitty: WOW that is so nice of you to say- I have never thought of us as
a brand like that just yet..there is still so much more for us to achieve as a
sustainable brand and growing community, but love you feel that way.
Brit: You have put in the hard yards and built Cleonie up from the ground. What
advice would you give to someone who is eager to start a label of their own?
Kitty: Once you have it in your vision it’s so hard to let it go- just keep learning, keep making decisions and don’t sweat the small stuff in the beginning, let the
mistakes made guide you to better decisions in the future and then, never give
up!!
Brit: When it comes to business, what’s one thing you've recently learnt that you
wouldn't have seen coming 6-12 months ago?
Kitty: Sadly, I have been witness to some really awful happenings where brands are using their power to push out the smaller ones, and the boutiques are allowing it to happen- Supporting local isn’t true unless it is actioned.
Brit: Besides the blood, sweat and tears.. What goes into creating your brand?
Kitty: Lots of energy and consistently showing up for the team! Creativity in all areas from the space we work, to how our socials flow, it is all a cohesive story.
Brit: You have such vibrant designs, where do you draw inspiration from?
Kitty: I have a love affair with the ocean and all things summer! There is something so magical about being in nature and by the waterside! It is those sweet moments in the evenings or on the weekends that make the hard work in the week worthwhile.
Brit: We love some sneaky insider info, is there anything exciting coming up for
Cleonie that you’d love to share?
Kitty: We are launching a few new apparel pieces.. Which is a first for us in this space! Think hand crochet pieces with a Cleonie twist.
Brit: You are a mother to the gorgeous Valentine, so life is pretty busy! We’d love to
know how you juggle it all?
Kitty: I am surrounded by an incredible family who have
supported my mothering and Cleonie journey from the beginning. It is because of
this support I have been able to continue living out my dreams and being a mum
at the same time. Having Valentine has made me really focus only on what is
important-because time is too precious and moves too quickly.
Brit: Describe yourself with 3 words only.
Kitty: Kind, summery, passionate.
Brit: Where is your favourite holiday destination and where to next?
Kitty: Oh I do love Europe and Asia- Can I have two? There is something so special to me about both- perhaps in a past life I was from there. The cultures are always so inspiring and unlike what we have here. I am off to Sumba in a few months time for a photoshoot!! Will be exciting to explore a new Indonesian island.
Brit: Besides swimwear, describe your daily style.. If you were to walk into Plain Janes today, what would you buy?
Kitty: My outfits change based on my mood- sometimes super bright, colourful and clashing prints and other times, refined- all black and minimal style. You would definitely catch me leaving Plain Janes with a bag of Ciao Ciao matching set or a Charlie Holiday mini dress.
If you want to shop or learn more about Cleonie, click here > https://cleonie.com/