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Inspiring Conversations with Roberta Donato of My Happy Cabaña

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Roberta Donato.

Roberta Donato

Hi Roberta, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, my affinity for beauty, simplicity, and the tropical way of life runs deep—it’s woven into my very being. My journey commenced in California, where I delved into swimwear design and dabbled in personal styling. Yet, my heart has always belonged to fashion design, particularly dresses.

In 2019, serendipity struck when my closest friend, now a business partner, stumbled upon the traditional printed fabrics cherished by the indigenous Guna people of Panama. Inspired by this discovery, our first style was born: the Rio Skirt, a midi-length fully printed skirt. Its instant success marked the start of My Happy Cabaña, our venture into the world of fashion.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Every business encounters its share of ups and downs. My Happy Cabaña had a promising launch in 2019, only to face a downturn when the pandemic confined everyone to their homes, slowing interest in clothing purchases.

We quickly pivoted our focus towards creating a homeware collection, a decision that resonated deeply with our audience. Flexibility and adaptability proved crucial in navigating the shifting landscape. While we made necessary changes, we remained steadfast in preserving our brand’s essence and authenticity.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
My Happy Cabaña epitomizes an effortless, chic, and timeless lifestyle. Conceived and curated by lifelong friends driven by a shared love for the eternal summer vibe.

Our clothing embodies playful prints and boundless creativity, designed with joy in mind. Meanwhile, our accessories are sourced globally, prioritizing sustainability and individuality to uncover that unique gem just for you. Our mission is simple: to whisk you away to a place of happiness, infusing color and delight into both your life and wardrobe.

Beyond our collections, My Happy Cabaña orchestrates pop-up events worldwide, offering women the opportunity to shop in a cozy, enjoyable setting. Picture it as a gathering amongst friends—a sanctuary of joy—where everyone can revel in discovering new treasures for their personal collection.

My driving force when I design our collections is the seamless fusion of style and comfort. Understanding that our customers prioritize comfort and confidence, I strive to blend vibrant, distinctive prints with a relaxed, flowy silhouette. This ensures our designs are not only eye-catching but also versatile, transitioning effortlessly from beachside lounging to evening outings.

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Here’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned: authenticity is key. Avoiding the temptation to mimic other businesses. Instead, we should embrace our unique identity and stay true to it.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Samantha DiGiacomo @samantha_digiacomo and Ricardo Mejia @rmstudiocorp

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