Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Roble
Hi Karla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I moved to America at the age of seventeen, fresh out of high school (AND off the boat)! Lol Growing up in the island of Danao, Cebu Philippines, who has never travelled outside the country until coming here, i had no idea that Fashion was an actual degree that one can pursue and make a career out of. Until one day, i went to the closest city college to enroll and was handed the list of courses to choose from, and there it was… Fashion Design! I was in complete shock and thought “What?! I can be a Fashion Designer?!! Cool!” So yes, i made the impulsive decision to pursue Fashion that very same day and never really looked back! I know, how dare i not become a successful Registered Nurse like my siblings and most Filipinos?! What a disgrace! Haha… But i stuck to it, and after going to three different schools, i finally graduated top of my class (Magna Cum Laude) with a Bachelors Degree in Fashion Design. I also started interning for Celebrity Fashion Designer Michael Costello, months prior to graduating, to whom i ended up working full-time for after college. And it is where i have been truly blessed to work alongside such talented people, not just the Fashion Industry but also in the Arts, Music and Film. Within months i got promoted to Product Manager, and was still given the opportunity to create custom pieces when i could and it is through creating that i got to experience making couture dresses for prominent individuals and Fashion companies like Revolve and Harvey Nichols.
And then one day, one of my closest friends asked me to make her wedding dress for her, to which i was honored but also low-key terrified to say “yes” to because i may have made countless couture gowns, but i had never made a single wedding dress prior and this was going to be my first. And there is absolutely no way in hell that i mess up my friend’s bridal dress! Needless to say, i took the challenge and collaborated with my then bride-to-be friend, and ended up creating the dress of her dreams! Not gonna lie, it turned out pretty amazing! I also got to help her get ready for the wedding and watched her walk down the aisle in the dress! Ah! Boy did i ugly cry! Haha I knew then i wouldn’t mind doing this over and over. Needless to say, it’s most definitely one of the best things that ever happened to my brand. Because the next thing i know, i’m making orders after orders for my own clients. And that is how Karla Roble Bride was born.
And in 2023, i made my small business official and now running it from my live/work studio apartment in Downtown LA. I am now also making intentional and extra efforts to share DIYs and dress sewing tutorials on Youtube when i can. I believe it’s only right to share the skills i’ve learned all these years to the future designers and/or sewists.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It most definitely has been quite an adventure. Just like many immigrant stories you’ve probably read or heard about. I’ve also had my fare share of struggles trying to make it in this country, from experiencing cultural adjustments, discrimination, financial instability and homelessness, to name a few. And i know this might sound such a cliché but my faith, drive, passion and hunger for learning has helped me overcome my hardships. I applied for countless scholarships to make it through college, went to three different colleges due to my hunger to learn while simultaneously working multiple part time jobs before finally graduating.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Karla Roble Bride, we specialize in bespoke wedding dresses and veils. We value our brides’ opinions and creativity above all. Because gone are the days when women are told what to wear. Confidence is a hallmark of our clients’ personality. She values authenticity and is not afraid to show her true self to the world even if it means going against the grain. In addition, our brides have good moral compass and take intentional steps to support sustainability. What sets Karla Roble Bride apart is exactly that – our brides. Being that each dress is made in collaboration with our brides, we’ve only ever made every single dress one time. Each bespoke dress is thoughtfully and sustainably made with our brides in mind.
One thing i am most proud of is the relationship i’ve made and get to make with my former and current clients. Not sure how to explain it or how it’s even possible, but i’ve truly only been blessed to be working with clients that are genuinely good people! It certainly makes the collaboration process a pleasurable experience for both her, i and/or my team.
How do you think about happiness?
Other than food? lol I’m pretty simple, i am still an island girl at heart so being close to the Ocean or any body of water will always bring me pure joy. If only Cali waters weren’t so cold i’d be scuba/freediving every weekend! haha.. And, of course, being around my family and friends here in the US and in Danao, Cebu Philippines also brings a different level of happiness. Especially when i see them happy and healthy! Career-wise, nowadays i genuinely find joy in sharing my skills and knowledge. It inspires and pushes me to keep learning and share my process for others and future generations to learn from. And on days when i feel sad and uninspired i just run to my DIY Youtube videos comment section and read people’s comments on there. Those guys/gals are the most positive and inspiring! Idk how i deserved such beautiful humans!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.karlaroble.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlaroblebride/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaBYQGLBltbPTaGPbY6Sfiw
Image Credits
Geoff Rivers, Pop Social
