Today we’d like to introduce you to Melony Huber and De Anne Combs.
Hi Melony and De Anne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Melony: Our friendship began back in 1993 and has supported us throughout our adult lives. We have been part of each other’s big milestones: weddings, children, trips, plus all of life’s ups and downs. Timing is everything, and when the opportunity to establish La Peony came along, we discovered a new purpose for our next big chapter.
De Anne: When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Melony and I resolved to use the shutdown as an opportunity to create something we were both passionate about: a brand that could help women look and feel fabulous while contributing positively to the greater good. We’ve always found it difficult to find clothes that made us feel amazing with a flattering fit that’s comfortable enough to wear all day and also represents our effortless, unique style approach. La Peony was born when we stepped back from everyday life and fully focused on making our dream a reality – a world where clothing increases women’s confidence, supports local artisans, creates American jobs, and benefits the planet.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Melony: Smooth? Well, that is relative. I would say we have enjoyed a smoother journey than we expected. We were very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time – we are both empty-nesters with financial stability, confidence, and the life experience to make La Peony work. These factors enabled us to find good people and get what we needed to succeed much more quickly than we dreamed. Have we met some challenges? Sure, we have had to pivot and learn, but that only sets us back a step or two until we find the clear lane to make progress again.
De Anne: We are trying to create something that hasn’t been accomplished before. Our mantra is: “If it were easy, it would have already been done.” The creative process is filled with trial and error. Persevering until it is absolutely perfect can be a messy process, but it is so rewarding and worth every minute! The biggest struggle along the way was finding the right partners who shared our core values. We had to stop and pivot a few times, which created a few setbacks – but was definitely still worthwhile because we finally feel like we have our dream team assembled.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Melony: We love to travel. We love philanthropic work. We love building relationships. We love our planet. With these interests and values, we strive to make women’s clothing that falls within specific parameters of versatility, fair trade, celebrating artisans, uplifting tradespeople here and abroad, all while keeping sustainability in mind. As someone who specializes in the design, both home interiors and fashion, I am extremely proud of our first capsule collection, as it not only achieves the comfort and versatility we crave but also succeeds in making women feel confident and beautiful – and it can be worn from morning until night! This La Primera line touches on every one of our values and goals while maintaining a feminine, flattering design.
De Anne: I grew up working in a family-owned business and launched a business with my husband, so starting a new business was not new to me. Launching La Peony Clothing has allowed me to leverage those experiences. Plus, Melony and I have very complementary skill sets. We don’t have many overlapping qualities, but we each truly value the other’s strengths. We have a broad set of attributes that really work well together. She is the creative mind behind the designs, and I am more business-minded and analytical. I’m also incredibly proud of our La Primera capsule collection of figure-flattering pieces that honor both a woman’s body and the female textile artisans in Oaxaca; each design is exquisitely constructed and intentionally manufactured in sunny California.
How do you define success?
Melony: To me, success is doing what you love every day and sharing that joy with others. You know how everyone talks about “happiness” as a big life goal? Well, success and happiness run hand-in-hand for me. La Peony began as a passion project but is quickly filling in the gaps and bringing more satisfaction than I could have imagined. I say it’s already an immense success!
De Anne: La Peony Clothing started with a dream and shared vision. When we wear something that makes us feel fabulous, we feel unstoppable. A core mission of La Peony is to create clothing that allows women to harness this energy. I believe we accomplished our mission and did it in a way that honors people and the planet.
Pricing:
- The Caroline Sustainable Stretch Hemp Fleece Jumpsuit ($459)
- Hemp Stretch Denim ($529)
- The Megan Sustainable Stretch Hemp Fleece Top ($138)
- The Annie Sustainable Stretch Hemp Fleece and Cruelty-Free Lambskin Hoodie Dress ($525)
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.lapeony.com
- Instagram: @la_peony_clothing
