Clara Yoo

Clara Yoo is the owner of CALA VELA, a handbag company. Clara has experience as a handbag designer and executive at companies such as Cole Haan and Victoria's Secret. CALA VELA specializes in accessible luxury handbags. CALA VELA is based in NYC, and I connected with Clara through Natasha. Clara invited me into her home where we shared a refreshing conversation in which I learned so much.

Clara immediately struck me as a kind, grounded person. She has had an impressive career yet carries herself with humility yet keen self-awareness. She knows exactly what she is good at and what brings her joy. Driven by her love of 3D design and love for details, she became a handbag designer. After designing for other brands and leading companies as an executive, she began to build her own brand CALA VELA based on her love for the ocean and desire to create luxury goods accessible for everybody.  She has a talent for creating beautiful and ingeniously functional bags. Many of her products have the ability to be worn several different ways with intelligent design in every detail. Clara has created a brand with a strong identity. Specifically, her work is inspired by the ocean and a David Hockney painting, designed to deliver “joy and glow.” These are the foundations of her business. This summer, I have the privilege of working with Clara as she continues to grow her business.

Challenges of being a Female & Entrepreneur: 

Clara has been an executive in several companies. She was also a young executive. She cites working under another woman as a challenge for her. She felt that her manager was jealous or threatened by her young success. She actually experienced a better environment working under men. She felt that her male bosses gave her the tools to succeed and encouraged her while her female boss didn’t seem to want her to shine. However, now that she is an entrepreneur, she deals less with those dynamics. Her new challenge is that people don’t take her seriously as a female entrepreneur. She gets the attitude of “that’s cute, but we’ll see…” about what she is doing. People assume that she is only a designer despite her ample experience managing companies and large sums of money. She was even recently told that she shouldn’t be the one to present her own business in a meeting because people wouldn’t take her seriously. 

Perks of being a Female & Entrepreneur: 

Being a female working in fashion is a great advantage. It makes her more approachable. She understands the product, women, and what they want and need. It seems more natural to be a woman working in fashion, as men are more often the minority on the teams she has been on. 

 Boundaries & Advice:

Clara is incredibly driven and hardworking. This means that she devotes herself to her work. However, she found that the copious amounts of time she spent working wasn’t as productive as she hoped. Thus, she works to stick to a strict calendar to ensure she doesn’t overwork. She also has a routine she abides by. When I asked her what advice she has, she emphasized to pursue what brings you joy and what you are good at. If you know what you’re skilled at, create an environment in which you are always using it, then you’ll always have joy. 

She also referenced a time in starting CALA VELA that she struggled to sleep at night. As she prayed and hoped to be relieved of the stress, she recognized that the joy she was hoping to communicate with her brand should be prevalent in her process. This helped her embrace the process rather than be anxious about it. She also cited the need for patience in this.

 Womanhood:

Clara sees herself as a strong woman because she has faith. That faith is what makes her stronger as she prioritizes her time with God which leads her to peace.

In general, Clara expressed how she feels women get opportunities. “If you’re smart and capable, you’ll get opportunities.” Clara didn’t feel the limitations that some say exist. She did talk about the limits and timelines of being a woman in regards to having children. Biologically, women can only have children at a certain age range. Thus, we have to acknowledge and face those differences, especially within the workforce. She accepts the differences that men and women have and celebrates that. When I asked about the social climate, she mentioned her gratitude for the Me Too movement, especially within the fashion industry and its prevalence there. 

My conversation with Clara was very needed. Her groundedness and intellect was refreshing. Her perspective was grounded in her faith. She clearly has created a successful career, is talented, and has worked hard to make it happen. However, she navigates the world with her priorities straight, focusing on her goals and her faith.