This weeks TVM Startup Stall recipient is Christina Cassaniti and her label, OnlyOne the Label.
Christina started OnlyOne The Label out of a pursuit to find the perfect loungewear set.
At the time she was living with a male housemate who would often have his mates over without warning. She felt self- conscious about having to greet them in her ‘not so attractive sleepwear’ (cue, an old oversized t-shirt and shorts that were falling apart due to a thousand washes) it was in these moments that she thought to herself ‘there needs to be sleepwear accessible to women that allows them to still feel beautiful and on trend whilst being comfortable enough for lounging’ - Amen to that we say!
Christina set of on a mission to find the perfect loungewear set she could sleep in, lounge in and feel beautiful in for those un-expected visitor's. To her dismay she could not find anything that matched this description. It was then she knew she had to do something - other women would also need a product of this nature.
She began crafting OnlyOne The Label - which Christina says has become a go to product for women around the world, it's become the OnlyOne they want to take to bed.
Do you have a creative background and what were you doing prior to launching your own business?
Before starting my label I was a fashion buyer and designer for 6 + years working for some of Australia's largest fashion houses. I also have a degree in Business.
Tell us about your brand name, how did this come about?
It's actually a funny story, if you believe in destiny and receiving signs from the universe. I was out for a river walk one Sunday something I loved doing, I knew I was going to start my label, I had envisaged the product, the brand personality and the vision I had for creating a brand community however, was still stuck on a name. I was saying to my friend at the time I would love a sign from the universe and at that moment I saw a massive yacht coming down the river and it was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, big white, luxurious, oozing lifestyle and class, I immediately could see my customer lying out the front in her loungewear and I caught the name on the side of the yacht it was called - OnlyOne the way it was written in cursive on the yacht I knew that was it, that was my sign and that was the start of my OnlyOne journey. Since that day that name holds so many different meanings for me - I love it!
That is very uncanny! Tell us about the collection we can expect to find at your stall at TVM next Sunday 16 February in Burleigh Heads?
Our SS19/20 collection consists of 8 x styles a mixture of matching sets, nightdresses and a beautiful robe.
What inspires you creatively?
So much, I draw a lot of inspiration from my general surroundings, from art, homewares and architecture. I love getting texture and colour inspiration from homewares and of course I draw inspiration from books - I love reading fashion books, blogs and magazines.
Do you work from home, an office or creative workspace?
I have my own home studio it's a super light and airy space and provides a lot of creative inspiration and flow. When I feel like I need a change of scenery I work from my local cafe.
Do you implement any sustainable practices within your business, if so tell us about this?
Sustainability is something I'm really passionate about and I definitely try to implement a lot of small practices into my business.
Firstly, the fabrics I choose to work with, I'm really selective about working with the most sustainable fabrics. OnlyOne is a slow fashion label, we don't produce four collections a year we simply produce 2 x collections to reduce consumerism and slowly break the fast fashion cycle.
We also use compostable mailers with all orders as well as using less packaging, whilst still delivering on a beautiful product.
Sustainability for me is about making a choice, I can't claim to be 100% sustainable but OnlyOne is always evolving and taking steps in the right direction in order to have a more ethical and meaningful existence.
Do you collaborate with any other local Gold Coast or Brisbane businesses?
Not at this moment, however, watch this space.
Why did you choose TVM as a platform for your business?
I've been a local TVM market goer myself for years now. I love how much creativity and inspiration is prevalent in one place. I also have so much admiration for all of the amazing brands I have watched grow into powerhouses since starting their journey with TVM.
Where’s your favourite local coffee haunt?
Industry Beans in Newstead - Brisbane
Favourite book?
Ikigai
Favourite podcasts?
Super Soul Conversations, Goop & Offline with Alison Rice.
Favourite way to unwind?
Lounging around my house in a pair of OnlyOne's, diffuser going, a good book in hand or listening to a podcast and journaling.
Websites or profiles you’re loving for business inspiration right now?
Superwomen we aint with Janine Allis & Maggie Hartley podcast, loveee these two ladies!
What’s your favourite TVM stall, if you have one?
House of Paloma - what a vibe!! Love their style!
Find Christina and OnlyOne the Label next Sunday 16 February at TVM or online, here.
