In a world where fast fashion dominates, Coradorables stands out as a business full of sustainability and community support. Founded by Cora Spearman, Coradorables is not just a clothing brand; it’s a movement that encapsulates the essence of Hawaii and the spirit of female entrepreneurship. Recently, Cora shared her journey on a podcast with Lee Kantor, providing a glimpse into her inspiring story and the mission behind Coradorables.
The Birth of Coradorables
Cora Spearman’s entrepreneurial journey is deeply personal. Coradorables was born out of a challenging time in Cora’s life. While battling health challenges, she sought a distraction that would bring positivity into her life. During this period, while receiving treatment at Johns Hopkins Medical Center, she began designing and selling her products to the doctors and nurses who became her first customers.
Supporting Local and Women-Owned Businesses
Coradorables is Hawaii’s first B Corporation in the product-based category. This designation reflects the company’s commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Every purchase supports over 30 locally owned, mostly female-run businesses in Honolulu, ranging from cutters and sewers to pattern makers and graphic designers. This commitment to local and women-owned businesses has been a core value of Cora’s long before she founded Coradorables.
From Retail to Resort Wear
Initially, Cora owned a gift store that featured products from other women-owned businesses. However, her vision evolved, and she transitioned into designing mid-century modern contemporary luxury resort wear. Starting as an online direct-to-consumer business, Coradorables has now expanded into wholesaling, partnering with high-end resorts like the Four Seasons and Fairmont Resorts, and even retail giants like Bloomingdale’s.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
Cora’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. After having to close her retail stores in Hawaii due to her illness, she demonstrated resilience and determination by creating samples and pitching them to local stores in Maryland. Her persistence paid off as she successfully entered the high-end children’s resort wear market, first exporting to Japan and later collaborating with Disney.
The Power of Purpose
Cora emphasizes the importance of doing what you love and finding your true calling. For her, Coradorables is more than a business; it’s a purpose-driven endeavor. She advises other entrepreneurs to find their passion and let it drive them, ensuring that their work doesn’t feel like a chore but rather a fulfilling mission.
The Role of B Corporation Certification
Being a B Corporation means that Coradorables adheres to rigorous standards of social and environmental performance. This includes fair wages, non-discrimination, and ecological sustainability. Cora’s commitment to these values aligns with the Hawaiian concept of “pono,” meaning to act in a way that is fair, just, and in harmony with the environment.
Collaboration and Community
Cora’s story also highlights the importance of networking and community support. Her engagement with WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council) and her serendipitous connections, like meeting Disney animator Benson Shum, have played crucial roles in her success. She continues to seek collaborations with other major brands to further her mission of sustainable and ethical fashion.
Coradorables is more than a fashion brand; it’s a testament to the power of resilience, community, and purpose. Cora Spearman’s journey to become a successful entrepreneur is an inspiration to many. By supporting Coradorables, consumers are not just buying luxury resort wear; they are contributing to a larger movement that values sustainability, local craftsmanship, and female empowerment.
Explore Coradorables at coradorables.com and join Cora on her mission to make fashion a force for good. To listen to her full journey, listen to Women in Motion using this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/coradorables/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
