Meet Trailblazer Liana Hill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liana Hill.

Liana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In the world of fashion it has been disappointing to see quantity reign over quality. I believe that a key area of sustainability is buying fewer things that last. I wanted to create a place where people could select clothing that was well made and timeless enough to enjoy over a lifetime.

Has it been a smooth road?
One of the hardest moments for me was taking the first leap. I had a good amount of experience in the clothing world, but I was always working for other people and helping them realize THEIR visions. It was scary to believe enough in my own vision to step out. My sister has been a small business owner for five years and she told me something I needed to hear. “Only you know what you are capable of,” she said. This wasn’t a prescriptive statement. She wasn’t telling me what to do. But only you can assess how deeply you are compelled and how fiercely you are determined.

We’d love to hear more about Dona Forta.
Dona Forta: Strong Women, Strong Clothes

Dona Forta means “Strong Woman.” I believe that strong, confident women are more interested in developing their personal style than following trend. They invest in clothing and accessories of high quality with intriguing design which align with their values. They know who they are, and their sense of style is born out of their sense of self.

To me, “Strong Clothes” are clothes that are well made. They are a great investment because they can last for decades if they are cared for. They can also have a second life (or third or fourth) if an owner decides to pass them along. Strong clothes are the opposite of disposable clothing, which are poorly made, temporary, and contribute to overflowing landfills and other environmental problems.

Focusing exclusively on trend can result in waste. Trendy clothes are apt to get tossed once a trend passes. Dressing according to your own style means you can buy clothes you want to keep for a long time! When a person focuses on personal style instead of only trend, they can build a wardrobe over time that expresses themselves and highlights their uniqueness. I love this comment by Victor Hugo: “Style is the substance of the subject called unceasingly to the surface.”

I believe that a key area of responsibility is buying clothes that last. In addition, the way things are made is important. What materials are being used? How do those materials affect the well-being of the earth, animals, and people? Who is making them? Are their lives at risk from the conditions they work in? Are they being mistreated? I applaud organizations that are behaving responsibly in these areas. I am glad there is a shift happening, with increased discussion around ethically made products.

Which women have inspired you in your life?
I am very inspired by other female business owners. My sister has owned Saltwater Massage Studio in Gloucester, MA for five years, and watching her journey has been very inspiring. I feel grateful to live in Denver, which I find to be a very entrepreneurial city. On my block (44th Ave. between Stuart St. and Tennyson St) I am one of six female business owners. Casey Kochenberger and Kristy Rosen from Blush, Calli Nicoletti from Miller Lane Mercantile, Bre Morris from Alchemy Face Bar, and Michelle Courier from Westward Gallery. I am proud to be among them.

Contact Info:

• Address: Dona Forta
  4309 W 44th Ave
  Denver, CO 80212
• Website: https://donaforta.com
• Phone: (720) 682-4775
• Email: info@donaforta.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donaforta/

Image Credit:
Kelsey Kobasick, Kate Petrik, Caitlyn Schwarz

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