Welcome to the Solaniverse!
A Conversation with Designer, Anika Kablan , Founder of the brand Solani. We talk about growing up a girl in the 2000s, early inspirations and what it takes being a black female designer today.
Interviewed by Arianna Freels
Interviewed on March 29th, 2025
Read our Interview in Vol.2 Spring/Summer 2025 issue HERE
If you are on social media, you have probably seen her Viral Star Bags, but Solani is more than just a star. Brown Orchid Magazine’s Arianna Freels talks with Solani founder and designer, Anika Kablan. Ever since she was young, Kablan(25) was artistic and loved to draw and create. Attending art school for most of her formative years, she honed her creative skills. She has a deep passion for art. Her love of art and fashion led her to create Solani in 2020. Solani originally started as a jewelry store, just a creative outlet for Kablan. The universe had other plans bigger than what Anika hoped for. Solani grew into something much bigger. Solani now represents a universe of creativity, nostalgia, and inclusivity. She brought a vision to life that she never imagined.
Arianna: Welcome to the Garden Anika! I am excited to be speaking with you!
Anika: Thank you so much for having me! I am super excited!
Arianna: What were your first inspirations?
Anika:I was inspired by so many things! Barbie, Myscene, Polly Pocket, Code Lyoko, etc
Arianna: I have been following your brand since late 2021 to very early 2022. I remember the headphones and Star Bags. I knew instantly this is Star Power. How did you come up with Solani?
Anika:Thank you so much for following my brand! It means a lot to hear that you remember those early pieces, like the headphones and Star Bags. Solani was born from a deep desire to create something that combined my love for storytelling, whimsy, and the universe. The name "Solani" actually comes from the word "sol," which represents the sun and symbolizes light, energy, and warmth, things I wanted the brand to embody. I envisioned a universe where creativity and imagination could shine brightly, and Solani became the embodiment of that vision. It’s all about bringing a little bit of magic into everyday life, connecting with others, and celebrating the whimsical side of our world. As the brand evolved, it began to reflect more of a journey, with Solani herself transitioning from a character in a distant universe to someone with her feet firmly planted on Earth. It’s been such a fun and meaningful journey!
“Solani was born from a deep desire to create something that combined my love for storytelling, whimsy, and the universe. The name "Solani" actually comes from the word "sol," which represents the sun and symbolizes light, energy, and warmth, things I wanted the brand to embody. I envisioned a universe where creativity and imagination could shine brightly, and Solani became the embodiment of that vision”
Arianna: I am child of the 2000's . I know what exactly what your brand is. I grew up with imagery of color, whimsy and fun. It is a warm feeling for many. What lacks in modern branding now? I think it is a simple yet very strong image that Solani goes for. Thinking of the creation, what were your early concepts, inspirations for Solani?
Anika: Honestly, Solani didn’t start with a fully formed concept. It was more of an evolution that came from my love of color, a strong sense of nostalgia, and the Y2K aesthetic. I’ve always been drawn to vibrant, playful visuals, and over time, the brand naturally took on a Barbie-inspired direction. As an avid doll collector, I’ve always admired the way dolls represent imagination, identity, and creativity. I wanted to capture that same spirit with Solani but make it feel more inclusive, especially for Black women. I felt there wasn’t really a space where we could experience that kind of whimsical, dreamy aesthetic in fashion, so I decided to create it myself.
Arianna: I love the partnership with your Art Director , Evelyn. How did this relationship come to be?
Anika: We first connected in 2022 after following each other for a while and deciding to collaborate. Our audiences loved it, and the partnership felt so natural that we decided to team up.
Arianna: Designing Solani , theres is a strong anime pressence. Where did your love for the artwork collide with fashion?
I've been into fashion for as long as I can remember. Sketching outfits, mixing patterns, and playing with different styles. My parents were incredibly supportive and nurtured every creative passion I had, especially when they saw my talent for art. Growing up, anime was a huge influence on me. Shows like Sailor Moon and Peach Girl shaped my love for dreamy, expressive fashion, while Nichijou and Naruto inspired me with their bold character designs and storytelling. Over time, my love for both worlds naturally merged, and that fusion became the foundation of Solani. I wanted to create something that feels like stepping into a dream:where art, storytelling, and fashion collide in a way that’s both imaginative and wearable.
Arianna:What was your "Ah-Ha" moment and what really made you jump into designing?
Anika: It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment, but looking back, I’d say it was less of an "Ah-ha" and more of a push from the universe. I had been trying to make clothing for years and failing over and over again. The fear of failing again for the fifth time honestly, held me back. But funnily enough, the moment that changed everything wasn’t some big revelation...it was a broken machine.
The machine I used to make headphone charms broke down, and I had no choice but to pivot. I wasn’t confident in my ability to design clothing, but this forced me to take the risk I had been avoiding. I knew that if I was going to step into fashion, I wanted to create something with utility, pieces that weren’t just cute but also multifunctional. That’s how my matching sets came to be, a stepping stone into designing stylish, wearable basics with purpose.
Arianna:One thing I really admire about your brand is authenticity. Solani captures the sprit of fun, flirty. sweet and feminine essence! It has that unique factor.What is something you sought out for your brand?
Thank you so much for that thoughtful compliment! Authenticity has always been at the core of Solani, and I'm glad that it resonates with you. When I created the brand, I really sought out to build something that felt genuine, something that wasn't just about products but about the spirit of fun, playfulness, and self-expression. I wanted Solani to reflect that whimsical, feminine energy that allows people to feel both confident and comfortable in their own skin. But more than that, I sought to create a brand that connects with people emotionally. I wanted it to be more than just a clothing line; I wanted it to be an experience, a celebration of imagination, and a reminder to stay playful and true to yourself in a world that can often be too serious. It’s all about offering a space where individuality is celebrated, and people can feel like they belong to something that’s unique and full of heart.
I love how you have all women of all sizes, all skin tones included in your brand. What does represenataion mean to Solani?
Representation is at the heart of Solani because I truly believe that the power of representation lies in who is doing the representing. As someone who has always had a deep love for humanity, I see fashion as more than just clothing. it’s a way to create a world where everyone belongs.
That’s why Solani is built on the concept of a universe—ever-expanding, limitless, and full of possibilities. Just like the cosmos, there is space for everyone, regardless of size, skin tone, or background. I want people to see themselves reflected in Solani, to feel celebrated and included. Fashion should be a place where everyone gets to exist freely, and with every collection, I hope to reinforce that message.
Ok we did our research of the "Solaniverse" it is much deeper and all of the characters have stories. < expalin to our readers (3-5 Sentences) what is this universe, who are the characters and lore? Any plans to release a short story or anime?
The Solaniverse is really close to my heart—it’s a space that reflects my own journey of self-discovery and growth. Each character is a piece of me, representing different parts of who I am, what I’m learning, and who I aspire to be. The universe is kind of a metaphor for self-actualization—it’s about embracing all the layers of ourselves, and creating a space where anyone can feel connected. It’s not just my story, but our story, one that everyone can relate to on some level. As for a short story or anime, I’m definitely open to expanding the Solaniverse in the future, and I can’t wait to see where these characters’ journeys will go!
At Brown Orchid we celebrate womanhood & blackness. Your brand does both! How does it look and feel like to be a black female business owner?
Being a Black female business owner is both empowering and challenging. There’s a sense of pride in knowing that I’m not only building something for myself but also creating space and representation for others who may not always see themselves reflected in mainstream spaces. There’s a unique strength in celebrating both womanhood and Blackness—it’s about honoring our roots, our culture, and the beauty in our individuality. At the same time, I also recognize the responsibility of navigating spaces where people like me aren’t always in leadership roles. It pushes me to work harder, stand taller, and ensure that my brand speaks to the richness of our history and the limitless possibilities of our future. It’s a balance of joy and resilience, and I carry that energy with me every day in my business.
What is something you learned since lauching your brand?
I have learned that things CHANGE! It's okay to change. Every year of Solani has looked vastly different from the last and I have no regrets. It's proof of evolution and it tells a story. Running a brand is incredibly hard but it shows that I am building something that can grow with me. It's almost like watering a plant.
What are some common misconceptions you see online about the fashion industry, business owners , or other creatives in the industry?
One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that everyone in the fashion industry or creative space has it all figured out. Social media often showcases polished images and seemingly flawless success stories, but behind the scenes, most people are still navigating their art, trying things out, and learning as they go. There’s a lot of trial and error. Sometimes we’re just doing what feels right, taking risks, and experimenting without always knowing the outcome. People tend to think that creativity is always fully fleshed out and planned, but the reality is that it evolves, and sometimes the best ideas come when we least expect them. It’s a constant process of growth, failure, and reinvention, and that’s something I don’t think gets talked about enough in the industry.
What are the ups and downs of having a brand?, new owners or things people do not realize when starting one?
One of the biggest challenges is that progress takes time, and it’s not always linear. There isn't a singular "right way" to build a brand, and what works for one company might not necessarily work for yours. As a new business owner, you may experience instability, and most months won’t look like others. In the beginning, there are more slow periods, which can be discouraging, but they are part of the process. However, with the right persistence and flexibility, the brand can grow. It’s important to stay focused and understand that the path to success will be filled with both challenges and learning opportunities.
What are some future plans for Solani?
I hope to expand our clothing line and create a TV show about Solani's lore.
What is the best advice you ever heard?
Always have the audacity to TRY!
Arianna : What do you want Brown Orchid readers to know?
Anika: I want Brown Orchid readers to know that you have the power to create your own path, so have the confidence to go after what you want. We’re only on this planet once, and you’ll never regret having the courage to try, even when the road feels uncertain. Bet on yourself, take risks, and embrace the journey, because you’re capable of so much more than you realize. As Black women, we’ve been conditioned to shrink ourselves, but it’s time to step into our full power and be unapologetically authentic. Our voices, our creativity, and our presence are necessary. So, trust yourself, keep pushing forward, and know that you have everything within you to make your dreams a reality. Don’t wait for permission!!!!! Take up space and own your greatness!
This wraps up our interview Anika! Thank you so much! xoxo
Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me! It's an honor to speak with you!
READ or BUY Vol2 Spring/Summer 2025 NOW HERE
Shop Solani Clothing HERE
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Instgram: HERE