Anika Kablan of Buford on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Anika Kablan and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Anika, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about my customers is how many of them have followed Solani’s evolution from the very beginning. Many of my customers aren’t just buying a product — they’ve watched the brand grow with me, from its earliest collections to what it is now. It surprised me how invested people are in the story behind the clothes, not just the clothes themselves. That’s taught me that building a business isn’t only about selling — it’s about creating a relationship and letting people feel like they’re part of the journey.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Anika Kablan and I’m the founder and creative director of Solani, a fashion brand that blends clothing with storytelling. What makes Solani unique is that it’s not just about clothes — it’s a universe I’ve built, inspired by my childhood love for imagination and world-building. Each collection is part of a larger narrative, with Solani as the main character who evolves alongside the brand. Since launching in 2020, we’ve grown a community of over 300,000 followers and served more than 15,000 customers nationwide. Right now, I’m focused on expanding our collections while continuing to deepen the story that makes Solani more than just a label — it’s a world people can belong to.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me I’ve had to let go of is the belief that I have to do everything alone. Early on, I equated independence with strength. But I’ve realized that real growth — in business and in life — comes from collaboration, mentorship, and building with others. That old self-sufficiency served me at the start, but it can’t take me where I’m going.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a point when I almost gave up. Before I pivoted into clothing, I wasn’t feeling truly connected to the brand. I had built Solani on accessories, but something felt missing, like I wasn’t creating the full vision I imagined. I even questioned whether it was time to walk away. But when I started experimenting with clothing, everything shifted. I finally felt aligned with my work, and it reignited my excitement. That pivot didn’t just save Solani — it gave it new life. Now, I see that moment not as failure, but as proof that sometimes stepping back and realigning with your purpose is the best way forward.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is very much the real me. I’m intentional about being transparent, because Solani isn’t just a business, it’s a manifestation of how I see myself. The way I present online is an extension of my values and creativity, so being honest isn’t just important — it’s essential to the brand and to who I am.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely. Everything I do, I do first for myself. Even without external praise, I hold myself to a high standard because I want my work to reflect who I am and what I care about. Recognition is nice, but the real reward is knowing I gave my best.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopsolani.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.solani/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shop-solani/about/?viewAsMember=true
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shop.solani?lang=en

Image Credits
These images are owned by Solani