Cariloo
Cariloo
Pia Fernandez de Mesa turned a childhood of beach escapes and borrowed pareos into a brand that bottles the feeling of an island getaway.
Origin Story / Overview
Can you briefly introduce your business?
Cariloo, is a resort-inspired fashion and lifestyle brand rooted in the joy of island living. We create thoughtfully designed resort wear and home pieces that bring a sense of ease, beauty, and escapism into everyday life. Cariloo is deeply personal to me—it reflects how I live, what inspires me, and the balance I try to create between creativity, family, and work.
What inspired you to start this venture, and how did your family influence that journey?
Cariloo was inspired by my childhood—growing up in the energy of Metro Manila and escaping to the beach on weekends. Some of my fondest memories include borrowing my mother’s pareos and spending entire days by the water.
During the pandemic, those memories became a source of comfort, and that’s when the idea clicked: why not turn that feeling into something tangible? Family has always been at the heart of Cariloo—from my upbringing to the support the brand continues to receive today. Our husbands, children, and extended family are all part of the journey.
What is this business really about, and what problem or need does it aim to address?
At its core, Cariloo is about bringing the feeling of an island getaway into everyday life, whether through clothing or homeware. We create versatile pieces that feel special yet effortless to wear, designed with inclusivity in mind so women of different ages, body types, and lifestyles can feel confident, comfortable, and put together.
What do you hope family members will learn or take away from your entrepreneurial story?
I hope they see that meaningful businesses often come from personal stories and shared memories. You don’t need a perfect roadmap—just a clear vision, resilience, and the courage to start.
Lessons & Advice
What is one lesson business has taught you that you wish you knew earlier?
Progress matters more than perfection. Not everything will work, but every step teaches you something valuable.
What principle, habit, or mindset has helped you succeed, and why?
Staying true to our identity. Trends change, but authenticity builds trust—with customers and with yourself.
Advice for a family member who wants to start or grow a business: What advice would you give a family member who wants to start or grow their own business?
Evolve. Most importantly, build a strong support system—you don’t have to do it alone.
How can our family best support your business moving forward?
Support comes in many forms, wearing and sharing our pieces, spreading the word, offering feedback, or simply cheering us on. Family encouragement makes a bigger difference than most people realize.
Image Gallery (click to zoom)
Speed Round
What is one part of your daily routine?
My days usually involve juggling creative work, store check-ins, and family life, often switching between design discussions and school drop-offs.
What is one challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship has been one of the biggest challenges. It requires constant prioritization, flexibility, and accepting that not every day will look perfect.
What is one small win you’re proud of?
Seeing our children participate in photoshoots and hearing them say, “Mom, you look beautiful,” never gets old. Those moments remind me why we do what we do.
Image Gallery (click to zoom)
Origin Story / Overview
Can you briefly introduce your business?
Cariloo, is a resort-inspired fashion and lifestyle brand rooted in the joy of island living. We create thoughtfully designed resort wear and home pieces that bring a sense of ease, beauty, and escapism into everyday life. Cariloo is deeply personal to me—it reflects how I live, what inspires me, and the balance I try to create between creativity, family, and work.
What inspired you to start this venture, and how did your family influence that journey?
Cariloo was inspired by my childhood—growing up in the energy of Metro Manila and escaping to the beach on weekends. Some of my fondest memories include borrowing my mother’s pareos and spending entire days by the water.
During the pandemic, those memories became a source of comfort, and that’s when the idea clicked: why not turn that feeling into something tangible? Family has always been at the heart of Cariloo—from my upbringing to the support the brand continues to receive today. Our husbands, children, and extended family are all part of the journey.
What is this business really about, and what problem or need does it aim to address?
At its core, Cariloo is about bringing the feeling of an island getaway into everyday life, whether through clothing or homeware. We create versatile pieces that feel special yet effortless to wear, designed with inclusivity in mind so women of different ages, body types, and lifestyles can feel confident, comfortable, and put together.
What do you hope family members will learn or take away from your entrepreneurial story?
I hope they see that meaningful businesses often come from personal stories and shared memories. You don’t need a perfect roadmap—just a clear vision, resilience, and the courage to start.
Speed Round
What is one part of your daily routine?
My days usually involve juggling creative work, store check-ins, and family life, often switching between design discussions and school drop-offs.
What is one challenge you’ve had to overcome?
Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship has been one of the biggest challenges. It requires constant prioritization, flexibility, and accepting that not every day will look perfect.
What is one small win you’re proud of?
Seeing our children participate in photoshoots and hearing them say, “Mom, you look beautiful,” never gets old. Those moments remind me why we do what we do.
Lessons & Advice
What is one lesson business has taught you that you wish you knew earlier?
Progress matters more than perfection. Not everything will work, but every step teaches you something valuable.
What principle, habit, or mindset has helped you succeed, and why?
Staying true to our identity. Trends change, but authenticity builds trust—with customers and with yourself.
Advice for a family member who wants to start or grow a business: What advice would you give a family member who wants to start or grow their own business?
Evolve. Most importantly, build a strong support system—you don’t have to do it alone.
How can our family best support your business moving forward?
Support comes in many forms, wearing and sharing our pieces, spreading the word, offering feedback, or simply cheering us on. Family encouragement makes a bigger difference than most people realize.
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