Meet Cullanete Bloom | Lingerie Guru

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cullanete Bloom and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cullanete, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My journey to starting my own business began when I faced the fact that I wanted to do two things in life; express myself creatively and make a positive impact in today’s fashion world. My corporate design career was not fulfilling either of those needs. I realized the only way to accomplish these two things was to start my own business- one which is much different than the norm. Little Pieces is a burlesque inspired lingerie line that is dedicated to ethical and sustainable fashion.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The inspiration behind Little Pieces is the Jazz Age and Hollywood starlets of the past. These original leading ladies had personality and wit that is unparalleled, as well as grace, glamor, and that certain j’en sais quoi. Mae West and Josephine Baker are two of my greatest inspirations.  Little Pieces Lingerie is meant for the independent, intelligent, and provocative individual, and this is what sets us apart from most lingerie brands. Not only is our point of view different, but we are also dedicated to ethical and sustainable fashion, and we are determined to continue on this pathway despite the many challenges. Although incredibly rewarding, this journey has not been easy, and starting a business has pushed me to take on many roles. I have a closet full of hats now. Some days require up to 10 different hats: designer, pattern maker, seamstress, bookkeeper, lawyer, customer service, photographer, content creator, courier, and stylist. I have learned that in order to succeed in business you need to be alert and adaptable, reacting to the needs of your customers while maintaining your integrity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Bestie is coming to town?! I would take them around and have some serious fun! There are so many great spots in LA – below is just the tip of the iceberg ;).

Monday: Start out with a relaxing beach day at Malibu’s Surfrider Beach. Drive up PCH and have lunch at Neptune’s Net. Head east for a late dinner at Koreatown’s Dan Sung Sa followed by drinks at R Bar.

Tuesday: Classic Hollywood Day – Take a walk on the Walk of Fame and visit Madame Tussauds. Enjoy dinner at Bossa Nova and then see a film in Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre.

Wednesday – Morning hike in Runyon Canyon, seeing the Hollywood Sign and the view of LA. Then a trip to the quirky Museum of Jurassic Technology, and an evening show at LA’s famous Comedy Store.

Thursday: Visit DTLA, see the Braod museum or MOCA. Have a delicious Mediterranean lunch at Bavel in the Arts District, and then head to La Descarga for an evening drinks and dancing.

Friday: Visit Santa Monica Pier and walk along Venice Beach. Grab some lunch at Cha Cha Chicken, do a little shopping on Abbot Kinney, see the sunset on the beach, and have dinner at Belle’s Beach house.

Saturday: Head to Griffith Park and see the Griffith Observatory, then enjoy authentic tacos at Tacos Delta on Sunset Blvd, and see an evening show at the infamous El Cid in Silver Lake.

Sunday: Find unique art and clothing at The Melrose Trading Post, experience an authentic Israeli lunch at Ta-Eem Grill, and finish the week with some top-notch Jazz at the Baked Potato in Studio City.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people to thank in this journey- but I’ll start with a shout out to the Melrose Trading Post and their team. Selling at the curated outdoor market and meeting amazing people every week has been so important. I have so much gratitude for all the customers who purchased from an unknown indie designer, trying lingerie on in a makeshift dressing room (even in the winter), emerging with a smile and spending hard earned cash on an item that made them feel beautiful. Also a shout out to my gorgeous muses who enthusiastically modeled for Little Pieces, despite their normal day rate being my monthly budget. The list goes on of awesome people whose encouragement gave me the confidence to keep going. Last but not least, I am so thankful for having supportive family and friends, people who stood by me even when it seemed like a crazy idea to start a business with little cash on hand and no investor in sight.

Website: www.littlepieces.us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlepieceslingerie/

Image Credits
Images of me at work: Photographer Lexus Gallegos @lexgallegos The Lost Sisters- Photographer Natasha Wilson @natashawilson.co Other photographs taken by me – Cullanete Bloom @littlepieceslingerie