Meet Leah Sullivan | Business Owner & Clothing Designer

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

Hi Leah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Growing up, I always had a strong interest in fashion but didn’t think of it to be a “practical” career choice. In the 7th grade their was this trend of wearing great sweatpants tucked into folded over Ugg boot. I personally developed an opinion that wearing sweatpants in public was lazy and lacked any sort of style. I swore off wearing sweatpants in public from then on and committed to it. In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic affected us all, I took it upon myself to challenge my own belief and develop fashionable comfort pieces. As I withdrew from college temporarily, I started to tie dye sweatpants and tank tops and surprised myself in gaining success through sales. From that point, I taught myself how to add logos and eventually create more complex designs with increased quality. Thus, the beginning of Stoked LA.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Being comfortable in your clothing does not mean you have to sacrifice your individual style. Stoked LA allows and encourages consumers to feel their best, in both ways. Stoked LA interacts with people of all ages while placing an emphasis on young women. The bright colors of my brand draw the eye as well as the catchy phrases placed on some. In addition, Stoked LA has something for everyone with color and style ranges to accommodate each individual persons desires in clothing. The fashion industry is built on making a statement. Fashion is all about confidence and being proud of the way you want to represent yourself. There are no boundaries in the industry as you get the opportunity to help others truly express themselves. For some people, they love to be over the top and artistic in their look, others, like very natural and simple looks. There is no right or wrong as long as the individual loves themselves in what they are wearing. Fashion is art and can be expressed in limitless ways. We are able to take our interpersonal creativity and display it for the world to see.
I am now following my long time dreams of pursuing fashion and striving to make people not only look good, but feel good while finding comfort in clothes and in themselves because comfort does not limit creativity and is now used to express it. Stoked LA has had the opportunity to participate in two fashion shows already this year and will excitingly be featured at Denver Fashion Week this fall.

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?
If my best friend were in town for a week, I’d make sure they have the time of their lives! We’d start with some amazing eats at places like North Italia, Dairy Blocks, and Quality Italian. For a quick coffee and sandwich fix, Olive and Finch is my go-to, especially when we need a study spot. Brunch at Snooze is a must for a delicious start to the day, and we would for sure head Que Bueno Surete for some fantastic Mexican flavors. When it comes to bars, we would be checking out the stunning views at 54Thirty and enjoying the amazing vibes at The Red Barber. And of course, it would not be a proper day of drinks in Denver without just walking around and stumbling upon any brewery that catches our eye and trying it out for a new experience.
Our days would be packed with exciting activities. We’d be sure to concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater, a game at McGregor Square to experience the energy of the crowd, and even attend a runway event at Void Studios for a taste of the local fashion scene. For a dose of culture, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver is a must-visit, and we’d explore the unique offerings of Stanley Marketplace. And let’s not forget the iconic Larimer Square for its vibrant atmosphere and cool shops.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m truly honored to have the opportunity to share my appreciation for my parents, Orla and Kevin Sullivan, throughout all of my endeavors. Their unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today. From the earliest days of my life, to the challenges I faced as I grew and started my business, my parents stood by me, offering their wisdom and strength, and for that, I am immensely grateful. Their belief in me has been a driving force behind my accomplishments and their endless support has helped me overcome obstacles I never thought possible. My parents have done everything in their power to support me and my business by teaching me what it means to be an entrepreneur, attending photoshoots and runway shows, giving me positive and constructive feedback on my work, and so much more than I could ever ask for. I’d also like to acknowledge the other individuals who have played a significant role in my journey. My friends, professors and advisors, and community organizations have all contributed to my growth and development, and I’m thankful for their presence in my life. I transferred to the University of Denver when I decided to pursue a career in fashion. I am incredibly grateful to all of my professors, advisors, and mentors in guiding me along this path and encouraging me to pursue anything I can imagine for myself and for my business. As I move forward, I carry the lessons and love from my parents and the people who have supported me. Their impact on my journey is immeasurable, and I look forward to continuing to strive for excellence with their guidance firmly ingrained in my heart.

Website: https://stokedla.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stoked.la/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/leah-sullivan-052253150

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stokedla.shop

Image Credits
JJ Constantine Alain Comporvia