Meet Paula Obando Mena | Owner & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paula Obando Mena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paula, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
What inspired me to create Thrive and BitterSweetDolor is rooted in my deep passion for fashion and the challenges I faced growing up. My journey wasn’t easy—I dealt with significant adversity and went through many struggles during my self-discovery journey. These experiences profoundly shaped me and fueled my desire to create something meaningful.
That inspiration led to the creation of Thrive—a brand dedicated to empowering women to pursue their ambitions and chase their dreams, all while looking and feeling confident. I wanted to create fashion and apparel that not only makes women feel good on the outside but also inspires them from within.

Alongside Thrive, I was driven to launch BitterSweetDolor, a brand that embraces the duality of life’s experiences—the bittersweet moments that shape us and the beauty in finding strength through them. Both brands are about more than just clothing; they represent resilience, self-love, and the courage to overcome obstacles while staying true to oneself.
Thrive and BitterSweetDolor are my way of giving back to the community by providing women with the tools to look and feel their best as they confidently navigate their own journeys.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m incredibly proud and excited about the journey I’ve embarked on to build my business. It’s been a challenging yet rewarding adventure, and I cherish every milestone along the way. The path to where I am today was far from easy. When I lost my job, the stars seemed to align, giving me the nudge I needed to take a bold risk—pursue my dreams and invest everything I had into this venture. The uncertainty of leaving behind the security and stability of a 9-5 job was terrifying, but it taught me to confront the unknown with resilience.

Capital was another enormous hurdle. I come from a background where financial security was always out of reach. Growing up, I watched my Salvadoran single mother struggle, and my own financial challenges began early when I became pregnant at 16 and had to mature quickly. With no money and no external funding—banks turned me down, and I didn’t receive support from organizations like the SBA—I relied on self-funding. I improved my credit score, used my severance package, and invested it all into myself and my vision.

Through these trials, I’ve learned invaluable lessons: always be prepared for anything, stay resourceful, and don’t let challenges control you. Problems will arise, but they are surmountable with determination and a calm approach. I continually reassure myself that I can overcome any obstacle.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that it’s a testament to overcoming adversity. My story is built on resilience and the drive to thrive despite the odds. I aim to provide women with clothing that empowers them to feel confident, love themselves, and believe they can achieve anything. My brand stands as a beacon of strength and determination, inspiring others to chase their dreams with confidence, perseverance, and self-love—all while looking fashionable.

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 I were planning to show someone the best of Denver, here’s how I would do it. I would start by heading to Park Meadows Mall and making way upstairs in front of JCPenney to Thrive. Trust me, my guest will want to be decked out in something trendy before hitting the town. Once they’re looking sharp, it’s time to grab some tacos and tequila at Uno Mas in Wash Park—because, honestly, is there a better combo?

After fueling up, take a stroll over to Confluence Park to soak in the unbeatable ambiance. As the week rolls on, hop around the Highlands, where Denver’s brewery scene is in full swing. For a bit of nature and some jaw-dropping views, a visit to Red Rocks is a must. And when hunger strikes again, head to one of Denver’s many pupuserias, like El Lucero Salvadoran, for a meal that’s sure to satisfy.

i wouldn’t want them to miss out on the sunset at Lookout Mountain in Golden—it’s one of those moments that makes you feel on top of the world. When those late-night cravings hit, the food trucks in Aurora off Chambers and Colfax are a must. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

And when the end of the week rolls around, why not take a trip to Blackhawk? So we could try our luck at all the casinos and see if we can end the adventure with a jackpot followed up with a tasty meal at Sushi Katsu. After all, a little bit of sushi and gambling fun never hurt anyone!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, who is truly my biggest support. He’s been there for me in every way imaginable, helping me through the ups and downs. Whenever I start to doubt myself or feel discouraged, he’s the one who keeps me going. He’s gone along with every crazy idea I’ve had, and I honestly couldn’t imagine doing this without him. I’m incredibly grateful for his unwavering belief in me, even when I struggle to believe in myself. His love and encouragement are the foundation that keeps everything together, and I’m so lucky to have him by my side on this journey.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my son, Andrew, who has believed in this business and in me from the very beginning. Despite being in college, he’s put in so much work without expecting anything in return, and he continues to push forward alongside me. I’m incredibly appreciative of his unwavering support every single day.

I am incredibly thankful and blessed to have the support I do. The encouragement from women I don’t even know, who believe in me and my vision, is truly inspiring. As I continue on this journey, I’m getting to know some wonderful, amazing, and beautiful women who make this experience even more meaningful. It means the world to me that people I don’t even know want to see me succeed. I’ve learned that sometimes the people closest to you may not support you or want you to succeed, but the support from those who do, even when they’re strangers, fuels my determination to push harder and Thrive—not just for them, but for myself as well.

Website: https://www.shopatthrive.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Thrive-at-Park-Meadows/61563472318710/