Dahlia is joined by Alicia Drabble Castellano to discuss the a business journey born out of PTSD recovery. As the founder of 'Single Swan' a wellness-focused clothing brand, Alicia explains how her personal struggle with mental and physical health became the inspiration that fuelled her creative journey.

Dahlia and Alicia discuss what it takes to start a brand from scratch when you don't have former business/industry knowledge or VC funding to support you, and how Alicia decided 'not knowing' would be her super power to help her discover her way.

The conversation looks at what it takes to be a founder in terms of mental mindset and resilience - whilst Alicia champions kindness she recognises that she has had to grow a thick skin to persevere at times.

Alicia's advice includes understanding how to 'find your tribe' and know where to seek out light in the most vulnerable moments and to have the wisdom to know what you can change and adjust to what you can't.

Prepare to be inspired...

Single Swan is a wellness-focused clothing brand founded byAlicia, a former teacher who had to step away from education due to health challenges. After a period of uncertainty, she found a new purpose—creating a brand rooted in kindness: kindness to ourselves, to others, and to the planet.

With no formal training in design but a deep passion for style and a fascination with how clothing impacts well-being, Alicia channelled her vision into something truly innovative. Her hero piece, the 7SWAN, is a revolutionary wellness jumpsuit redefining activewear. Designed forversatility, longevity, and effortless elegance, it offers a premium alternative to traditional Lycra-based options.

A proud member of the Buy Women Built community, supporting and championing female-founded businesses, Alicia has built Single Swan into a platform for empowerment. Her clothing is gaining recognition including a sell-out event at Fearne Cotton's Happy Place Festival, where her designs connected deeply with audiences looking for wellness and mindful living.

Proudly made in London, the 7SWAN empowers women to move freely,embracing both sustainability and style.