The word Dondolo means to swing. Catalina Gonzalez Jorba, the founder of this charming Texas-based clothing line, chose the delightful-to-say Spanish word for her brand name, inspired by her belief that “the love you give comes back to you in a beautiful swinging motion,” she says.
After Catalina had her first child, Santiago, her heart grew in ways she never imagined — a refrain often heard from first-time mothers. But as Catalina was soaking in every tender moment of motherhood, she realized something was missing. What about all the mothers in Texas (where she lives), Colombia (where she’s from), and beyond, whose love for their families is met with a struggle to maintain basic needs? “I wanted to share that love with not only my family but those who may be in need,” Catalina says. And so, Dondolo was born.
We spoke with Catalina on the heels of an exciting fabric show in Paris. She said the architecture, interior design, and culture were so inspiring, and we could hear the excitement spilling out of every answer. Image: Katrina Boonzaier for Dondolo
The Beginnings of Dondolo
Coupled with her strong desire to give back — especially to children, mothers, and their communities — Dondolo was a way for Catalina to explore and nourish her creative side. She’s long had a knack for bringing detail-oriented designs to life through textiles. “I have always loved art so much,” she says. “I have a minor in art, and the classes that I enjoyed the most were my painting classes. I loved mixing colors, drawing, and just being in front of a blank canvas and creating.”
Catalina even chose an all-green orchid motif for her wedding — something very different than the norm in those days. “I loved how color can create a feeling and a story in everything in life,” Catalina continues. “In my 20s, I was insecure and didn’t know exactly what I loved as far as my personal style. But in my mid-30s, I became unapologetic about what I liked and what truly made me happy.”
Now a proud (and busy!) mom of four boys, Catalina’s focus on wholesale has shifted to a direct retail model that produces unique collections with limited quantities. Image: Jenna Kaye Forbes
As Dondolo approaches a decade in business, we share a bit of Catalina’s story and the newest swoon-inducing 2023 designs. Image: Jessica Isaacs Photography
Building Her Ever-Evolving Designs and Personal Style
Catalina initially imagined that Dondolo would be a website she could manage from home. But it has developed into something so much bigger. Today, Dondolo is a thriving luxury lifestyle brand that makes irresistibly charming, heirloom-quality clothing in her native country of Colombia.
“I was still insecure for years!” she says. “Will people like [the designs]? Will they sell? It was not until last year that I decided to fully believe in myself and embrace what I wanted to give to others! It was so beautiful and fun to see myself confident in what I was creating,” Catalina adds.
Her all-women, all-star team makes the magic happen and helps bring Catalina’s designs to the world. Image: Jessica Isaacs Photography
“There is a misconception that you have to be a big fashion name to own and make your own prints!” she says. “I started making my own prints because I always want to create the most unique clothing, and when I started seeing that other children’s brands were doing or using our same fabrics, I realized I needed to do something more special,” Catalina says. She then sent a direct message to an illustrator that ignited the process of making her own prints.
The 2023 Collection: Easter, Hello Spring, and Love
“The process of making your own prints as a designer is so incredible because there is a story from the start of the product,” she says. “There is a sequence and it’s so beautiful to see the final product. In the Easter Collection, I worked with four different amazing, talented, and incredible illustrators!” she adds.
We cannot get enough of this year’s new collection. It’s separated into three parts. Easter is filled with tender pastels and detailed imagery of bunnies, flowers, carrots, and mushrooms. There are even Easter baskets, big bows, and ceramic eggs to complete your family’s Easter look — from the Easter egg hunt to the brunch after.
Upgrade your little ones’ Easter baskets to Dondolo’s personalized, monogrammed, reusable options. They even come with cotton bunny ears! Image: Jenna Kaye Forbes
The second part of this year’s line is Hello Spring, and it’s all about statement-making swimwear (for men, too!) and beach-ready accessories like sarongs. The women’s suits are form-flattering with chic oversized puffy sleeves. While the boys’ line features classic stripes, the girls’ and women’s pieces have festive ruffles ready for any spring or summer soirée. Finally, the third part, Love, is a smaller collection with tender heart emblems and lavender and blush hues.
On her days off, you will find Catalina “on a beach somewhere or skiing in Jackson Hole!” Image: Jenna Kaye Forbes
We’re here for matching outfits when they’re this pretty. Image: Jenna Kaye Forbes
“Donodolo Gives” Back
From the beginning, Catalina has aimed to give back by supporting her native country of Colombia and the local community of Dallas. “Since I had the thought of starting a company, I wanted to be a company that gave back to children and moms,” Catalina says. “I grew up in Colombia and saw the poverty of a third-world country every day, and sadly I just became used to it. When I moved to the U.S. to go to school in Dallas, I knew I needed to do something to help Colombian mothers and children. I didn’t know how until I started Dondolo.”
“The heart of Dondolo is Dondolo Gives. It is what gives purpose to everything we do and how we do it. We empower and employ women to help them better their lives and the lives of their children and families. We employ more than 150 in the factory, and 50 more do all the embroidery by hand and with so much love,” Catalina adds.
In addition to the Colombian women making the clothing, Dondolo supports dozens of local Dallas non-profits, schools, and events that help women and children. “In Cartagena, we help women who live in communities with no running water or electricity,” she adds.
“I love knowing that when a customer buys from us, they are truly helping to make a difference in these families’ lives,” Catalina says. Image: Jessica Isaacs Photography
Over the years, Dondolo has trained and employed single moms so they can earn the funds to raise their children. The company also donates clothing and builds playgrounds in these underserved communities. In light of the recent passing of Catalina’s father, the team is currently raising funds to help fulfill Catalina’s dream of opening a community center in her native country for the families she serves.
From wee ones to adults, Dondolo outfits the whole family with happy patterns, unique imagery, and flattering designs. Image: Katrina Boonzaier for Dondolo
We asked Catalina for the best advice she’s ever gotten. “To follow my gut,” she says. “And trust God’s timing. You are in the moment you are supposed to be in. Live it with purpose! And always lead with love for yourself and others.”
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Catalina! Explore Dondolo online for many unique Easter and spring gift ideas, and visit the flagship store next time you’re in Dallas.
**********
Keep up with the best parts of life in the South. Subscribe to StyleBlueprint!
