Ciana Aspell of Canella Lane: Fashion, Family, and Finding Balance with Six Kids

This week's guest editor is Ciana Aspell, the powerhouse behind Canella Lane, a boutique owner and mother of six. With a signature style that’s bold yet effortless, Ciana brings unstoppable energy, determination, and a deep appreciation for her family life.

About 15 years ago, I was running a marketing company in Cork. I loved working with fashion brands, but just before I got married, I felt the spark was fading. Around that time, I spotted a gap in the Irish market for online fashion. I’d always had a passion for style — I even did a bit of modelling — so I started researching how to launch an online boutique. I had no interest in a bricks-and-mortar shop and thought, if I don’t do it now, I never will.

After the wedding, I came back and launched the boutique online, and it just took off. I closed the marketing company to give fashion my full attention. With a Master’s in marketing, I had the tools to do it myself — I built the website, managed social media, and handled PR, which gave me full creative control over the brand.

The business was thriving, but when lockdown hit and physical stores closed, we grew massively. It was a strange blessing. After restrictions lifted, I noticed that a lot of shops were offering the same styles. As a creative, I wanted Canella Lane to stand out. So, we started designing and manufacturing our own pieces. Today, about 80% of what we sell is exclusive to our brand. I design everything from home, and once the samples are approved, we manufacture in Europe.

When we moved back to Galway, I looked at my overflowing wardrobe and the tiny space I now had — thanks to six kids — and realised I was spending too much on dresses I barely wore. I knew I wasn’t the only woman in that position. That’s when I decided Canella Lane should offer affordable, beautiful, and exclusive fashion. My goal was to keep our prices under €90, and today, most of our pieces range between €50 and €60. It’s something I’m genuinely proud of. I really believe the days of overspending on clothes are over.

Our customer base has grown organically and is mostly women aged 30 and up. We’re especially popular for occasion wear — communions, confirmations, weddings. Women want to feel comfortable and stylish. During lockdown, a lot of people lost that sense of style identity, and now they’re looking for help again, asking how to pull an outfit together. That’s where we come in.

Comfort has become key. I always say, if you’re going to wear something for 12 hours, it needs to feel good. I remember heading out after the twins were born — heels on, feeling fabulous, and a friend said, “No one wears heels anymore!” But I still love them, they make me feel dressed up. That said, I totally get why others don’t. Fashion has shifted — comfort is king now.

My own style? I go all out for occasions, I throw everything at it! But day-to-day, with six kids and work, I’m super casual. Leggings, oversized jumpers, and runners are my go-to. I always wear makeup, though — that’s non-negotiable.

Dresses are always huge for us, but two-pieces are quickly catching up, maybe even a 50/50 split. I love both. Dresses feel elegant, but two-pieces are great — no need to tan your legs! Pastels are flying out the door lately, especially yellow and buttercream tones.

People always ask how I do it with six kids. Right now, I’ve got six under eight. The twins nearly finished me! They’re wild — if I’d had them first, I might not have had more! Running my own business gives me flexibility. I work from home in rural Galway, and while I have a nanny who helps, the kids see me all the time. I’m up early, then work again after bedtime. It’s not always easy. My husband handles logistics and we travel a lot, so it can be full-on, but it works for our family.

I’m also heavily involved in the LGFA — I coach the under-10s at Annaghdown GAA and sit on the club committee. I love being involved in what my kids are doing. I don’t watch TV, so that frees up time, and I need to stay busy. I just love doing things.

We’re lucky to have great support. My parents live next door. I’m an only child, so there’s no competition for babysitting! They’re incredible. People say it takes a village to raise a child — well, for me, my mum is the village.