Melony Huber: Blending Creativity, Values, and Luxury

In the first instalment of our four-part interview series with Melony Huber, the founder and design director of La Peony, we delve into the journey that led her from studying biology and working in construction to creating an ethical women’s luxury brand. Huber’s path has been anything but conventional, yet each chapter — from her early curiosity about the natural world to raising three children — has informed her distinctive approach to fashion. With a keen eye for colour, texture, and movement, and a commitment to integrity and craftsmanship, Melony has built a brand that marries creativity with purpose, inspiring confidence in the women who wear her pieces.

You began your career studying biology and later worked in construction — how did those early paths shape the way you think as a designer today? 

I actually worked in construction while studying biology since I paid my own way through college.  This taught me discipline and resilience – how to work hard and stay grounded, even under pressure.  Studying biology deepened my appreciation for the natural world -  its beauty, fragility and strength, while construction taught me about structure, precision, and process.  Together, they shaped the way I design today – with respect for nature, an eye for balance, colors and details, and a deep commitment to craftsmanship and integrity in how things are made.

What first sparked your love for fashion and the visual side of creativity? 

I have always enjoyed using fashion for self-expression.  As a young teen, I was not immune from the cultural influences of the time.  I would wear fashion inspired by Madonna or the movie Flash Dance.  But with time, I became fascinated with texture, color and movement of fabric and how it can transform the way someone feels.  I realized that style could be both artistic and personal, and that by reimagining classic silhouettes in luxurious fabrics, I could create pieces that not only stand out but inspire confidence and joy in the women who wear them.

When did the idea for La Peony first take root, and what was the moment you knew it was real? 

I have wanted to design my own clothing since I was a teen, but it wasn’t until 2022 that I took the leap to get into the world of fashion.  Choosing fashion alone was not enough, however.  I wanted to make sure that my passion for people was interwoven with self expression.  I knew the moment that La Peony’s first two designs came to life - The Caroline Jumpsuit and The Annie Hoodie Dress – when I could see the soul of two worlds stitched together that this was real.

How did raising three children influence the way you balance art, business, and personal identity? 

Raising my three children gave me a deep understanding of patience, adaptability, and grace.  It taught me to find beauty in imperfection, to approach each day with flexibility and to lead with gratitude.  Motherhood grounded me.  It showed me how creativity and structure can coexist, and how love and responsibility can fuel purpose.  Those lessons continue to guide me as a designer and entrepreneur, helping me balance visions with practicality and reminding me that true success allows space for joy, family and authenticity.

You’ve moved between science, design, and entrepreneurship — do you see a common thread running through them all? 

Yes, definitely, the common thread has always been curiosity and creation.  Whether studying biology, working in construction or building LPC, I’ve always been motivated by the desire to understand how things work and how I can make them better.  Each field required focus, creativity and problem-solving, but also a respect for the process and patience. I learned that growth comes through experimentation, and that both science and design share a balance of structure and imagination.  No matter the medium, my goal has always been the same:  to build something purposeful, lasting and with integrity.

What has surprised you most about building a brand from the ground up? 

I’ve been most surprised by how much personal growth mirrors business growth.  Building LPC has tested my resilience and strengthened my trust in myself.  It’s taught me to stay aligned with my values, even when the path feels uncertain.  I’ve learned that every challenge (and even every pause) carries a lesson.  Creating something with purpose requires patience, courage, and the ability to adapt without losing heart.  It’s never easy, but staying consistent, open to feedback, and rooted in authenticity has made the journey very rewarding.

Do you feel that coming into fashion later in life gives you a different kind of confidence or perspective? 

Yes, I do for sure.  Coming into fashion later in life has given me clarity and freedom. I design from a place of authenticity rather than chasing trends or validation. I know who I am and what I want (and don’t want) and the kind of impact I want LPC to have.  That sense of self allows me to focus on quality, intention, and the emotional experience of wearing our pieces.  I say it over again, but coming into fashion later in life gave me the opportunity to put people over profit!

If you could capture the essence of your journey in one sentence, what would it be? 

My journey is about blending creativity and values into something lasting – a brand that women recognize, respect, and wear with pride because it reflects authenticity and heart!

Melony’s journey is a masterclass in blending artistry, authenticity, and resilience. She reminds us that success is rarely linear and that true creativity flourishes when grounded in values and lived experience. From science to construction to fashion, every step has honed her vision for La Peony — a brand that not only celebrates style but embodies heart, authenticity, and a deeply human approach to design. As our series continues, we will explore how her dedication to artisanship, textiles, and life itself shapes the world of luxury fashion with purpose and elegance.