We’re excited to share this contributor piece from LANAMARA Extraordinary Women, a platform celebrating the journeys of remarkable women. In ‘A Style Moment’, stylist and mentor Angela Cleary opens up about style, confidence, and purpose—especially for women embracing mid-life.
With over twenty-five years in Australian fashion, Ange’s story is one of passion and empowerment, encouraging women to own their individuality and see style as timeless. Recently featured as Style Host and Mentor on Channel 9’s Ageless, she continues to inspire a new chapter of confidence.
At Beauty Life Moments, we’re honoured to share Ange’s story by Marika Gazzar, Creative Director & Founder of acessories brand Lanamara. We also capture a glimpse into her relationship with her daughter Cinnamon, who navigates the complex world of social media and self-image.
TELL YOUR STORY
LM. Firstly can you give us a snapshot about yourself and your background Ange?
AC. Style has been my first language for as long as I can remember. With decades in the fashion and beauty industries, I’ve lived through trends and transformations. For years, I worked behind the scenes — styling photo shoots, personal clients, consulting with brands, National Sales and Wholesale (both high street and high end), plus I have launched my own capsule collection. I saw firsthand how often women, especially as they age, feel invisible or unsure of how to fully express themselves. I knew style wasn’t just about clothes — it was about taking back power, presence, and permission to be fully seen. That’s why I became a style mentor. I had to create my own signature skill-set — a guide, a listener, a mirror. I help women reconnect with who they are now, not who they were 20 years ago or who someone else says they should be. I believe that your mid-life is not the end of style — it’s the beginning of dressing with intention, clarity, and joy.
LM: We’ve had the pleasure of connecting after discovering each other through mutual admiration. We’ve also shared what it means to us to be heart centred and guided by our intuition. How do you stay true to this?
AC: Staying true to your heartfelt guidance and inner intuition, takes discipline and trust in yourself. Especially in a world that can be noisy, and image driven. My inner intuition is my compass when trends, algorithms, outside opinions or fears try to pull me off course. Intuition needs space to breathe. Whether it’s a morning ritual, a walk, or quiet time alone. I always give myself permission for that sacred pause in life. I lead with my heart, and I am also big on energy. If things don’t feel right, it’s a hard no and that’s everything from people to places and work, funnily enough I am cementing that same philosophy into my kids. That doesn’t mean I don’t push myself or get uncomfortable, it just means I know my boundaries and I know what feels right for my personal growth. I always ask myself “Does this align with the person I’m becoming — and the people I serve?” Your intuition speaks in peace, not pressure. Follow that.
INSPIRATION & STYLE
LM: You have such great personal style, what influences and inspires your sense of style?
AC: In two words – travel and mood! But my favourite online references who I admire would probably be @oliviapalermo @thesatorialist and @portermagazine. I also love Natalie Portman’s style. My mum passed down to me her love of style and beauty plus all things of unique and interesting design. My mum is a bower bird collecting pieces and all things that sparkle and shimmer her whole life. I am encouraging that same sense of style and detail with Cici. I believe it’s a generational quality whereby a little DNA is left inside us from our mother but how that manifests and is expressed is up to her.
BUSY VERSES SUCCESS
LM: I think women often feel the pressure to wear the badge of being ‘busy’, what are your thoughts on this and how do you respond to yourself when feeling overwhelmed?
AC: I love this question. I think the greatest privilege in life is time. All these people chasing the rabbit down holes hoping to eventually catch up. You never do, because even when you think you have caught the rabbit another rabbit will have caught your attention to chase. Busy doesn’t equal success nor does it prove anything, it just ends in stress, anxiety and exhaustion. I think people get so caught up in their own ‘busy-ness’ that they seem to forget they created it and then it just becomes a vicious cycle. I’ve learnt it’s not an accolade either, people genuinely don’t care if you’re busy or not. To be honest it usually ends up with you feeling burnt out, lonely and isolated because busy people don’t have time for their own time let alone your time. Basically, at the end of the day it’s just what you want to give priority to, we all have the same amount of time in our day.
MOTHER & DAUGHTER
LM: Like me you have a daughter, Cinnamon, she is at an age where social media and other influences can play a huge role in how girls feel about themselves. How have you guided Cinnamon through this thus far?
AC: I believe your children chose you at birth. Cinnamon is here to help me learn my lessons, help me heal and challenge my previous programming. My job is to teach her how to be strong, learn to be resilient and pivot in life with ease. Life throws curve balls at many stages but if you have love and support and love yourself enough then you will make it through anything. No amount of money or success will help you through tough times. I want Cinnamon to always back herself and stand up for what she believes. I often remind her not everyone will like you and that’s O.K.—just be true to yourself and the right people, places and careers will stick and those that fall away were never meant to be lifetime things. Sixteen is a tough age, she is strong but also sensitive, I forget that sometimes because she is so straight forward and there is no grey area she is very black and white. I thought I was like that, but she is even more so, she doesn’t suffer fools. Cici will call people out, say it like it is and never back down. I think those traits will hold her in good stead. I just want both my kids to always be kind, respectful, caring and have empathy.
THE LANAMARA PIECES
LM: You and Cinnamon both have some Lanamara pieces, what’s your favourite and why were you drawn to it?
AC: Honestly, it’s all so gorgeous! Accessories bursting with stories and eye-catching detail. It is refined bohemian meets global glam. The kind of accessories that will always catch the eye and have people asking, “where’s that from?’ Cinnamon loves the more delicate girly pieces whereas I am drawn to the Paradiso Sunburst Necklace and matching Earrings. They remind me that the sun rises every day, and you have a choice of new beginnings which I love. I also love the Clover Earrings and Heart Stopper Collection. I think we will start to see a lot more statement rings in the coming season.
THAT TYPICAL DAY
LM: You’re truly a multihyphenate, Ange — from hosting and guest speaking, to business branding and styling, writing and editing, special event styling, leading retreats and workshops, serving as a style ambassador, and working as commercial talent 45+. With such a diverse portfolio, I imagine no two days are the same. What does a typical day in your life look like?
AC: They’re just different hats and roles I’ve taken on throughout my life. I see myself as a bit of a chameleon—I don’t like being boxed in. If you’re familiar with human design, I’m a manifesto-generator. It’s like a rolodex of my work life over the past 20 years, and the kind of work I want to keep doing moving forward. I hope it keeps evolving and opening new paths.
But to be honest, my day really revolves around my dog, my teen kids, and my husband—probably in that order. They always come first, and everything else fits around them. It wasn’t always like this though. I’ve had my share of anxiety-filled roles, trying to keep up, feeling out of sync and unhappy.
WORK & PASSION
LM: With over 25 years in the Australian fashion industry—covering retail, marketing, workshops, guest speaking, and styling for TV personalities—was there one role that truly ignited your passion and felt most aligned?
AC: Mentoring women on Ageless, the Channel 9 series about life after 50, was incredibly fulfilling. It felt like service with real purpose. Helping these women see their own worth and beauty was deeply heartwarming. Stepping into that role pushed me out of my comfort zone—I was nervous and full of self-doubt. But I realised if I felt that way, other women probably did too. So I focused on what I do best: encouraging women to shine and become their own force. Building my confidence while helping others build theirs—that’s when the magic happens. For me, midlife is about respecting and honouring where everyone is in their unique journey. Every story matters.
A DREAM TO REALITY
LM: You launched your own capsule collection at one point—how did that come about, and did you enjoy the process?
AC: Launching the collection was a bucket-list dream and an itch I had to scratch. I didn’t know where it would lead, but I had to try. It was tough—retail is hard, especially without big backing. Looking back, the timing wasn’t right. I was living somewhere I didn’t feel connected, the family dynamics were challenging with young kids and a husband who traveled a lot. We moved back to Sydney, which ended up being overwhelming. I felt disconnected, peri-menopausal, and defeated.
I believe a good fashion label works best as a duo—you need support and clear roles, because you can’t do it all without something giving. My collection was a 10-piece capsule designed for women over 40 who want easy mix-and-match options from AM to PM. Honestly, I was a bit ahead of my time—capsule collections are everywhere now! I know I was on the right track, and that market really needed it. Would I do it again? I say never say never—my family always reminds me of that!
Beauty Life Moments warmly thanks Lanamara for graciously sharing their story. We invite you to explore the captivating world of LANAMARA at their brand destination—and to connect with Angela for a deeper experience. The Editorial Note: Images for this republished editorial supplied by Angela Cleary.
More To Covet
Life Coach Carly Taylor shares simple ways to boost your confidence and wellbeing through daily movement, positive thinking, and mindful reflection. Feed your mind and body, naturally. It is the power of beauty and balance in your life. Read The Story:
