When you think about modern fashion success stories, Carla Diab stands out as someone who turned childhood dreams into a million-dollar reality. This Lebanese-American designer didn’t just make it in the fashion world – she created her own path from Beirut to Beverly Hills. Today, people recognize Carla Diab not just for her stunning designs but for dressing celebrities like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian.
Born on October 11, 1985, in Beirut, Lebanon, Carla moved to the United States when she was just five years old. Her family settled in Rocky River, Ohio, where she grew up alongside her famous sister Maya Diab, who became a well-known Lebanese singer and television personality. From an early age, Carla showed a passion for colors, drawing, and creating beautiful things.
The Diab family believed in supporting their children’s dreams. Carla’s parents, James and Elizabeth Diab, encouraged her creative pursuits while ensuring she also focused on practical skills. This balance would later prove crucial in building her fashion empire.
Early Dreams and Education
Growing up in Ohio, Carla always had a crayon in her hand. She loved creating beautiful pictures and playing with different colors. What started as childhood fun slowly became a serious passion for design and fashion. Her teachers noticed her artistic talents, and her family encouraged her to pursue what made her happy.
After graduating from Rocky River High School in 2016, Carla made a smart decision. She attended Cleveland State University and earned a degree in Finance. This wasn’t just about following a practical path – Carla understood that successful businesses need both creativity and financial knowledge. Her finance background would later help her make smart decisions about her fashion company.
But Carla’s education didn’t stop there. She also studied fashion design at the Lebanese American University in Beirut. This gave her a chance to connect with her Lebanese roots while learning about fashion from a different cultural perspective. The combination of American business education and Lebanese design influence became part of what made her unique.
Her time as a student wasn’t just about books and classes. Carla worked as a sales associate at Five Below and even worked at an assisted living facility for elderly people. These jobs taught her about customer service, hard work, and connecting with different types of people – skills that would prove valuable in the fashion industry.
The Paris Adventure
After finishing her studies, Carla took a bold step. She moved to Paris, the fashion capital of the world, to work as an intern at high-end fashion houses. Paris wasn’t just about learning technical skills – it was about understanding luxury, sophistication, and what makes great fashion truly special.
Working in Paris fashion houses taught Carla about attention to detail, quality materials, and the hard work that goes into creating beautiful clothes. She learned from experienced designers and saw how the fashion industry really works behind the scenes. The experience was challenging, but it prepared her for what came next.
Living in Paris also exposed Carla to different cultures and styles. She learned to appreciate both traditional techniques and modern innovation. This international perspective would later show up in her own designs, making them appealing to people from different backgrounds and cultures.
The connections she made in Paris became valuable as her career grew. The fashion world is built on relationships, and Carla’s time in France helped her understand how important networking and collaboration are in this industry.
Building a Fashion Empire
In the early 2000s, Carla took the biggest risk of her life. She launched her own fashion line, becoming both the creator and creative director of her brand. Starting a fashion company is never easy, but Carla’s combination of finance knowledge, design skills, and Paris experience gave her a strong foundation.
Her designs quickly caught attention for their luxury and sophistication. Carla created clothes that made women feel confident and beautiful. Her attention to detail and use of quality materials set her apart from many other designers. People started noticing that her clothes had something special – they were elegant without being flashy.
What really changed everything was when A-list celebrities started wearing her designs. Having Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian choose her clothes brought incredible exposure to her brand. When famous people wear your designs on red carpets and to major events, the whole world notices.
The celebrity connections weren’t just lucky breaks. Carla worked hard to create relationships in the entertainment industry. She understood that fashion and entertainment work together, and she made sure her designs were perfect for the spotlight. Each celebrity appearance helped build her reputation and attract new customers.
Television Stardom
Fashion success opened new doors for Carla. She started appearing on popular television shows, which brought her personality and expertise to a broader audience. Her appearances on “Project Runway” and “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” showed people that she wasn’t just a talented designer – she was also engaging and knowledgeable about fashion.
Television work added another dimension to Carla’s career. She hosted the Lebanese version of “Dancing With the Stars” and later created her own show, “Fi-Male,” which airs on LBCI every Friday night. These hosting roles allowed her to connect with audiences in both America and Lebanon, bridging her two cultural backgrounds.
Her television appearances also provided additional income streams. Beyond the direct payments for appearing on shows, the exposure helped boost sales of her fashion line. People who saw her on TV became interested in buying her designs, creating a cycle where television success supported fashion success.
Working in television also taught Carla about media and public relations. She learned how to present herself professionally, handle interviews, and build her personal brand alongside her fashion brand. These skills became invaluable as social media grew more important for business.
Life Beyond Fashion
Carla’s success in fashion and television allowed her to pursue other interests. She became involved in philanthropic work, focusing on causes related to education and animal welfare. Her charitable efforts show that success means more than just making money – it means using your platform to help others.
Her personal life has had its challenges. Carla was previously married to comedian Tony Abou Jaoude, and they have a daughter named Lea Jaoude. After their divorce, Carla has kept her personal relationships private, preferring to focus public attention on her professional achievements and charitable work.
Despite her busy career, Carla maintains interests outside of work. She loves animals, especially cats and dogs, and often visits animal shelters. She speaks three languages – English, French, and Spanish – and has a secret talent for playing piano. Her favorite treat after a long day of designing is chocolate ice cream.
Carla also enjoys traveling and has visited over 20 countries. These travel experiences influence her designs, bringing global perspectives to her fashion line. She shares glimpses of her adventures and latest creations on social media, maintaining connections with fans around the world.
The Business of Success
Today, Carla Diab’s net worth is estimated at approximately $5 million, making her one of the successful entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. Her wealth comes from multiple sources, showing how she diversified her career beyond just designing clothes.
Her fashion line generates about $1 million annually, but that’s not her only income source. Television appearances, hosting fees, brand endorsements, and marketing work for companies like the fitness brand Fat2Fit all contribute to her financial success. She reportedly earns around $100,000 per month from her various business activities.
Carla also owns impressive assets that reflect her success. She has a luxury yacht that she’s owned for almost six years, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, helipad, jacuzzi, gym, and cinema. The yacht has a crew of 12 and is often used for hosting elegant parties. She also owns a $4 million mansion in Rocky River.
Her business success comes from understanding that modern entrepreneurs need multiple income streams. Carla didn’t just create a fashion line and hope for the best – she built a brand that works across different platforms and industries. This approach has made her more financially stable and less dependent on any single source of income.
Sister Connection
Family remains crucial in Carla’s life, especially her relationship with her sister Maya Diab. Maya is a successful Lebanese singer, entertainer, actress and television personality who was formerly a member of the girl group The 4 Cats. The sisters support each other’s careers while pursuing different paths in entertainment.
Maya has achieved her own success in the Middle Eastern entertainment industry. In October 2020, Maya was named the Fashion Icon of the Arab World by the Arab Fashion Council, showing that fashion and style run in the Diab family. Both sisters have managed to bridge their Lebanese heritage with international success.
The sister relationship shows how family support can help people achieve their dreams. Growing up, both Carla and Maya were encouraged to pursue their passions, whether that was fashion design or entertainment. Their parents created an environment where creativity was valued and hard work was expected.
Having a sister who understands the entertainment industry has been valuable for Carla. They can share experiences, give each other advice, and support each other through the challenges that come with public careers. Their success proves that families can achieve great things when they support each other’s individual talents.
Looking Forward
Carla Diab’s story continues to unfold as she expands her influence in fashion and entertainment. She remains committed to growing her fashion line while exploring new opportunities in television and business. Her goal isn’t just to be successful – it’s to inspire others and make a positive impact on the world.
Her journey from a young girl drawing with crayons in Ohio to a millionaire fashion designer in Beverly Hills shows what’s possible when passion meets hard work. Carla didn’t just get lucky – she made smart decisions, took calculated risks, and never gave up on her dreams.
As she looks to the future, Carla continues to balance her Lebanese heritage with her American success. She uses her platform to support charitable causes and inspire young people who want to pursue careers in fashion or entertainment. Her story proves that with determination, education, and hard work, anyone can turn their dreams into reality.
Carla Diab represents a new generation of entrepreneurs who understand that success comes from combining creativity with business skills, building genuine relationships, and always being willing to learn and grow. Her journey from Beirut to Beverly Hills is far from over – it’s just the beginning of what promises to be an even more exciting future.
