Lorna Jane Clarkson (née Smith), born on November 24, 1964, in Lancashire, England, is an Australian fashion designer, entrepreneur, and author. She is the founder of the Lorna Jane brand, a globally recognized label specializing in stylish and functional activewear for women. Through her innovative approach to fitness fashion, Clarkson has built a thriving business that includes retail outlets, a loyal customer base, and a strong presence in the activewear market worldwide.
Early Life and Education
Lorna Jane Smith was born the younger of two sisters to Jean Hale, a secretary who raised the girls as a single parent. At the age of 10, Lorna’s family emigrated to Brisbane, Australia, where she grew up. During her childhood, she was actively involved in ballet, netball, and cheerleading. Lorna attended Springwood State High School and worked at Mathers shoe store during her teenage years. Though initially aspiring to become a journalist, Lorna was dissuaded by her mother and instead pursued a career in dental therapy. While studying dental therapy, she also taught aerobics at night, which would set the stage for her future entrepreneurial journey.
Career Beginnings
After completing her studies, Lorna worked for Queensland Health as a dental technician in Cairns. While working in this capacity, she continued to teach aerobics and was active in the local fitness scene. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Bill Clarkson, and was crowned Miss Cairns. Lorna also ran her first marathon and worked a third job baking cakes and preparing healthy food for local cafes.
As a fitness instructor, Lorna found a lack of stylish and functional activewear that catered to her needs and began sewing her own outfits. With no formal training in fashion design, Lorna’s passion for creating garments led her to experiment with patterns and materials. She eventually made the bold decision to transition from teaching aerobics to designing and producing activewear full-time.
The Birth of Lorna Jane
In 1989, Lorna, with the support of Bill, opened the first Lorna Jane store in Brisbane, marking the official launch of the brand. At this time, the concept of activewear—clothing suitable for both exercise and everyday life—was still in its infancy. Lorna’s designs were ahead of their time, and despite skepticism from the industry, she continued to push forward. Early struggles included skepticism from major retailers like Myer, who initially rejected the designs. However, after convincing Myer to stock a small range, the Lorna Jane brand started to gain traction.
Lorna’s designs resonated with customers, and in the early years, the company experienced significant growth. In 1990, she and Bill opened a second Lorna Jane store, and by 2000, they had expanded into a larger production facility. Lorna’s approach to activewear, which blended fitness functionality with high style, became a hallmark of the brand. By the mid-2000s, Lorna Jane had grown into an internationally recognized activewear brand, with retail stores in Australia, the United States, and other countries.
Business Growth and Expansion
By 2015, the Lorna Jane brand had expanded to include 146 stores in Australia, 42 stores in the United States, and additional stockists in countries such as South Africa, Britain, Canada, and the UAE. Lorna’s entrepreneurial spirit and hands-on approach were pivotal to the brand’s success. She continued to be actively involved in the design and operation of the business, overseeing the creation of innovative products and maintaining a direct connection with her customers.
Lorna’s success earned her a spot in BRW’s “Rich Women” list in 2013 and 2014, with her fortune estimated at $40 million in 2013 and $50 million in 2014.
In 2010, a private equity firm, CHAMP Ventures, acquired a 40% stake in Lorna Jane, though Lorna and Bill Clarkson retained a 60% stake in the company. By 2016, the company was valued at an estimated $500 million, with an annual revenue of $200 million.
Public Recognition and Challenges
In addition to her success in business, Lorna Jane Clarkson authored several books focusing on health, wellness, and personal empowerment. Her books include “Move, Nourish, Believe: The Fit Woman’s Secret Revealed” (2011), “MORE of the Fit Woman’s Secrets” (2013), and “Eat Good Food” (2018).
However, Lorna Jane’s career has not been without controversy. In 2020, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Association fined the company $40,000 for misleading advertising claims regarding their activewear’s ability to prevent and protect against infectious diseases like COVID-19. In 2021, a federal court ruled that Lorna Jane had misrepresented its products and admitted to approving misleading promotional material.
Despite these challenges, Lorna Jane Clarkson continued to lead her company with integrity, working to regain consumer trust and enhance the brand’s reputation.
Personal Life
Lorna Jane Clarkson has always been fiercely dedicated to her career. She chose not to have children, prioritizing her work and passion for the Lorna Jane brand. She enjoys a highly disciplined lifestyle, incorporating daily rituals such as early morning workouts, yoga, and strength training. Lorna’s personal life is marked by her devotion to fitness, design, and maintaining a strong work-life balance.
Lorna and her husband, Bill Clarkson, reside in Santa Monica, California, where they continue to grow the Lorna Jane brand internationally. Their shared commitment to active living and entrepreneurship remains at the heart of the company’s ethos.
Legacy and Impact
Lorna Jane Clarkson is regarded as one of the pioneers of the modern activewear movement. Her focus on designing stylish, functional clothing for active women has transformed the fitness apparel industry. She has inspired countless women worldwide to embrace an active lifestyle and take control of their health and well-being. Clarkson’s unwavering dedication to authenticity, quality, and customer engagement has made her a respected figure in the fashion and fitness industries.
