Why swimsuits in Milwaukee?
Initially, I thought, OK, I want to make swimsuits, but what are you going to do with the swimsuits? I’m not in a swimsuit city – I’m not in California, or Miami, or somewhere where they have a swimwear market. But I am in a city where they definitely go on vacation.
Describe your collection’s aesthetic.
It’s feminine, flirty, and girly, but still has sexiness.
Where are the swimsuits produced?
They’re produced in California by a company called Swimwear Experts.
So what is the goal? To be carried in a lot of stores, sell online or open a physical store?
I don’t want to open a physical store, because I’ve seen a lot of people do the physical stores and it’s a lot of hard work. And I’m not sure swimwear in Milwaukee would last all year long. I would love to be going really strong online and then doing well with the trade shows. But online is the focus.
You’re in production for only one swimsuit style in your collection. What about the other styles?
For the next [swimsuit] design, I can [produce it] when I have the money. Women’s Business Initiative Corporation helped fund a large part of my business when I really didn’t think that I could have a business, or get funding. Many people told me that I could not get a business loan. I went to a bank and the banker told me to marry a rich man!
