Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dorlene Pierre. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dorlene, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

The idea of me owning my own swimwear brand started when I was dancing for the NHL Florida Panthers in 2013. I initially wanted to do themed bikinis based on the sports team, at the time there was someone else doing the same exact concept and broke into that market before I did. I’ll be honest I was extremely discouraged and just took a step back to think what I really wanted to do. Fast forward I ended up working for a swim brand during my time as a fitness model, I got caught up in helping someone else achieve their goal and literally put mine on the back burner. I really just lost my passion and let other outside influence just set me back, and looking back I really regret not being so strong minded during that time. Fast forward to 2017, I started working for a tech company and I grew a great friendship with a few of the account managers on staff, the realized I really had a passion for bikinis and loved every aspect of the swimwear industry. They encouraged me to purchase my LLC and get the ball rolling. Thank God they did, I signed up at my desk during my lunch break and Monde Swim LLC was created!

Now all that sounds great and you would think I began right then but I didn’t, I 2nd guessed myself once again and all the research, money and anything you could think of was just becoming overwhelming. The idea was still heavy on my mind but I just couldn’t get myself to start, then on my 30th birthday my bestfriends purchased as a gift to me my web domain and sketched out my first 3 designs. At that point I knew I couldn’t let this slide anymore lol. I still was a bit distracted with work but probably the worst but best thing that could’ve happened was the pandemic. By April 2020 I was unfortunately let go from my job, that gave me a kick to really want to start putting into plan the business. At the time my bestfriend started her shoe business and my sister was starting her business as well it felt right we all were working towards a goal. There was no turning back at this point! I would be lying if I said I didn’t have a lot of bumps in the road but looking back I can appreciate it and see how to continue to improve. During the summer I found my manufacture, my logo, packaging and tags, all that was left was to see the samples and head to production.

Everything was coming together and I just had to pick a date to launch, I went with my sisters birthday November 15th and Monde Swim was live! Launching the business was probably the scariest thing I ever did but so rewarding in the same breath. I never thought I would get there and to finally see everything was surreal. I came out with 2 original designs first, if anyone tells you swimwear or designing your own brand is cheap THAT IS A LIE lol! Considering I was just starting off and with the money I had I wanted to make sure I didn’t spend unnecessarily first round. I ended up adding additional styles to make my first collection “Destination.” I love to travel and be in a bikini so it only made sense to call it that.

I will say launching and being here now has been eye-opening, I went through a lot of ups and downs with several emotions. It didn’t go as planned how I wanted and that became super discouraging, and to be honest I didn’t think I was meant to do this. I had to take a step back and really evaluate how hard I was working since the launch and why did I let the negative things affect my grind, for something I’m so passionate about. Owning business is a challenge and if you don’t have the mindset to not let things get to you like; no sales on days, some days having low engagement or trying to figure out how to get the next collection rolling either due to funding or creative block, it will be a struggle but keep going. I wish me now could’ve talked to me when I launched just to keep lifting myself up and don’t let anything stop my grind for what I’m passionate in creating. I look back and I’m still so proud of what my idea turned into and how I decided to take the leap to start!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

My name is Dorlene, I’m from Miami, Florida and I’m Haitian. I’m a former competitive all-star cheerleader, NHL cheerleader and fitness model. I’ve always loved anything that had to do with fashion and swimwear for as long as I can remember. I got into the industry working in the fitness industry, the company I worked for the owner’s wife started her own swimwear line and from then I learned more about the industry and knew that is where I wanted to be. It took some time for me to actually really study the swimwear business and learn things that I wanted to do with my brand, and to be honest I’m still learning everyday.

Monde Swim is a brand that offers bikinis, one pieces and sets. I wanted to create a brand that anyone no matter the size or color, would feel comfortable wearing. I pride myself on using real women in my suits, I never want someone to feel as if they can’t wear any of my styles. I think what sets me apart I use my own experience when shopping for swimwear and apply what I would like for my experience to be for my customers. My goal is to make everything affordable and for the customers to want to not just buy 1 item. I sell my bikinis as sets not individual items, I provide local pickup options and will personal deliver to meet my customers and personally thank them for the support and I provide great customer service if you have a question or just want to engage with my page I’m always available. I know with time that things with growth could change but I want that stay to true to my brand and always have my customers feel like they’re shopping from a real person.

I’m most proud that I took a chance on something I was super scared to do and still get nervous about what I’m doing. I’ve been blessed to do popup shops, learn from peers, approached to do swim shows and attend Miami Swim as a goal. I’m only human I know there will be a lot of trial and error but I’m hoping to grow more this year and continue to learn and achieve new goals. I want my followers and potential clients to know I research a lot and I want to make sure things that are in demand I’ll be able to provide, and I also want them to know I’m just a girl from Miami who went for a dream and is going to work hard to achieve it. If I can do it you can to do let no’s or obstacles stop you, if you want it go for it and give it your all, Failure is not an option!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A time I had to pivot my career well pretty much my life was one during the pandemic and then recently with a shift in my working field. The pandemic caused me to be furloughed without a job for the remaining of the year and in the process I started working on the swimwear. The following year I got another job worked on the business but hit a lot of issues got extremely discouraged and kind of fell off track, I focused on my job and wasn’t pouring into the business as I should have. Throughout each situation I’ve experienced it brought me right back to where I needed to put my attention and energy into.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I started with 2 designs in the beginning, my packaging, logo, tags and production of the suits. I was able to come up with the funds to start the project with the money from work and the help of my partner.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mondeswim.com
• Instagram: Monde Swim
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/mondeswim