Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Muriel Langdon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Muriel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?
The story of my creative business began with a love for fashion that has always been deeply rooted in me. I’ve been a creative person for as long as I can remember, and sewing was something I learned at a young age. Fashion, styling, and self-expression through clothing have always been a source of fulfillment for me. As I grew older, this creative drive became more apparent, finding its way into many aspects of my life.
When I was 20, I reached a turning point. I was studying business at the local university, working as a server at a restaurant, and trying to figure out how to bring my creativity into my daily life. It was around this time that I realized I wanted to take my passion for fashion more seriously. I wanted to do something with it, but I didn’t know exactly how to start. That’s when I decided to take the plunge and dedicate myself to creating clothing.
I started by revisiting sewing after several years away from it. Given my love for the beach, warm weather, and everything that comes with it, swimwear seemed like a natural starting point. It was something I could create and design, and it also felt manageable for me to start with. The pieces were smaller, which made them easier to work with, and I could hand-draft my own patterns. I knew that jumping into more complex pieces like coats or pants right off the bat would be too overwhelming, especially since I had no formal training in garment making. Starting small allowed me to build my skills and my confidence.
The journey wasn’t easy, and it took time. I had to learn a lot about materials, fabrics, and where to source everything. I spent countless hours researching and experimenting. I remember drafting my first patterns on newspaper because it was inexpensive and large enough to work with. It was a labor of love, and I wasn’t focused on making a fortune—I simply wanted to create something that was meaningful to me, something I could share with others.
Looking back, I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because it wasn’t just about the clothes; it was about my need to express myself in a way that felt authentic. I didn’t have professional training, but my passion, drive, and willingness to learn gave me the belief that I could succeed. I wasn’t trying to become the next big designer; I was focused on making something I believed in and sharing it with the world. It was the joy of creating, the satisfaction of bringing an idea to life, and the thought that others might enjoy what I made that made me feel like I was on the right path. And from that passion, my business began to take shape.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
For those who may not have heard of me or my brand before, I’m someone who has always been deeply passionate about fashion and creativity. I learned to sew at a young age, and this creative spark has stayed with me throughout my life. Fashion has always been an outlet for self-expression, and I found that working with clothing allowed me to explore my creativity in a way that felt fulfilling. When I was 20, I decided to take this passion more seriously, and that’s when I began creating my own clothing.
I started my journey in the fashion industry with a focus on swimwear, as I’ve always been drawn to warm weather, beaches, and pools. Swimwear felt like a natural fit—small, manageable, and something that could be designed and produced without overwhelming myself at the start. I’m proud to say that every single piece I create for MurMade is made entirely by hand. This hands-on approach is what sets me apart from many other designers and brands in the industry. It’s not very common for the brand owner to be the one who makes all the pieces and drafts the patterns themselves, and this is something I hold dear. I believe it gives my work a unique and personal touch that is hard to replicate.
In addition to the craftsmanship, what really sets MurMade apart is our commitment to sustainability. Because I make each piece to order, I know exactly how each garment is manufactured and produced. There is no mass production, and no excess inventory is created. Every item is made with care and attention to detail, and I focus on small-batch production, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. This sustainable approach means that customers are getting swimwear that not only looks good but also has a minimal environmental impact.
The thing I’m most proud of is the fact that I’ve created a brand that stays true to my values—where creativity, quality, and sustainability come together in every piece. I’m proud that I’m able to offer something that people can truly appreciate, not just because of how it looks, but because of the story behind it and the care that goes into each item. It’s important to me that my clients know I’m not just creating a product—I’m creating something meaningful that aligns with my vision and their values as well.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that MurMade is more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of my passion, my creativity, and my dedication to making a positive impact. Every item I produce is made with intention, and I’m always working to improve, evolve, and grow. Whether you’re looking for swimwear that fits well, is sustainably produced, or simply represents your style, I’m confident that MurMade can offer something special.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is empowering women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, especially in settings where they might feel more exposed, like at the beach or pool. Fashion has such a powerful ability to shape how we see ourselves, and when it comes to swimwear, it’s even more personal. I’ve always believed that the right piece of clothing can elevate a person’s confidence, and with MurMade, my goal is to create swimwear that doesn’t just fit, but enhances the beauty of every woman who wears it.
It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the pieces I design can make someone feel more comfortable and confident, whether they’re lounging by the water, enjoying time with friends, or simply enjoying the freedom that comes with wearing something that makes them feel great. Swimwear, in particular, can be such a vulnerable piece to wear, and to be able to provide something that gives women the assurance they need to truly embrace themselves is something I’m deeply passionate about.
For me, it’s not just about creating beautiful swimwear—it’s about creating pieces that give women the confidence to express themselves, to feel empowered, and to love how they look and feel. That’s what makes the process of designing and crafting each piece so rewarding. When I see a woman wear MurMade and radiate confidence, I know that all the hard work, time, and passion I put into the brand has paid off.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
When it comes to funding my business, I’ll be honest—I’m still figuring it out. Right now, I work full-time as an accountant, and that’s how I’m able to fund MurMade. Fashion, especially when you’re starting from scratch, is not something that generates immediate profit. In my opinion, you have to play the long game, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m not focused on quick sales or instant financial returns. My approach is more about building something sustainable over time, and I’m okay with taking a steady, patient route to get there.
I think a big part of starting a business like this is understanding that success doesn’t come overnight. It’s a slow burn, and I’m fully committed to putting in the time and work it takes to build MurMade the right way. My hope is that, one day, MurMade will become my full-time focus. But I also know that’s going to take years of dedication. For now, I’m doing everything I can to progress the brand while balancing my corporate job.
I often joke that my retirement plan is MurMade, but honestly, it’s true. My dream is to eventually spend my years sewing, designing, and fully immersed in the fashion world, without the constraints of a corporate job. I’m building MurMade with a vision for the long haul, and I’m genuinely happy knowing that I’m taking the steps, however small, to get closer to that future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.murmadeswimwear.com
- Instagram: murmadeswimwear
- Facebook: murmadeswimwear
- Linkedin: MurMade Swimwear
- Twitter: https://x.com/murmadeswimwear
- Youtube: murmadeswimwear
Image Credits
@sqhphotography @afro_foo @thevillagewolf