We recently connected with Bianca Henry and have shared our conversation below.
Bianca, appreciate you joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
An important element Bebikiniswim uses to differ from industry standard is being inclusive. Bebikiniswim highlights every person no matter what race, size, and sexual orientation they are. Our slogan is ‘Worship yourself. The world will follow.” This came to me as an affirmation of self love, to know you are worthy of acceptance and praise because it all starts with you. We utilize positive affirmations and inclusivity as part of our brand story and it is weaved into every campaign we push out. A lot of industry standards focus on people’s insecurities whereas we help allieve and highlight ones beauty.
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 Bianca Henry and I am a Jamaican and Trinidadian fashion designer who grew up in a Caribbean focused household in New Jersey. I spent summers and holidays with my Grandma in Jamaica and lived on the beautiful island when I was a small child. I created Bebikiniswim as an outlet to be creative during a time in my life that felt like rock bottom. I dreamt of my carefree days in Jamaica and longed to have that feeling in my day to day life. Bebikiniswim was birthed in my small studio apartment and has become more than just fashion, but a women filled community of “Goddesses”. I sell resort wear fashion, such as, swimwear, coverups, and soon accessories. I learned quickly that women often aren’t sold high quality and comfortable swimwear that feels luxurious , inclusive, and won’t break the bank. Bebikiniswim closed that gap and I am proud that the vision and creative direction has landed Bebikiniswim in British Vogue. The main thing I want people to know of Bebikiniswim is that you’re worthy no matter what and even though swimwear is vulnerable, we find it brave to wear what you love!
Have you ever had to pivot?
I had to pivot early on in life and business. I was at rock bottom and just starting Bebikiniswim in my studio apartment in New Jersey. As summer came and went I had to make a big decision to put Bebikiniswim on hold or take the initiative to move to a warmer state to further my business endeavors. I moved by myself to Los Angeles California when I was 21 and I completely started over in a new city and made a home for Bebikiniswim. I did a lot of ground work and had to find my own manufacture to create my designs and produce my swimwear collection. I have made Los Angeles my home in these past 3 years.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I funded my business using my savings that I had been accumulating for a few years. I came to the realization that I was unsure of what my savings was even for and I should invest into myself and my dreams while I was able to. I didn’t have any other desire than to be my own boss and create art in my own way. I took a chance on myself. I would work part time jobs at gyms, chiropractic offices, and even health offices. I barely spent my money as I wanted to have a financial blanket in case of a rainy day. I accumulated ten thousand dollars by the time I was ready to start Bebikiniswim.
Contact Info:
- Website: Bebikiniswim.com
- Instagram: Bebikiniswim
- Other: TikTok: Bebikiniswimm
Image Credits
Photographer: BIANCA HENRY Creative direction: Bianca Henry