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

Carly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Starting a swimwear boutique has been one of if not the biggest risk I’ve taken. I had my bikini line, Steele Swallow Bikini and always wanted to sell my brand in my own shop, so when the opportunity arose, I took it. I have only had my shop for a short while and am constantly learning and pivoting, but one thing is that I love making and selling my bikinis. You have to believe in what you’re doing to keep going, and most importantly take the risk!

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 Carly Fraizer and I am the owner and designer, well actually I’m the one woman show behind Steele Swallow Bikini. I make bikinis for those who live in theirs! I only use mill end, deadstock or eco fabrics for my sustainable, handmade small batch swimwear. I started sewing swimwear as a project in fashion school and just didn’t stop. I kept my foot in the swimwear industry via retail and later got an internship at a small shop in San Francisco, Ca. That internship turned into a paid position, and then I was selling my brand in that shop and eventually running the day to day. When that ended, I decided it was time to give a go at my own shop, so I packed up and moved from northern California to San Diego and opened a shop. Then I had the confidence to show at San Diego and Las Vegas Swim Weeks, from which I’ve met many people and have collaborations in the works from those. On hard days, because owning and running a business is not easy, I just tell myself that I am pursuing my dream and not many people get to. You have to love it enough but also be extremely grateful and aware that what you are doing is special and to covet that.

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

I have had to pivot a few times… I think everyone does. But I am currently in one of those pivot scenarios, my current shop location is being leased meaning I have to find another location, I was given barely a months notice of this mind you. Anyway, one of the local shops that I consign from has a smaller boutique space available, so I am going to temporarily move there, bonus it’s only 2 1/2 blocks from my current location. But if I hadn’t walked into her business and asked her if she wanted to carry my brand this pivot would have been a lot trickier. I am also because of this unexpected move probably going to have to get a temporary part time job to supplement the move and storage fees. But that’s part of business, being able to handle the easy and the difficult. But I want nothing more than to sell my bikinis by the beach, so I am doing what I can to keep that going as long as I possibly can. Positivity and patience are just as important as tenacity.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, when they put a bikini on and don’t want to take it off! That is my favorite! When they feel so comfortable and confident my job is done. Swimwear is probably one of the trickiest things because even now a days many women are still intimidated when they see themselves in a bikini in the dressing room mirror. I just do my best to not have that happen, but it does. But there are so many times that I’m so happy because the client is beaming with excitement or is like ‘what other colors does this come in’ because they need more of it, those moments are worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.steeleswallowbikini.com
• Instagram: @steeleswallowbikini
• Facebook: @steeleswallowbikini
• Twitter: @steeleswallowbikini
• Other: My email is [email protected]