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

Chris, appreciate you joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

After struggling with body issues my entire life, I wanted to create a brand that is made not just for everybody but for every body. I got so tired of trying on swim and it not fitting right or the swim being way too expensive.

Every business person will tell you that you have to pick one demographic but I got tired of living in that world. I started by creating my swim on real bodies, because there was a complete gap in the market for that. We always have this idea that we have to fit into this perfect body box, I wanted all my customers to know their bodies are perfect and beautiful just the way they are. Self love is so important and I want everyone to feel their best when they put on my swim.

I create unique and special patterns that mirror the happiest moments in my life, bringing the same joy to the customer who tries them on. I have created unique cuts that flatter all body types. I got so tired of an industry that always feels like it’s pulling us down and decided I can help build other people up.

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?

Once I realized I couldn’t find swim that made me feel good at an affordable price, I realized that other people must be feeling the same way. I started by tailoring my swim suits to real bodies and not just on a model. By sizing the swim suits on real bodies, it allowed the fit to offer comfort for all people. Not only that but I am always constantly out talking to my customers either in person or through social media, making sure they are always satisfied. If they have any issues, I am the first to turn to them with a listening ear so I can make adjustments in the future to make them feel their best. I believe having that personal attention is super important because so many people feel unheard in their own uncomfort.

I also make sure to always give back to the community that saved my life, the LGBTQA+ community. As a member of the community, I know how hard the struggle of coming out, getting tested and even just navigating life, can be. I am constantly working in collaboration with different foundations including the Ali Forney Center, The Stonewall Foundation, The Pines Foundation, Pridelines Miami, as well as many others. These centers and foundations are so important to building up our community, educating our youth, and providing the community with the care that we deserve. The community has saved my life so I knew I had to also give back to saving others. I am proud to say that I can make an impact in the world, creating a space for people to feel good about themselves and helping give back to the community that needs it the most, especially right now.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being able to give back to the community and receiving such loving and heartfelt messages back. It’s one thing to create a product and hope that it delivers the message but it’s another thing to receive such supportive and incredible messages from customers. So many of my amazing customers have reached out to thank me for offering something no other brand has ever done before, full of inclusivity for all, a place we can all feel welcome and cute. They are so thankful that I display models of all shapes and types and not just falling into the typical perfect body world. I think it is so important that everyone feels represented, heard and felt. I would be nothing without the motivation my customers give me with their positive words, with which I am forever thankful for.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Remember to not follow trends, set them. I almost looked too much to the rest of the fashion world for what I thought might be hot at that moment. Once I trusted my own creative freedom, I was able to create some of my most successful collections. Trust in yourself, trust in your creativity, trust in your own vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.christurkswim.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christurkswim/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christurkswim