We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hannah Hayes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hannah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.
At SVN Swim, we take pride in our distinctive approach to luxury women’s sustainable swimwear. We do several things differently than the industry standard, setting us apart as a brand that values sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical practices. Here’s what makes SVN Swim unique:
1. Sustainable Materials: Our commitment to the environment is unwavering. Unlike many swimwear brands that still rely on conventional fabrics, we prioritize the use of sustainable materials. Our swimwear is crafted from eco-friendly materials, reducing the environmental impact of our products and leading the way in sustainable fashion.
2. Low Waste Production: We’re passionate about minimizing waste throughout our production process. our factory has implemented innovative techniques to reduce waste at every stage of our supply chain. By doing so, we’re not just creating beautiful swimwear; we’re also minimizing our carbon footprint and demonstrating our commitment to responsible manufacturing.
3. 100% Women Team: Empowering women is at the heart of our brand. We’re proud to have an all-women team, a rarity in the fashion industry. This isn’t just about producing swimwear; it’s about supporting and promoting the strength, creativity, and talent of women, both within our organization and beyond.
4. PETA Certified Factory: Our dedication to ethical practices goes beyond just materials. Our factory is honored to be certified by PETA, a testament to the constant commitment to animal welfare. Our products are entirely cruelty-free, setting us apart as a brand that cares about more than just fashion; we care about the well-being of all living beings.
At SVN Swim, we’re not just a swimwear brand; we’re a movement. Our distinctive approach to luxury sustainable swimwear reflects our values, and we’re proud to lead by example.
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 number one dream was always to be in the fashion industry as a designer, and as a born and raised Floridian who is never far from a beach, I have always been interested in women’s swimwear. It wasn’t until college that I started loving boutique swimwear made from sustainable materials. However, I truly couldn’t find the styles I wanted in the materials I wanted, so this passion led me to start SVN my sophomore year of college. 7 years later, the company has been through many phases and ups and downs – but it’s never wavered from being sustainable and female led.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I graduated from college, I actually put SVN on a slight back burner to work in the fashion industry to gain more professional experience. It was a dream come true to be working formally for a big fashion house, and I learned so much. However in 2020 when the pandemic hit, the company sadly shut down – so I took the opportunity to completely reinvest myself and my time into SVN!
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Hiring a PR representative based in Los Angeles that had amazing celebrity connections and media connections was thus far one of the smartest things I’ve done for the business. By securing multiple placements on icons such as Kim Kardashian, Megan Thee Stallion and Madison Beer has helped build SVN’s reputation immensely, along with being featured in Sports Illustrated Swim for the past 3 years.
Contact Info:
- Website: svnswim.com
- Instagram: @svnswim
Image Credits
Kim Kardashian, Megan Thee Stallion