We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hannah Patten a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hannah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
My life has pretty much been a rollercoaster of taking risks, right from the get-go. I still remember my college days vividly – a mere sophomore – when I kicked off the wild ride that’s been Hülya Swim. It’s kind of surreal to think about it, but fast forward to now, and I’m almost 26. The twists and turns I’ve navigated since then have taught me so much.
I won’t lie, there’ve been times when I’ve messed up big time, ended up in tight spots that felt impossible to escape. That’s when that whole “f- it” mindset of mine actually turned out to be a lifesaver. It’s crazy to admit, but embracing that attitude helped me through situations that seemed like dead-ends. Those moments, looking back, have been like secret ingredients that brought me to where I am today with Hülya Swim.
Now, let’s be real here. I might not be running the show of the biggest swimsuit empire out there – not yet, at least. But you know what? If you ask me whether we’re making a difference, I’d shout a big “heck yes!” From where I stand, that’s what truly matters. Our swimsuit company isn’t just about making sales; it’s about leaving an impact that ripples through people’s lives.
But hey, let’s not sugarcoat the journey it took to get here. Every step of the way, I had to summon the guts to make those tough calls. And I’m not talking about run-of-the-mill decisions. I’m talking about the kind of choices that make your heart race because they’re drenched in risk. Those are the choices that led me down this incredible path, the one that’s brought me here, right now.
So, while I might not have a trophy case overflowing with success awards, I’ve got something even more valuable – the knowledge that I’ve been bold enough to embrace the unknown. Hülya Swim might not be a household name yet, but the journey has been one of risk-taking, of refusing to settle for the safe route. It’s been about diving into the deep end, even when the waters seemed murky, and trusting that somehow, it would all lead to this very point.
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.
Allow me to introduce myself – Hi there, I’m Hannah. At 26 years old, I’m that familiar face you might have come across on TikTok, sharing my slightly cringey “Day In the Life as A Yacht Stew” videos. But you know, there’s more to me than that. I wear multiple hats – I’m a bikini designer, a yacht stewardess, a chef, and even a wildlife expedition guide. It’s a bit of a juggling act, but each role brings a unique passion to the table.
So, why did I dive into all of this? Well, let’s start with Hülya Swim. It’s my brainchild, born from a deep desire to make a real impact in the ocean realm. This is where I channel my creativity as a bikini designer. But it’s more than just fashion; it’s a statement. Our swimwear line is sustainable through and through, crafted from recycled ocean plastic. The core mission? Simple – to play our part in cleaning up the ocean, one bikini at a time.
Then there’s my venture aboard the Motor Yacht Hulya – a slice of luxury on the open waters. My partner and I helm this luxury Catamaran Charter Company. He’s the captain, steering us through the Caribbean waves, while I take on the role of chef and stewardess. It’s more than just a charter; it’s a journey of indulgence, creating unforgettable experiences for families and couples. And woven into all of it is a mission to nurture a profound love for the ocean.
But wait, there’s more. Ocean Outcasts is another chapter of our story. With my partner by my side, we birthed this expedition company. Why? To provide those who wouldn’t normally have the chance with breathtaking opportunities. Picture swimming alongside majestic Whale Sharks or diving with Humpback Whales in Tonga – these are the extraordinary experiences we aim to share.
So, there you have it – a glimpse into my multifaceted world. From designing sustainable swimwear to orchestrating luxurious yacht charters and enabling oceanic dreams through unforgettable expeditions, every step I take is about embracing the boundless beauty of the ocean and helping others do the same.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Back when Instagram was just finding its footing, I was deeply engrossed in competitive horse riding on the A-Circuit. It was during those days that I unintentionally started gaining a small following on Instagram. You see, I believe it all began because I shared those unfiltered, genuine moments from my life. My social media wasn’t just a platform; it was like a personal diary, capturing the essence of my journey.
Thinking back, those early social media days were like planting seeds that would eventually grow into something much bigger. Little did I know the immense power that social media would wield in the years to come. The revelation dawned upon me – the authenticity I exuded was magnetic. It attracted people because it was real, unfiltered, and straight from the heart. It wasn’t about curating a facade; it was about sharing my life as it unfolded, with all its twists and turns.
As social media evolved and morphed, I stayed rooted in who I am at my core. I recognized that the trends might shift, the algorithms might change, but my authenticity should always remain intact. It was this steadfast commitment to being true to myself that kept me grounded. In a world where everything seems to be in flux, I became my own constant.
And let’s be real – for me, it was never about chasing the numbers game. The follower count wasn’t my focus. What mattered was being able to look back on this digital tapestry I was weaving and feel a sense of pride. It was about capturing the essence of my journey, documenting my growth, and creating a visual timeline of where I started and how far I’ve come.
In essence, Instagram & Tik Tok wasn’t and still isn’t just a social media platform for me; it was a canvas where I painted my life’s journey, stroke by stroke, post by post. It was a testament to my authenticity, an archive of my experiences, and a digital mirror reflecting who I am and who I’ve become. And through it all, one thing remained constant – the power of authenticity and the ability to look back and say, “Yes, that’s where I was, and I’m damn proud of it.”
Have you ever had to pivot?
Oh, the memories come flooding back as I recall those early days of embarking on a new adventure. Picture this: there I was, setting foot on the deck of a 50ft Lagoon catamaran for the very first time, afloat in the sea of opportunity while Hülya Swim was flourishing. Those were the days when the swimwear brand was hitting its stride, and I was about to dive into uncharted waters myself.
As I settled into my new role as a yacht stewardess and chef, a wave of stress washed over me. The sheer thought of balancing the demands of Hülya Swim with my responsibilities on the boat felt like a towering challenge. It was like juggling two worlds that seemed poles apart. Doubts crept in, questioning whether I could truly handle both roles effectively.
But then, amid the chaos, someone dropped a piece of wisdom that resonated deep within me. They told me that if I genuinely wanted it – if I truly desired to make it all work – I would find a way to do just that. It was as if a switch flipped inside me. Suddenly, the fog lifted, and the puzzle pieces began falling into place one by one. With that newfound determination, I navigated through the intricacies, orchestrating a dance between running a swimsuit empire and tending to the needs of life on a yacht.
And now, as I sit here sharing this chapter of my journey with you, I find myself in a familiar yet exhilarating position once again. Life has looped around, presenting me with a fresh set of challenges and opportunities. This time, I’ve taken on the roles of owner, chef, and stewardess aboard our brand-new vessel, MY Hulya. It’s a bit like déjà vu – that sense of stepping into the unknown while keeping the flame of Hülya Swim burning bright.
The truth is, I’ve come to realize that life has this incredible way of unfolding – it’s like setting sail into the unknown, embracing the wind and waves as they come. Just as before, I find myself balancing on the tightrope of responsibility, trying to masterfully blend my passion for Hülya Swim with the demands of my maritime journey.
In a way, it’s a reflection of how life works – the ebb and flow, the challenges and triumphs. And while the path ahead might not always be clear, one thing I’ve learned is that where there’s determination, where there’s the will to chase your dreams, there’s a way to make it all happen. So, here I am once more, on the cusp of a new voyage, fueled by the same unwavering drive that brought me here in the first place.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hulyaswim.com www.oceanoutcasts.com www.motoryachthulya.com
- Instagram: @hulyaswim @simplyhannah @oceanoutcasts @my.hulya
Image Credits
@Johngarzaphoto