We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ingrid Campbell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ingrid, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I’ve always been involved in the beauty industry for over 20 + years. While working my full-time professional career, I enrolled in the Connecticut School of Design in the evenings and received my cosmetology degree. As a child growing up, my mother always taught my sisters and I to always have a backup plan. Cosmetology was my back up plan. I thought about managing my own salon but instead I leaned towards the makeup artistry side of the spectrum.
When I relocated to Washington DC Metro area, I worked my full-time I.T. job and worked part-time as a freelance makeup artist for Bobbi Brown cosmetics out of their New York City Office.
I also freelance for MAC cosmetics at various high-end stores in Northern Virginia. The stores were Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstroms and Bloomingdales.
While working at Neiman Marcus, I connected with others in the Fashion Industry in D.C. and soon worked as a makeup artist for DCFW behind the scenes as a makeup artist.
My passion for the beach and collecting bathing suits was another hobby. It made my decision so much easier to create a business that I love and something that I would enjoy designing and selling.
I launched my business on 4.4.22 – Blue Topaz Swimwear LLC. My goal was to eventually be featured in Miami Swimweek Shows in the Fall of 2023. I launched my website for Blue Topaz Swimwear, started selling swimwear online. While working my online business, I connected with Miami Swimweek and was offered to participate in their June 22 Swimweek Show in Miami. I knew with a short time-frame, there was no way for me to design and create swimwear in a few months. I did not want to rush the design process and I knew there were other shows coming up.
In September I was a guest at the D.C. Swimweek Show. This gave me the opportunity to see many aspects of business. I continued to create designs for the show that I decided to participate in, which was Miami Swimweek – Art Basel addition which is a huge deal in Miami. I created the “Science Collection”. Models were featured in Blue Topaz Swimwear at Miami Swimweek on November 30th. The show was for a great cause Save the Chimps, a nonprofit organization.
I am now in the phase of having my website tailored to my own individual creations,
I am adding team members to assist me with social media marketing, photography, etc. It’s definitely a work in progress. I have so much more in the works and many projects that I will be in collaboration with. It’s pretty exciting and a lot of work! I’m definitely pacing myself and enjoying the journey. A creative mind never stops creating. I am currently working on launching my lipstick/lip gloss collection.

Ingrid, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

We are all unique in our own ways. I loved science from the time I was in junior high school, I would have never imagined that I would be working as a professional in science as an adult. I love technology because it’s never ending, and things are always changing. I’ve mentored many young adults in S.T.E.M. I’ve shared with my mentees, to make sure they reach back and help others. There’s always room to grow and expand.
Also, like my mom taught me, make sure you have something else that you enjoy that can provide balance in your life.
I am proud to have been featured in my first Miami Swimweek Show – Art Basel and to see professional models, walking in the swimwear that I designed. That was a moment that I could have never imagined.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The source of new clients for me, is from networking, word of mouth and being in Miami Swimweek, many folks have reached out after my first appearance at the show. Social media presentation is amazing, especially instagram. I am looking forward to my Social Media manager coming onboard to assist me with that aspect of my business.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Working a full time, high demanding job and starting your own business can be stressful at times. There’s many deadlines and many activities that I manage on a daily basis. Learning to find balance and taking control of your activities can be challenging as well. I’ve learned to prioritize things in a way that are the most important. I’ve also had to pace myself and not rush the process, this is the most rewarding feeling of all.
For myself, balance is the key for me. Learning to say, “No” to things that are not important, things that are not aligned with my journey or direction that I’ve set out for yourself, Is always my main focus.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.btzswimwear.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluetopazswimwear/

Image Credits
Ingrid Campbell