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

Rosie , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, one thing many business owners consider is donating a percentage of sales or profits to an organization or cause. We’d love to hear your thoughts and the story behind how and why you chose the cause or organization you donate to.

My brand, Rose Lion, was produced with the intention of lessening the environmental impact of our swimsuits. Because we strive for ethical sustainability in fashionable swimwear, we are a member of 1% for the Planet, which allows businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions. As a proud member, Rose Lion is committed to giving back a portion of our annual proceeds to this global network of organizations that work to protect our oceans and planet. We chose to donate to 1% for the Planet so that we can contribute to environmental causes and help address pressing issues such as climate change and ocean polution. Being a part of 1% for the Planet also allows us to connect with a network of like-minded businesses, nonprofits and individuals who are also passionate about environmental causes.

Rosie , 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?

I grew up in Ojai, California, surrounded by nature and the mountains, while also spending much time at the beach. My free spirit, creativity and artistic abilities were greatly encouraged. Whether it be drawing/painting, singing or playing guitar, pottery or anything fashion related, I felt most fulfilled when doing something creative or imaginative. While growing up, the school I attended in Ojai focused on critical thinking, the natural world and individuality. Still, the typical school subjects didn’t necessarily bring me joy or inspiration. Even when I was very young, I knew that I was going to use my creativity and expression as a career, if possible. As I grew older, I developed a strong passion for the artistic aspects of life and explored many creative outlets such as music, art, hair and makeup and, ultimately, fashion design. As my passion for fashion grew stronger, I ended a five-year career in the hair industry and went back to school Downtown L.A. at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise (FIDM), where I majored in fashion design. While in school, my goal was to create my own sustainable swimwear brand, so I did just that. For me, ethical production and sustainability was the only choice. I knew I had to create this brand so that I wasn’t contributing to all the waste and fast fashion issues in the industry while staying true to my aesthetic. While there are many brands that focus on sustainability, I think there is still much room for improvement within the industry. Rose Lion suits are derived from 78% recycled polyamide and 22% elastane, made by ECONYL. This company works in partnership with healthyseas.org to use discarded fishing nets pulled from the oceans to make the regenerated yarn in our fabric. We are committed to eco-responsible, recycled nylon for the suits, repurposed materials for hangtags, and compostable packing bags. I am also proud that Rose Lion swimwear is manufactured in the United States with openness and transparent ethical practices. I am really proud to offer a line that is ethically produced while integrating seamless, feminine, functional styles that are also luxe, timeless and fresh.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Sorting out the details of creating a line was challenging since I was so committed to sustainability. I had to research where to get the suits made, where to find sustainable fabric and materials, where to produce the tags, etc. It took a lot of trial and error and word of mouth to finally be able to lock everything into place. All of that took more than a year, while feeling discouraged at times. As I kept learning and finding solutions, I actually became more patient and understood that quality takes time.

I wanted Rose Lion swimwear to be manufactured in the U.S. with openness and transparent ethical practices. After learning of an L.A.–based fashion development and production house specializing in independent and emerging designers, I now have an ongoing working relationship with this wonderful group of skilled artisans.

Throughout all of this trial and error, I have learned hard work pays off and that patience, determination and persistence is absolutely necessary along the way. A main component that keeps me going when production becomes challenging is that there is always a solution.

Have you ever had to pivot?

After high school, I went to Paul Mitchell cosmetology school and had a successful career as a hairstylist in a salon setting doing hair and occasional makeup for photoshoots and weddings. After seven years in the beauty industry —although I was feeling fulfilled, innovative and successful — I went back to school to study fashion design at FIDM. I never really imagined shifting gears and uprooting my entire life to follow my true passion, but knew if I didn’t take the opportunity, I would be left wondering. Through my journey of pivoting from hairstylist to fashion designer, I really discovered that my diverse skills and passion for both industries were complimentary. I embraced the challenge and continuously learned and evolved and ultimately found my true calling in the world of fashion design.

Contact Info:

• Website: roselionswim.com
• Instagram: roselionswim
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/roselionswimwear
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rosiesshapiro

Image Credits
Jonathan Bar Candace Fox Sophie Whitney Rose Machado Quenny van der Zande