We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sharon Fernando. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sharon below.
Alright, Sharon thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?
As the proud owner of a luxury swimwear brand, I hope that my legacy encapsulates a narrative of unparalleled elegance and innovation within the fashion industry here in Canada. With an unwavering commitment to quality and style, I have high hopes that my brand will be associated with sophistication, exclusivity and Luxury. Each meticulously crafted piece reflects a fusion of cutting-edge, timeless designs and superior craftsmanship, setting the benchmark for haute couture swimwear in Canada that is so often seen in destinations like LA, Las Vegas, Miami, Paris, Milan and New York.
Beyond just creating swimwear, I would like my legacy to encompass a dedication to empowering women to embrace confidence and grace while being able to indulge in the epitome of luxury that is still within reach. My luxury Line of Designer Swimsuits and accessories was created and designed specifically for the woman who wants to stand out and make a statement. She is an individualist and she demands a quality and style that is distinct and her own. Through my brand, I hope not only shape trends but also foster a community of women that cherishes individuality and celebrates the beauty of self-expression. My legacy stands as a testament to creativity, passion, and the artistry of fashion leaving an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of those who adore the allure of exquisite swimwear.
Also, being a single mother and having had a full time career outside of fashion and now being an Owner/Founder of a luxury swimwear brand, I hope my legacy will also include an inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and empowerment. Having navigated the intricate balance between nurturing a family and building an empire with grace and unwavering strength I hope my legacy transcends the boundaries of traditional roles, showcasing the triumph of perseverance in the face of challenges. Through my brand, I hope not only to redefine the standards of elegance in swimwear but also became a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially other single mothers and young women like my daughters, proving that dedication, hard work and passion know no bounds. My story serves as a testament to the limitless potential within every individual, illuminating a path of possibility and success against all odds. My legacy will be a narrative of empowerment, breaking barriers, and leaving an incredible mark on both the fashion industry and in time, the world as a whole. Mojado Collection Luxury Swimwear will hopefully be a legacy I can leave behind for my 2 daughters in time to come.
Sharon , 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?
In the world of luxury fashion and entrepreneurial endeavors, there exists a story of struggle, resilience and determination embodied in the form of a single mother turned entrepreneur. My name is Sharon Fernando and my journey into the world of luxury swimwear stemmed from my creative and entrepreneurial aspirations. as well as an unyielding desire to create a legacy for myself and my children.
As a single mother, who at one point was also juggling a full time career as a dental office manager, I faced numerous challenges in the pursuit of my swimwear brand, that required not only strength to endure but also the ability to maintain a vision for a brighter future. The constant pressure of meeting someone else’s expectations and goals in my career as a dental office manager drained my creativity and passion. The lack of autonomy and control over my work stifled my personal growth, leaving me extremely fatigued, depressed and disconnected from my own aspirations and motivations. It was during this challenging time that the idea of establishing a luxury swimwear brand germinated within me. I saw an opportunity to channel my creative passion and love for luxury fashion into a venture that would not only one day provide for me and my family but also resonate with women seeking confidence, elegance, and empowerment.
At the heart of my brand, lies a dedication to providing meticulously crafted swimwear that embodies elegance and sophistication without compromising on comfort. Crafted with features you would only expect from a luxury swimwear brand, each piece is a fusion of premium fabrics, intricate embellishments and hardware, exquisite designs, and attention to detail, right down to the stitching. My swimwear is tailored to instill confidence in every wearer. From classic silhouettes that exude timeless allure to contemporary designs with a twist that celebrate individuality, I feel that my collections cater to diverse tastes and preferences. They celebrate the strength and beauty of all women, irrespective of their journey in life.
By growing my brand over time, I strive to alleviate the frustration of finding swimwear that balances elegance and sophistication with functionality by providing versatile pieces suitable for various occasions, from poolside lounging. yacht parties, resort getaways, spa retreats to beach weddings and so much more. Ultimately, my brand seeks to solve the challenge of limited choices in the luxury swimwear market, especially here in Canada, by offering sophisticated, comfortable, and versatile options that make every woman feel exceptional and empowered.
Although I am still considered new in the market and only 2.5 years young, what I am most proud of is not merely the luxurious designs or the success of the brand up to this point, but the messages of appreciation and thanks that echo through the experiences of those who adorn my creations.
My journey as a single mother turned entrepreneur might not have been a conventional one, but it’s this very journey that has shaped the essence of my brand. It’s about resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that elegance knows no boundaries. Together, I would like to redefine the idea of luxury, one swimsuit at a time.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
Initially, my dream to launch my own Luxury swimwear brand was built on my passion for business, desire for freedom and an unwavering love for luxury swimwear and fashion. Moreover, The allure of entrepreneurship, the freedom to create without constraints and the thought of time freedom acted as a guiding beacon, driving my ambition to build a business that not only thrives but also allows for a lifestyle enriched with flexibility, creativity, passion and autonomy. Essentially the opportunity to blend my entrepreneurial spirit with my fascination for exquisite swimwear and fashion propelled me into this endeavor.
Witnessing and experiencing as a consumer myself, the limitations in Luxury swimwear in Canada sparked a fire within me. I saw an unexplored niche where luxury, functionality and affordability harmoniously coalesce, presenting an avenue to redefine opulence in swimwear fashion. My aspiration was to craft meticulously designed, luxurious pieces that not only exuded sophistication but also offered unparalleled comfort and performance. I envisioned a brand that epitomized not just elegance and luxury but also exuded an unparalleled sense of quality and exclusivity. This venture isn’t just about creating beautiful swimsuits, it’s also about empowering women to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. For me, this venture represents more than just a business. It’s a blank canvas where I can weave together my entrepreneurial drive with a dedication to creating a luxurious, indulgent experience for those seeking elegance and refinement in their swimwear choices. Each design is a testament to my dedication to offering discerning individuals an experience that transcends beyond a mere swimsuit.
What initially started off as a side hustle, mainly due to time constraints along with other responsibilities and commitments in my life, has now recently turned into a full time business for me. One of the key milestones that allowed me to turn this dream into a fulltime business and now my only source of income, was a recent lay off. I previously spent 20 years in the dental field as an office manager. I am grateful for a rewarding career in the dental field for the last 20 years. I’ve cherished every moment of fostering smiles and aiding oral health. The opportunity to make a difference in patients, as well as employees lives has been an honor. However, recent unforeseen circumstances, including a layoff, have nudged me toward a new chapter in my life and in my business. Reflecting on impactful moments sometimes fuels optimism and it’s now time for me to pivot. Embracing new horizons, I step forward, eager for fresh opportunities beyond dentistry’s realm and into the world of Luxury Fashion. While this transition brings uncertainty, it also sparks excitement for fresh endeavors and growth with my swimwear Brand.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
I made the decision to sell from my own website instead of platforms like Amazon, Etsy or eBay. Although, as a new start-up brand with no customer base, it seemed very tempting to leverage well established selling platforms like the ones mentioned above, however after many hours of extensive research, I felt that selling from my own website would allow me to stay true to the vision behind my Brand.
Purely based from my own research, I will go through the pros and cons of each below and explain why I ultimately made the decision to slowly build up my own customer base and sell from my own website
Selling on platforms such Amazon, Etsy, and eBay offers exceptional visibility, an extensive customer base, and the trust associated with a global marketplace giant. Leveraging the fore-mentioned platforms provides instant access to millions of active shoppers, tapping into a ready-made audience that would take significant effort and resources to attract to your own website. The infrastructure provided by platforms such as Amazon, including fulfillment (shipping) services would surely ease the burden of shipping and customer service, allowing sellers to focus more on growing their business’s. Additionally, Amazon’s credibility and robust search algorithms can potentially boost your products visibility, leading to increased sales and exposure. With Amazon’s established payment system and customer review program, buyers also often feel a sense of security and trust when making a purchase, which can translate to higher sales volume compared to lesser-known independent websites. Overall, selling on Amazon seemed to offer a shortcut to a massive market, streamlined operations, and the credibility of a trusted e-commerce giant however, one of the reasons I decided to create my own brand was to create my very on brand identity which was extremely important to me.
Now to go over some of the benefits of selling from your own website. Again purely based on my own opinions, selling from my own website offered the unparalleled control, brand autonomy, and direct customer relationships that in my opinion, often surpass the advantages of platforms like Amazon or Etsy. With having my own website, I got to dictate the brand experience, design, and messaging, creating a unique brand identity that resonates with my specific audience and demographic. I had the freedom to customize the user interface, optimize the shopping experience, and retain complete ownership of customer data, enabling personalized interactions and targeted marketing efforts. Unlike on Amazon or Etsy, where you might face intense competition and commoditization of your product, having your own website allows you to stand out distinctly and build a loyal customer base. Moreover, you have more flexibility in setting pricing, creating promotions, and managing inventory without worrying about extremely high platform seller fees or strict rules and regulations.
It was a difficult decision due to the many benefits of leveraging such well established platforms, especially for a new start up business but ultimately, I believe in my case, that selling from my own website allowed me the flexibility to craft a tailored, authentic brand narrative while maintaining full control over my business’s identity and ultimately its destiny.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mojadocollection.com
- Instagram: @mojadocollection
- Facebook: Mojado Luxury Swimwear Brand
- Linkedin: Sharon Fernando
Image Credits
Jerry Lum Photography Edward S Jones (r40photos) Southern Style Magazine (sstylemagazine)