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- Q: Tell us about where the idea for Ballard Bikini came from?
- A: I get this question probably the most often! I knew I wanted to start a side business and started doing some research on what I could do. I knew I loved bikinis and summertime activities, plus always had issues finding bikinis that fit me just right. I thought starting a bikini company was the perfect way to solve the problem!
- Q: How did you get started?
- A: Once I decided that starting a bikini line was what I wanted to do, I just started doing a ton of research on how to get them made, styles, what other type of information I would need in order to get this started. After doing the research I decided that it was totally feasible! I started coming up with designs and prints, found a manufacturer, sent them my designs and got started!
- Q: Have there been difficult moments?
- A: Absolutely. There have been moments that I have wanted to give up, moments that I have been so frustrated that I cried, moments that I was unable to get ahold of my manufacturer and thought they were just going to steal all of my money. It has honestly been a roller coaster, but that being said, with the low moments and difficult times, there have also been a lot of exciting moments, like making my first sales, hosting pop-up shops, breaking expectations, and more.
- Q: What do you love most about being the owner of Ballard Bikini?
- A: I will say there are definitely a LOT of difficult parts of owning a business, like not meeting customer expectations, not being able to please every single customer, having key items out of stock, and more. But what I love about this business is the challenge and the impact that we are making on the people who follow us (@ballardbikini). We try our best to post photos of women of all sizes and shapes, and I love being able to post flattering pictures of my friends who normally are not confident in their bodies. I truly feel like I’m making a difference, and that is what matters to me the most.
- Q: What advise do you have for anybody considering starting a business?
- A: It’s not going to be easy. It is going to be a lot of work. Make sure you love the product or service that you are providing, and truly be able to identify with why you do what you do. And most importantly, if you have your heart set on starting a business, just take the leap. Your friends and family will think you are crazy, use that as fuel and prove them wrong!
