Today we’d like to introduce you to Alanna Hay.
Alanna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My mom and my grandma both inspired and taught me how to sew and design clothing. I grew up in a big family of eight and we didn’t have a lot of money for clothes, so I started sewing when I was about seven years old. After having multiple swimsuits fall apart or come off at a critical moment, like surfing or playing beach volleyball, I decided to make my first swimsuit. I was so tired of ill-fitting bikinis, wedgies, nip slips, and overall poor construction. That was the start of it! My friends and family encouraged me to turn the venture into a small business. After making them several swimsuits, they were able to convince me that my swimwear needed to be available to everyone.
My mission is to create beautiful, functional and flattering swimwear for active women who want more than a swimsuit that looks good poolside. Alanna Dawn swimwear is designed for the outdoor lovers, dreamers and doers in mind. I make each piece by hand and every swimsuit is as unique as the individual it was designed for. We aren’t all one size and everyone has special needs and requests when it comes to a swimsuit.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a pretty smooth road, bumpy at times, but that’s to be expected. The most difficult thing I’ve found is just gaining exposure in a saturated market. It’s tough being a small fish in a big sea. My advice for other women would be: Stop making excuses about why you can’t. Just take one small step forward every day. It is scary, but knowing you’re not alone can be pretty empowering.
Please tell us about Alanna Dawn Swimwear.
I am an Operating Room Nurse as well as the creator, designer and maker of Alanna Dawn Swimwear. For my swimwear brand, I specialize in making suits that are made to move along with you, in whatever activity you’re doing. All of my suits are designed to be durable, reversible and functional. I have a plethora of beautiful, fun fabrics to choose from and I make everything by hand locally in my studio. What sets me apart is that I give the customer the unique opportunity to have a say in how they want their suit to turn out. “Do you want more chest coverage? No problem! Do you want something you can surf in? Absolutely. What do you find the most frustrating about a bikini? Okay, now let’s change all of those things!” It’s collaborative and it’s also a fun way to get to know my customers and their needs.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Women are excellent marketers. I mean, we do it all the time. When someone asks what conditioner I’m using and I tell them, I’m marketing for that conditioner brand. Where do you work out? What’s your favorite restaurant? Who makes your jeans? As women, we are expert marketers and we do it so well without even realizing it. If we were to start consciously supporting and marketing our fellow women in small business, imagine the effect that could have!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alannadawn.com
- Email: alannadawnswimwear@gmail.com
- Instagram: @alannadawnswimwear
- Facebook: Alanna Dawn Swimwear
Image Credit:
Matt Collins
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