Today we’d like to introduce you to Jillian Beyer
Hi Jillian, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always been inspired by design from a young age and knew early on that I wanted to pursue a career in fashion. That passion led me to study fashion at Kansas State University, where I gained invaluable experience, including an internship with Johnny Was in Los Angeles and studying abroad in the South of France. After graduation, I was recruited by Abercrombie & Fitch, which gave my first insight into the corporate fashion world.
When I returned to California, I began focusing on women’s swimwear, working with brands like Sperry and seeing my designs sold at Victoria’s Secret. The pandemic shifted my focus towards supporting women-owned, sustainable swimwear brands, which ultimately led to the creation of JVB Swim.
Now, almost a year since our official launch, JVB Swim has made a global impact by offering timeless designs that prioritize both comfort and functionality. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has definitely had its challenges, but it’s all about problem-solving and adapting. Transitioning from the corporate world, where I was used to working on a much larger scale, to running a small business required a major shift in mindset. In a corporate setting, you have specialized teams and vast resources at your disposal, but with JVB Swim, it’s been a learning process to manage everything from design to operations on a smaller scale. However, that challenge has been rewarding, as it’s allowed me to build something truly personal and sustainable.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At JVB Swim, we handle fit, patterning and development through the JVB Swim atelier. My focus has always been on creating swimwear that not only looks beautiful but also feels great to wear – both in style and in aligning with our values. A key part of what sets us apart is our commitment to this inherent sustainability through ethical practices — working with deadstock fabrics and partnering with local artisans for producing JVB in San Diego sewing.
Therefore, since nothing we sell is drop-shipped; the brand is truly supporting the community economically. With every style being produced in limited cuts due to JVB’s focus on deadstock, theres a natural exclusivity created for our inclusive designs. I’m incredibly proud of how we’ve managed to combine ethical production with high-quality, timeless swimwear, offering something unique that our customers can feel good about wearing.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My best advice is to simply ask. Put yourself out there, network, and follow up with people you meet. Don’t limit yourself to just your immediate area or industry—sometimes the best mentors come from different fields with transferable skills that can help you grow in unexpected ways. It’s also important to look for mentors who are in positions where you aspire to be one day. Stay open, be proactive, and take the initiative to build meaningful connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jvbswim.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jvbswim/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillianvonbeyer/
