Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Quinto.
Rachel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I remember the first time I heard the phrase, “Do something you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” So I thought to myself, “What do I love?” I love going on vacation, traveling, trying new foods, and adventure… but really, who doesn’t love those things? I couldn’t help, but wonder what could I do that encompasses all of that?
When I think of a bikini- those things are exactly what come to mind. When I think of a bikini – I think of creating memories while spending time with family and friends. I think of adventure and exploring new places. I think of happiness! So to me, the answer seemed pretty clear- create bikinis!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In business, I’d be worried if it were smooth sailing! It’s inevitable that there will be challenges. Alongside building a brand, I also work full-time in my “real job.” My days encompass being a full-time boss babe and an after-hours entrepreneur badass.
I love what I do in both roles so finding a balance between work and life can be challenging. There are so many sacrifices you make when starting a company. Weekends are no longer set aside for Sunday Fundays, but are dedicated to catching up and productive work days.
At BUTTR Bikinis, our biggest challenge is getting our name out there. We’re in an industry competing with thousands of brands. We’re a small company, literally a team of two, going against those big name brands with a ton of capital. We hope to gain local support in San Diego first and continue to grow from there.
BUTTR Bikinis – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
BUTTR Bikinis is a California born swimwear brand founded by my business partner Ally, and I – both San Diego natives and proud of it! We are an eco-conscious brand that promotes sustainable fashion. All of our swimwear is made from a luxury Italian fabric made from recycled plastics. We pride ourselves in our initiative to promote sustainable fashion and even use recyclable packaging for our bikinis to arrive at your doorstep.
What we love most is how the bikini feels when you put it on – not only in the way that it hugs your body, but our material was specifically chosen because of the smooth and soft feel. When you put on a BUTTR Bikini, not only will it fit your body’s natural curves and feel like BUTTR on your skin, but you are also contributing to a cause that helps save the planet.
At BUTTR Bikinis we support a healthy and active lifestyle and cater towards everyday women who are making an impact in their communities – educators, musicians, artists, doctors, entrepreneurs, mothers – Look around! There are so many amazing women out there! What we are most proud of is what our brand stands for. We are creating a movement for women to embrace who they are. We encourage individuality. We are in the age where tattoos are no longer taboo; models no longer have to look “perfect” – we just want women to live happy whatever that means to them. So when these silent heroes go on that well-deserved vacation to escape to paradise, BUTTR Bikinis will be waiting to go along for the ride.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I believe success is being able to do what you love every day. It’s the reason why BUTTR Bikinis was created and it’s what we live by as a company. Whatever it is that makes you happy, do more of it! Push yourself and live beyond your comfort zone to the next level of your own success.
As a startup, it’s difficult to define success as there are key moments at each stage of the journey. The first ‘success’ milestone for us was finding the right manufacturer. For anyone that has ever been through this process, this is no easy task and yet it is one of the most pivotal decisions you need to make as designers. We wanted to align with an ethical manufacturer that really understood our vision, yet had the patience to walk us through the steps as first-timers.
Then there was the moment we got our first sale! That first sale symbolized more than an official launch of our company, but it epitomized our journey that someone else believed in our brand and what we stood for. We continue to learn and grow as a company. Our experiences have taught us to enjoy the journey, celebrate the wins and learn from the losses.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.buttrbikinis.com
- Email: allyrae@buttrbikinis.com
- Instagram: @buttrbikinis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buttrbikinis/
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