Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Mejia.
Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
What inspired me to start Arlo and Ivy was my two daughters, Auden Ivy, and Avalon Arlo.
When I was pregnant with my eldest daughter in 2018, I was on maternity leave from my law firm job. I began to really search deep to find a way to make income from home so that I didn’t have to return to work and leave my baby girl.
I knew that I wanted to sell products that Mamas would know and love, but I wasn’t sure what. I browsed Etsy and contemplated pacific clips, blankets attached to wooden teethers, but I wasn’t in love with those ideas.
Fast forward to 2022, I now I had two daughters and found myself spending a lot of money on clothes for them, bathing suits in particular. I was always buying mass-produced bathing suits, and although they were cute. They were made with low-quality materials and wouldn’t last us very long. It also felt like every other little girl at the neighborhood splash pad had the same ones.
This is when Arlo and Ivy was born. I wanted high-quality material and exclusive designs to my brand with my personal style in mind.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I had an originally planned for an early June 2022 launch day, but due to supply chain and product sampling issues, I wasn’t able to officially launch until the end of July. Summer was nearing an end, and I found myself with brand new bathing suits that I was so excited about, but every influencer on IG was already talking about Halloween. I would be lying if I didn’t say I was discouraged and questioning my new business.
I did my first pop-up in August 2022 when I was 38 weeks pregnant with my son. It was hot, and I felt very large. I didn’t make one sale that day. A rush of negative thoughts came crashing in again, but my hopes were high.
As you know, we’re big fans of Arlo and Ivy. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
We sell trendy one-piece swimsuits with the highest quality insulated surf and swim fabric for your littlest babe. Our swimsuits are treated with water repellent to keep your baby dry and comfortable longer.
Our sizes range from 6-12 months through 6-7 years. All prints are designed in San Diego and are exclusive to Arlo and Ivy.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Add small shops with the same niche or similar vibe to yours on Instagram and make connections and ask lots of questions. Remember that everyone has a beginning point.
Contact Info:
- Website: arloandivyswim.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/arloandivyswim?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
