Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Rankin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amber. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Feel Good Swim grew out of a deep need to find a swimsuit that I felt both comfortable and confident in. I couldn’t find a suit that fit properly in what seemed like most of my adult life — especially around my bust. Being larger chested but not plus size was a combo that the fashion industry couldn’t wrap its head around, and I was so emotionally drained of trying on suits that didn’t fit.
I went the whole summer of 2018 avoiding any social engagements that involved a swimsuit because everything I would try on would make feel inadequate. And sadly, I was a success.
And in that summer, with much fear and trepidation, I determined I would create a swimsuit that busty women could feel confident in.
Feel Good Swim is here to fill a gap in swimwear. I know exactly what it’s like to try on an XL bikini top, it still not fit, and say to myself “this is hopeless”.
Prior to starting Feel Good Swim, I had never done anything like this before — and I don’t have a background in fashion. The learning curve is very real. I grew up in an environment where it was understood that you go to college, do your schoolwork, find a job, and then work for someone else the rest of your life.
I’ve finally determined that the 8-5 employee life isn’t necessarily for me. I understand now that my ultimate dream is to be my own boss and the desire to create Feel Good Swim aligns perfectly with that.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am still very new in this journey, and with no fashion experience, the road has been a bumpy one. There are so many things to do and I don’t know how to do 99% of them. But the great thing about living in the information age, so many things are possible.
Today is ripe with opportunities and the barrier to entry is near 0, but starting a business takes work. If you’re thinking about starting a business of your own, ask yourself why and what it’s worth to you. You will no doubt be tested along the way.
If you are certain about starting your own business, my foremost piece of advice is to join a group or a program that teaches or connects you with people on similar journeys. You can learn so much from others and your business wouldn’t be complete without a network supporting you along the way.
Please tell us about Feel Good Swim – what should we know?
As mentioned, I’m a fashion newbie set out to help bustier women feel confident in their swimwear. I’m early in the product development stage, and I’m currently focused on finding partners that make sense.
But nevertheless, I am so excited about what the final product will become and how everything will unfold. That’s what keeps me motivated.
Although the apparel industry is stagnating, the swimwear market continues to grow. More brands are coming onto the scene that offers something unique. However, many of these brands still aren’t catering to the bustier woman, and it’s still a challenge to find something that both fits and doesn’t look matronly.
What also sets Feel Good Swim apart from the crowd is that a suit will not only be for hanging out by the pool or beach but caters to women that love adventure. It’s for women that love to travel, hike to waterfalls and alpine lakes, and in general be active indoors or out.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
As a kid, I loved playing sports and being a part of a team. I had never really paid much attention to fashion. But what my childhood did foster was a joy for being active.
That plays directly into who I am as an adult. It’s important for me to be active and spend time in nature. Although being in north Texas doesn’t allow for much scenic outdoor play, I really love traveling to places with diverse landscapes that foster my inner nature woman.
And I know there are so many women out there that love doing these same things. Feel Good Swim is in part my way of connecting to all the active, travel-bound, nature-focused women in the world. If you are just like this and in need of both a supportive and attractive swimsuit, follow my launch journey by visiting the website below!
Contact Info:
- Website: beta.feelgoodswim.com/launch
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: feelgoodswimwear
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