Today we’d like to introduce you to Dalina Ford.
Dalina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I always knew I wanted to be a fashion designer and after interning with a swimwear designer in college, I knew this was it. I love making women feel beautiful and confident and DALINA FORD SWIM embodies just that. DALINA FORD SWIM is inspired by my love of travel, experiencing different cultures and being by the water.
We’re going into our second season stronger than ever. DALINA FORD SWIM can be found in online retailers like Bikini.com and Swim Quik. Our largest selection can be found on DALINAFORD.com.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Definitely learning the manufacturing process and how to run a business was a struggle, but an ongoing learning experience. I thank my design education so much because it has allowed me to make so many educated decisions when it comes to product development. (Thanks UNT CVAD!) My advice to young women wanting to own their own apparel business is to go to design school. Learning the design process and being able to create your own products down to patterns and sourcing is so beneficial. I also recommend working for someone in the industry first so you can learn from their mistakes and/or get some pretty awesome manufacturing contacts! If you are like me starting out on your own, on your own dime, soak in as much information as you can to make the best financial decisions as possible. As my professor used to say, “you have to learn the rules before you can break them.”
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about DALINA FORD SWIM – what should we know?
Bikini’s! I am so proud that I have a hand in every swimsuit we create, I make the patterns, choose the fabrics, some styles I even sew myself! Everything is either literally made by me or produced in a factory right here in Dallas. This sets us apart from so many brands because of the great detail applied to every suit. I see every single suit before it ships. I love my city and am so proud my bikini’s are made right here in Dallas.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mom, my inspiration. The strongest woman I know, who tells me like it is and gives me the honest truth – especially when I don’t want to hear it!
Oprah, that woman is so inspiring. Her book, “What I Know For Sure” can get you through anything. She came from nothing and is now a household name, she’s the best!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DALINAFORD.com
- Phone: 214-562-6886
- Email: info@dalinaford.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalinafordswim/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DALINAFORDSWIM
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DalinaFordSwim
Image Credit:
Maribel Morales, Renato Rimach, Nectar List Media
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