The focus of the Starting Small series is to introduce you to some amazing individuals who have built their own businesses from scratch. They are full of passion, life, and love. Once a month, we feature a new business owner, and pick their brain regarding how they started their business, advice for those who have/wish to have a business themselves, how they making time for themselves, and most importantly, which they love most about being a small business owner. I hope these individuals will inspire you, motivate you, and fill your heart with as much love as they've filled mine!
We LOVE SwimZip! You have an amazing brand and story behind it all! Can you share a little bit about yourself and how you started your business? // I'm Betsy! A mom of 2 boys. I love hanging with my babes, and designing fun patterns and prints! I have always been found of fashion and style - but when I was diagnosed with skin cancer at 26 - I decided to leave my great salary and job - and try to start a sun safe apparel company! So...SwimZip was born.
Describe the process for creating the name of your business. How did you decide? // I don't know if we have the best business name - but Swim + Zip = SwimZip. I started with only rash guards that offer UV 50+ protection and a zipper so they were super easy to put on and take off!
We thrive in the sunshine, but don't want to risk exposing ourselves and families to the harsh UV sun rays. What are your top three tips for keeping safe + protected in the sun? // 1) Start kids young with sun screen and sun hats! My kids don't leave the house without some type of hat, and they like it! 2) Always find a shady place to hang - this way you don't have the direct sunlight on your beautiful skin. 3) Use lots of awesome sunscreen! I wear sunscreen daily on my face...It's so important for our skin.
What can we expect from SwimZip in 2016? What are you most looking forward to this year? I am looking forward to expanding our UV Womens Swimwear!!!
Finish this sentence: Something I wish I knew before starting my own business is...Do what you love, and find people to help with the rest.
What has been the most rewarding experience during your journey of owning a business? What has been the most difficult experience? // The most rewarding experience is seeing photos of kids and parents in our products. I love hearing how awesome our products are from customer emails or notes on social media.The most difficult experience is manufacturing and having everything completed by the deadline.
Favorite vacation destination? // I love Mexico, but I really want to go to the Dominican Republic and Cuba!
Favorite sun-protection product? // Our UV 50+ Womens sun dresses - they're so easy to toss on. With two boys, I don't always have extra time to apply sunscreen to myself, so these offer awesome sun protection!
Most overused emoji? // Palm Tree
Learn more about Betsy and the amazing SwimZip brand on her social media platforms:
Shop || Facebook || Instagram || Pinterest
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