"Absorb everything. Read more about what you're trying to do" with Lanae Dedeaux

Lust Swimwear

Over the years, Lanae wanted nothing more to achieve confidence in her everyday life, so she set out to create a new meaning of the word ‘lust.’ At lustswim, they strive to combine the sensual undertone of the word with a hint of simplicity and elegance to create high quality pieces that are guaranteed to make you love your body.

Redefining what it means to be sexy, these detailed designs accentuate your every curve and celebrate what makes you, you. 

The Lust team is passionate about creating a community of diverse women all over the world, promoting self-love, and ultimately delivering timeless pieces each and every time. 

What made you want to start your own swimwear company?

I grew up in Las Vegas where the sun is always beaming, which called for a lot of swim activities. Unfortunately, I was never able to find swimwear shops that suited my style, so I created my own pieces with the hopes that other women would relate and gravitate towards them as well.

What can buyers and influencers expect to see at this year's show?

Buyers can expect to see bold, vibrant colors this season. Generally, I have always stuck with safe, neutral colors, but this summer I want my consumers to see a different side of me. The pieces are free-spirited, playful and full of life, fit for every woman's skin tone.

What's one thing you'd tell your younger self about starting a business?

Absorb everything. Read more about what you're trying to do, listen to what others have to say including friends, family, peers, and even yourself.

What advice can you offer other women wanting to start their own business?

Don't let fear dictate your future. You just have to go for it and learn from your trials and errors. Never be afraid to fulfill your dreams because you're worried you will fail.

Start to build your clientele, never stop being a student of your craft, and hustle hustle hustle. Turn your boundless energy, desperate innovation, and relentless determination into your entrepreneurism.

To see the entire collection, visit LustSwim.com.

Q&A with Mariah Caver, Amor Swim

Mariah Caver

Mariah Caver designer of Amor Freedom, hails from Atlanta, GA. She began designing at an early age and it has now blossomed into an eco-friendly luxury clothing line. Amor Freedom has just recently released the Amor Swim Collection providing swimwear for women of all shape and sizes to feel beautiful available at AMORSWIM.COM

Can you tell our readers about your background?

My Name is Mariah Caver, and I am a lover of fashion. My love for fashion started at a very young age I would style my dolls' clothes; by the time I got to middle school, I would go to the Dollar store and buy the sewing pack which came with the thread needles colors, measuring tape, and soft ball to make different outfits and things for myself.

What inspired you to start your business?

The inspiration behind starting my business came from me wanting to give back to the world in a way that was relatable for me and people like me. That was fashion for me. Fashion is a way to express yourself ! Style is a reflection of your attitude and personality. So being able to create clothes that allow the women to look and feel AMAZING is my inspiration. #Womenempowerment

Mariah Caver

Where is your business based?

We are online currently based in Atlanta, and are looking to expand to MIA and LA... but we ship worldwide.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

The first step I took during the process of starting my business was the sketches of course, and from there, I allowed the name of my line to fall into my lap, then I hit the ground running with production, and the rest was history. 

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

The most effective way of raising awareness for my clothing line has definitely been instagram.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

Finding the eco-friendly fabric that feels amazing and still looks great. 

How do you stay focused?

The passion I have for design and being able to produce a product that can help with pushing a socially conscious world through fashion.

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

The fabric AmorSwim uses is Eco-friendly , all the fabrics we use are made with recycled bottles.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

I would definitely say the most effective strategy would be Instagram; it’s an amazing tool to use to reach people all over the world.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Nobody will see your vision but you, so follow your heart and your dreams and make it happen no matter what people say.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite app would have to be my google app, my favorite blog is definitely Pinterest, and my favorite book is tied between "Think and Grow Rich" and the "48 Laws of Power".

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

My mother and father would be my favorite business tools lol I ask them EVERYTHING when it comes to the right business moves.

Who is your business role model? Why?

Jay-Z is definitely my business role model. He didn’t allow the world to box him in and limit him to just being an artist.

What do you have planned for the next six months?

The other half of Amor Freedom will be launching which is the Freedom streetwear for women and men. So definitely be on the lookout for that.

How can our readers connect with you?

You guys can go to the website for the swimwear at AmorSwim.com and for the apparel you can go to AmorFreedom.com.

My social media account is @rriahb_ AmorSwim and social media account is @Amor_freedom AMOR.

Website: Amorswim.com