Today we’d like to introduce you to Danisha Brown.
Hi Danisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My mother was a lingerie sales consultant. She would host independent shows in our home. I fell in love with the lace fabrics, the colors, and the ultra feminine styles. I attended SAIC (School of The Art Institute of Chicago) during the summer taking a fashion design course and a sewing/construction course. I knew the world of fashion was where I wanted to be long-term. Some people linger into what they want to do, I dive in headfirst and work out the details along the way.
I wanted to initially pursue lingerie, but after discussing with a co-worker my plans she urged me to take a look into swimwear. It was a hybrid of lingerie as outerwear, and the possibilities to me were endless. I had to try it out! I began my design brand in 2011 after graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Fashion Design from the Art Institute of Indianapolis. I started with one of my good friends. She ended up finding a job in the industry, and I stayed to build the brand now known as Swim With Poppies, formally called Poppy Seeds.
Since, I have sold internationally in Paris, Spain, Italy, Australia, and domestically in the United States. I used last year at Miami Swim Week (July 2021) to refocus my brand. With my husband and three loving boys, I haven’t stopped pursuing my dreams. They motivate me to never give up and reach for the stars. Since developing a clientele in the Miami area, I’m looking to soon launch a boutique in this amazing city.
I was thrilled when Erica from VoyageMIA Magazine reached out to do a feature. After being published in USA today for the show https://bit.ly/3Ffc7RX and working with DCSW (Miami Swim Week The Shows & DC), I’m excited about further diversifying my brand in Miami!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Sometimes it gets a little crazy juggling all of my mom duties while working on my business. I”m also very active in my church, so managing my time has always been a struggle. But the gracious part about it being “my business” is that it grows with me. I’m constantly finding new ways to get things done and people I trust to share the load of the work with. I’m not afraid to try something new or to start from scratch on something. I’ve learned to not hold on so tightly that nothing can flow in or out. It takes time, and this is a journey, not a sprint. I remind myself that along the way of brand building is character building. Who I am becoming is just as important as the obstacles I overcome.
I also teach as an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Cincinnati in the Fashion Design Department, and I tell my students that life is not going to stop happening, and neither should we. We have to keep going despite life’s circumstances. Unexpectedly, my brother passed away from a heart attack last year at the age of 26. We found out from the coroner it was a result of cancer. This was a blow that I did not anticipate. It pushed me to think if I were to perish tomorrow what would I regret not accomplishing? It was showing at Miami Swim Week and truly pushing my brand to the precipice of success.
We’ve been impressed with Swim With Poppies, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the Owner & Designer of Swim With Poppies, the magical swimwear/resort apparel brand known for sparkling fabrics, vibrant color-mixing, and whimsical prints with a modern retro-fit. I specialize in custom swimwear. My brand is for the ultra-feminine girl that enjoys embracing her curves. She loves all things cute and is confident in her body. If the crowd looks one way, she is okay with looking different. I’m proud of our ability to spread happiness through design and maintain a high-quality product with a made-to-order business model that promotes minimal waste. I enjoy keeping my business intimate and personal allowing my customers to message me and customize their suits. Every woman has a story, and I’m all ears to listen.
What are your plans for the future?
Yes! Launching a swim boutique in South Beach Miami. This will be our first physical store in a prime location for our clients to shop in style. Until then we sell via our website and Etsy shop at www.swimwithpoppies.com.
We are launching a full collection this year to extend our offerings to dresses, suits, jackets, and accessories.
We are also showing at Miami Swim Week by DCSW in July of this year !! Excited to be back in the city where the magic happens.
Pricing:
- $68 – $185 (Bikini Sets, One Pieces)
- $75-$89 (Separates including Bikini Tops + Bottoms)
- Dresses ($200 – $500)
- Suits ($300- $800)
- Jackets ($200 -$400)
Contact Info:
- Email: danisha@swimwithpoppies.com
- Website: www.swimwithpoppies.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/swimwithpoppies/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/swimwithpoppies/
