Hidden Gems: Meet Danielle Williams of Resort 444

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Williams.

Hi Danielle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I am the founder and designer of RESORT 444! I’ve spent 20 years in the IT industry and it soon became apparent that I’d much rather be running my fingers across fine fabrics than a keyboard. I wanted to be a Fashion Designer since I was a child – I would line up dozens of my Barbies & style them for hours. As a teen, I drooled over the pages of Vogue, Bazaar, & Cosmopolitan magazines. I ended up going the “safe route” and leaped into IT right after high school. What is for you will never pass you by and here I am! The designer that I’ve always dreamed of becoming!

Starting with swimwear made sense because I am a travel aficionado! I’ve explored over 20 countries and the most important piece in my suitcase is always the swimsuits! My passion for traveling started when my Dad unexpectedly passed away in 2009. After going through a year of depression, I suggested that my siblings & I get away and celebrate our Father’s life. The plan was to visit a new country every year on the anniversary of his passing. We put 3 destinations in a hat & I pulled out Jamaica. I’ve been back 13 times since then.

When I began designing my first collection, I would find myself working until the sun came up. I would look up at the clock & always see 4:44. Being a spiritual person, I believe there are no coincidences, so I googled the meaning of 444.

“A sign that your guardian angels are surrounding you & assuring you that they are helping you. You are not to worry, you are on the right path. Have faith in what you are doing.”

That was the sign I needed & also the inspiration behind the brands name, RESORT 444. I invite you to join me as I offer a glimpse of this vast world through my eyes. RESORT 444 is inspired by exotic travels & ancestors who guide the way.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
A smooth roller coaster ride! Just as I invested five figures of my savings into RESORT 444, my 9-5 job abruptly came to an end. It happened about a month after the launch of RESORT 444. As a government contractor, you get used to temporary contracts but in this situation, they told me funding was cut and my last day would be tomorrow. Honestly, I was relieved and in disbelief at the same time. I had been working in the IT field for 20 years and was completely over the idea of “working”. I took it as a sign that sometimes you’re pushed over the edge so you can fly and that’s exactly what I’m doing! Plus, it makes for a great testimony, right?!

I’ve experienced factory shutdowns due to Covid, delays, and samples that look absolutely nothing like my designs LOL. It’s all a part of the business though and I laugh it off as much as possible.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I design swim and resort wear that flatters sizes 2-20. Superior stretch, high-quality stitching/fabric, custom floral prints, and styles that you won’t come across anywhere else. RESORT 444 is designed for the luxurious, confident, and free woman. If you don’t feel confident and free, you will once you put our swimwear on! The inspiration behind my brand also makes it unique.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My mother! She literally supports me every step of the way! She gives her opinion on styles, attends pop-ups, and tells everyone she knows (and doesn’t know) about my brand. My siblings, my family, and my friends are always spreading the word and buying pieces for their trips. I am so grateful for my tribe.

I would also like to highlight the talents of Miami’s own Rachel V (owner of Celebuton Hair & Femininity by Rachel V). I met Rachel at her salon, she does my hair. Girlfriend just has this effortless sex appeal and embodies everything RESORT 444 stands for.

Her twin, celebrity photographer, Robin V. (owner of Robin V Photography) did the photoshoot right on Ft. Lauderdale beach. She captured the collection perfectly, as I knew she would.

Both of these powerhouse women were instrumental in the launch of RESORT 444. I am forever grateful for their contributions.

Pricing:

The debut collection, Xaymaca, is inspired by my love for Jamaica and uses a palette of bright, tropical colors, along with intricate jewels for a touch of effortless glam. Each piece is named after destinations on the island.

• The Kingston Swimsuit $79.99
• The Negril Swimsuit $89.99
• The Montego Swimsuit $99.99
• The Ochi Coverup $99.99

Image Credits

Model: Rachel Veronica Photographer: Robin Veronica