Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Russell.
Hi Janelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Janelle Russell and I am the owner and designer of Brasini Swimwear. I am an entrepreneur by nature and fashion has been a lifelong passion of mine.
So I believe that creating Brasini Swimwear was my destiny. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in Statistics from Virginia Tech, I built and developed a 26-year career in the fashion industry in NYC.
I worked for large corporations as well as smaller independent companies. Both types of businesses were fantastic grooming periods for my entrepreneurial development. The large companies taught me how to run a business.
While the smaller companies allowed me to interact directly with all areas of a company, sales, design, production, logistics, and accounting to learn how each area depends on the other. it’s important for any business owner to know how all areas of a company work & affect each other, this way you can run your business effectively and efficiently.
It took me many years to figure out what my business was going to be. Then one day, sitting on Copacabana Beach in Rio, the idea was clearer than ever. Being a beach lover, an entrepreneur and with many years of experience & knowledge in the fashion industry, I knew that swimwear was going to be my business.
The name, Brasini, is a merger of ‘brasil’ and ‘bikini’, as both are the inspirations for my brand. As a result, Brasini Swimwear was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building a business & brand from nothing definitely has its challenges, but is ultimately very rewarding. one of the main struggles to overcome was finding a place to produce my collection in an efficient & profitable way.
When I started my company in 2009, my swimsuits were 100% produced & sourced overseas. then after trying a few different factories, I found a production space here in the U.S. that specializes in swimwear/activewear.
Production and sourcing done domestically, it has allowed me to be more creative and flexible with my collection.
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?
After many years of traveling throughout Brazil, I became intoxicated with the vibrant & energetic Brasilian beach lifestyle AND the bikinis. Being a beach lover, an entrepreneur and with many years of experience & knowledge in the fashion industry, I knew I needed to create Brasini Swimwear.
My collection is designed & produced in the U.S., with inspiration from my own personal style as well as beach life & swimwear in Brasil. Each style is produced in small batches, to provide you with an exclusive and hard-to-find swimsuit. Also, each piece is designed for comfort and the most flattering fit!
The Brasini Swimwear collection is sold on my website www.brasiniswimwear.com. We are your ‘go-to’ destination for the perfect swimsuit!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My mom had great style and was always my fashion inspiration. my favorite childhood memory is raiding her closet for shoes, clothes, handbags, and jewelry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brasiniswimwear.com
- Instagram: @brasini_swim
- Facebook: brasini swimwear
- Twitter: @brasiniswimwear
- Youtube: brasini swimwear
