Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Bohr.
Hi Ana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
surprisingly enough, i’m a college dropout. i left school at 19 to travel the world, live in hawaii, and hike through the himalayas in nepal. i was chasing real experiences—wanting to help others, immerse myself in new cultures, and discover what truly mattered to me. that’s where my passion for social justice was born.
as a millennial, i came up before tiktok and influencers. we traveled to feel something, not just to post it.
after moving to california 7 years ago, i took on just about every job and internship i could find. i quickly learned that this industry runs on who you know, not what’s on your résumé. and honestly, that made dropping out feel like the right decision for me.
i started in fashion, got a taste of the cutthroat entertainment world, and eventually pivoted to tv/film. i got fired from a few jobs (lol), but in the process, i uncovered new passions and grew thicker skin. during that time, i also started doing social media work for clients on the side—until covid hit.
that’s when i landed an assistant job that changed everything. i was able to help build community campaigns for my boss’s brand and realized i thrived in that kind of space. it brought together everything i cared about.
then one day, mid-walk, the idea for PLAY hit me. i wanted a sports bra i could wear on a hike, in the sauna, or if i were laying out by the pool. something cute, versatile, and functional. i’ve always loved wellness and activewear, and this felt like the perfect blend of everything i was passionate about. that random idea turned into PLAY Swimwear.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
has it been a smooth road? absolutely not (haha). this has probably been one of the hardest—but most rewarding—things i’ve ever done. it’s been a little over a year and a half in the making, and honestly, i had to figure everything out from scratch. i leaned on a few people already in the space, but navigating materials, manufacturers, pattern makers, and grading teams was a whole journey on its own.
we do everything from the ground up. no drop-shipping or slapping a logo on something premade overseas. we design every piece, source our own materials, develop custom sizing—the whole thing. one of our biggest hurdles? sizing. i was the original fit model for our medium… but i’m now a size small (so do with that info what you will, lol). lesson learned—we’ll be using professional fit models moving forward.
we also hit a few fabric snags and faced unexpected delays that pushed our launch timeline more than once. there were moments, especially in the slower winter months, when i felt disconnected from the process and the passion wavered. but this journey has taught me the value of commitment—of sticking with something through the highs and lows because you believe in the vision. and honestly, that’s been a life lesson far beyond just building a brand.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
PLAY Swimwear is a versatile swim and athleisure brand proudly designed and made in Los Angeles. we’re more than just a brand—we’re a community rooted in health, wellness, and connection.
we host monthly events, have partnered with 20+ like-minded brands, and brought together hundreds of individuals through 5+ activations (and counting). our signature piece? sports bra tops designed to swim, sweat, and play in—made to move with you, wherever life takes you.
plus, 2% of every purchase goes toward the fight against human trafficking. so when you shop with us, you’re not just supporting a brand—you’re supporting a purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
i love this question. honestly, it’s the simple things in life—quality time with friends, a good iced americano, a pilates class that leaves me sore in the best way, or a long walk (like 3+ miles minimum, lol). playing or watching soccer with my sunday league, facetiming family, and encouraging the people i love to grow into the best version of themselves—these are the moments that bring me the most joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://play-swimwear.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playswimwear/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@playswimwear
Image Credits
Film photos by: Emilie Danielle (@caughtoncamerabyem)
