Meet DaiJa Thiong of DAI by DaiJa

Today we’d like to introduce you to DaiJa Thiong.

Hi DaiJa, 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?
My journey really started in childhood. I grew up in a creative family in Los Angeles—my mom, grandmother, and uncles were always sketching, crocheting, taking photos, and expressing themselves through fashion. That environment made the arts a natural part of who I am.

As a quiet, shy kid, fashion became my form of self-expression. I couldn’t always afford the latest styles, but I got creative—mixing bold jewelry, bright heels, and statement pieces to stand out in my own way. That love for fashion stayed with me through high school, but when it came time to choose a career, I went the more “practical” route and pursued interior design and architecture. I earned my degree, got established in that field, and I’m proud of the foundation I built.

But fashion was always calling me back. Over time, I built up my confidence and financial stability, focused on improving my credit, and eventually opened a business account. That allowed me to launch my swimwear brand—DAI by DaiJa—which combines my love for fashion with my passion for empowering women.

The brand is all about helping women feel confident in their skin—whether they want to flaunt their bodies or prefer more coverage. It’s about being your own fashion icon, not chasing trends unless you want to. I also want DAI to be a platform for real women—not just influencers—and to give back to causes I care about.

So today, I’m proud to say I turned my childhood passion into a business that’s about more than just clothes—it’s about confidence, community, and self-love.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges was financial. When I first started pursuing fashion seriously, I didn’t have access to a lot of resources or capital. I had to take real, intentional steps including improving my credit, managing my finances, and learning how to invest wisely, to even be in a position to launch my first collection. That process took years of discipline and patience.

Another struggle was self-doubt. Fashion is a competitive space, and for a long time, I didn’t feel encouraged to enter it because I wasn’t sure if there was room for someone like me, someone without major connections or a big platform. It took time to build the confidence to believe that my voice, my story, and my style mattered.

And of course, like many entrepreneurs, I had to learn everything from sourcing and curating products, to branding, marketing, and managing a business mainly by myself. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but I stayed focused on my “why”: to create a brand that empowers women and helps them feel confident in their own skin.

The road hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has taught me resilience. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and even more excited for what’s ahead.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
DAI is affordable luxe for the bold, the free, and the unapologetically confident. I created this brand for women like me: travelers, trendsetters, and everyday baddies who deserve to feel sexy and seen in their own skin.

From day one, I’ve sourced real women with real bodies to model DAI, no filters, no pressure, no follower count required. Just pure confidence. The goal is to expand sizing as soon as I secure the investment to scale, because every body deserves to feel this good.

DAI isn’t just about swimwear it’s about shifting the culture. Whether you’re on the beach or styling your bikini top for brunch, DAI lets you own your vibe. And with every sale, we want to give back, supporting causes that matter and building space for women of all backgrounds to thrive.

This is fashion with purpose. Swimwear for you.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was shy, quiet, and timid, confidence didn’t come naturally to me. But fashion became my outlet. It gave me a voice when I didn’t know how to speak up, and a way to express who I was without saying a word. I was always drawn to the arts: music, design, style, and influenced heavily by my family, who also shared a deep love for creativity. That environment shaped me and helped me find my lane, even when I didn’t fully believe in myself yet.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://daibydaija.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daibydaija/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@daibydaija

Image Credits
Richard Thiong, and Vadim Kalivbs