Hidden Gems: Meet Karen Flores of Yojana Swim

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Yojana.

Karen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Owner and designer of Yojana Swim. I’m from Los Angeles, California. Ever since I could remember, I have always been creative. I actually started doing oil paintings at a young age and did it for about 12 years. As I grew older, I began to find my love for fashion and I would love to recreate my pieces and revamp my wardrobe.

It all came to me naturally in a way. I remember one trip I took my senior year of high school to Honduras and found a sewing machine in my grandma’s house. I asked one of the ladies in the village to teach me how to sew. So for the two weeks, time frame that I was out there I was taking sewing classes and managed to create my very own outfit with a tube top and skirt. I flew back with the sewing machine in my luggage. Unfortunately, when I came back home to Los Angeles I did not sew at all. After graduating, I went to complete my associate’s degree and somewhere along the road got a job in banking and then in wireless. During this time, I would take a lot of vacations (mainly tropical locations) and enjoyed picking my bikinis for the trip. I would buy a different bikini for everyday of the trip. Before I knew it my love for swimwear grew right before my eyes. The thought for Yojana Swim randomly came to me when trying to figure out what did I want to do in life, what would I enjoy, and be proud of. I wanted something that was true to me and tied into my everyday life and thats when I just said I was going to start a swimwear brand. I had no idea where to began or how to start. I originally was going to take the reselling route, but then I felt as if I was not being true to myself and the ideas I had for swimwear. Since I am bustier at the top, I wanted to give women a swimwear brand like myself that would also cater to them as well. I wanted all women to have the capability to choose the size of their top and bottoms without having to just pick a small top even though their bottom was a medium.

Then I attempted to find a manufacturer which I had the most difficult time with. Thats when I decided to reteach myself how to sew. It took a lot of trial and error and sewing with knits is not easy at all there’s so much that goes with it. I would work during the day at my 9-5 then go home and sew until 3 am in the morning. I knew that these jobs were not my passion and that I had found my calling; I actually created my first collection while working at my wireless job. I remember I would print out my patterns at work and piece them together then go home to cut and sew. Once I felt comfortable with sewing, I began to sell and received such good feedback. Thats when I knew I was ready to Launch Yojana Swim. The journey has been scary and if someone would have asked me two years ago where would I see myself today, I wouldn’t have expected here but I glad I am. I’m so thankful for the love I receive from all my supporters and customers. Also, the nonstop support from family and friends that pushed me to keep going and to not stop. Those people know exactly who they are!

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?
I recently started my swimwear business on September 1st, 2020. It has definitely already been a journey even though I just begun. All of my pieces are hand made in Los Angeles so the process can be a bit longer due to my bikinis not being fast fashion. I think one of the main struggles is the uncertain times we are in with Covid -19 . I also started my swimwear brand in fall which may not be ideal for everyone. I have to constantly show that it is ALWAYS bikini season so that my business can flourish not only in summertime but all seasons as well! Overall the experience has been a smooth yet educational road. I really am passionate and enjoy what I do and have so much fun creating new pieces and collections. Honestly, the hardest part was starting and now that I’ve started, I feel like nothing can stop my journey. I’m ready to overcome any obstacle that I may face. I know the road won’t always be smooth and there would be some bumps in the road but I like to always stay positive and optimistic.

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?
Yojana Swim became a vision of self-love and confidence in what you wear during the moments that matter most. We share our experience through swimwear. The reason we exist is to bring all women together and remind you that you are truly beautiful inside and out. Yojana Swim is a brand about self-confidence, women empowerment, and feeling good in the body that you are in. We specialize in creating timeless designs that still have a fresh feel. Our minimalistic bikinis are also suitable for busty women and provide plenty of support. What sets us apart from others is we are constantly finding ways to be innovative and create new designs with fun fabrics that you won’t find else were. What we are most proud of brand-wise is our ability to constantly grow. We are barely starting but have begun making noise and getting our name out there. We are so appreciative of all the love and support we get from our supporters. What our readers should know is that we are expanding our swimwear and adding plenty of new styles in the upcoming months that will allow you to have the perfect bikini for every occasion. Stay on the lookout! You don’t want to miss it! We also provide 10% off your first purchase at WWW.YOJANASWIM.COM.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I started my business during the pandemic. It was a bold move to make but it felt like now or never. What I have learned from the Covid-19 Crisis is that you have to find way to constantly adapt. You cannot remain stagnant and if you want your business to thrive, you have be prepared for anything that may be thrown your way.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.yojanaswim.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/yojanaswim
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/yojanaswimm
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/yojanaswim
• Other: tiktok – yojanaswim

Image Credits
@moneyshotronny @57nico @sh0tw3ll @iamjthemedley