Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Boynton.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As an artist and a scientist, I am always thinking of new ways to innovate. When I go shopping, I usually have something in mind that I am looking for and if I don’t find it, whether it be the style, the fabric, the price, I find myself sitting down designing what I wish was offered and making it myself. Hakuna Wear started in a similar fashion.
On my first tropical surf trip, I packed all my bikinis from the top surf brands. The waves were perfect, overheard, not too punchy but not mushy either. When we would go surf, my boyfriend had to pack some money and sunscreen in his board shorts to pay for the boat ride and our hotel key because I didn’t have any pockets. During our sesh my bottoms would come down on every duck dive. I couldn’t help but think to myself, what would I do as a solo female traveler? Pretty unempowering.
To say the least I was disappointed, when I got back, I searched online and found some awesome surf brands for inspiration but didn’t feel any of them met all of my needs. Ever since, I have wanted to pursue designing my own swimwear and wetsuits to solve problems and celebrate our diversity in the water.
Due to inspiring people in my life, that leap started to feel like an attainable reality. Hakuna Wear is a realization of that dream.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s definitely not an easy industry to be in. Manufacturing costs are high and there is risk of investing in inventory that you can’t sell. There are new brands popping up all the time, often manufacturing overseas so their prices can be a lot cheaper. We love the idea of moving production overseas and contributing to a global economy but don’t want to do so until we can guarantee fair trade practices.
Every entrepreneur that I ask for advice says the same thing, you never know the bumps along the way, but each one will teach you something that you can use to conquer the next bump. I am learning a lot, and my stubbornness in seeing things to completion is definitely helpful in these situations.
What I really envision for Hakuna Wear is bringing all of these amazing women who want to make a difference in women’s swimwear together to form a community. There are so many ideas out there and so many amazing business owners and innovations I wish it didn’t feel like we were competing with each other because we would make a better team and is the reason we are always searching to do collaborations.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hakuna Wear – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Hakuna Wear makes swimsuits with no worries. The goal is to be the first suit to think of everything you might need on a long water sesh so that we empower women and men to focus on having fun, and not all that other stuff.
When we design we focus on a couple of things, flattering and comfortable for the wearer, staying on even in overhead surf, and somewhere (a pocket) to put your car key, hotel key, snack, some money or sunscreen. Then we source recycled materials or eco-friendly materials that are less impactful to the environment.
In summary, we are a swimwear/surfwear company that specializes in solving swimwear problems through innovation.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
There was a moment when we were having our suits made where we were waiting for our manufacturer to come down to pick up the fabric rolls for production on the side of the street in the fashion district. It was a dream come true and it brought tears to my eyes. What I love most about LA is that there are so many cool finds, so many people trying to live their dream, or living their dream. So much art and so many aspiring artists. I feel very inspired in the fashion district and it feels like a culmination of a long story for me.
In terms of dislikes, on the flip side, when you are in the warehouse district you find pockets of tent communities that are forced to sleep on the streets and where trash is piled up. It makes us sad that a city with so much creativity and resources can still have big things to solve.
Pricing:
- Recycled Reversible Bikini Separates $69
- Recycled Board Shorts $79
- Neoprene/Yulex Surf Suits $159-179
- Recycled One Piece Suits $139
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hakunawear.com
- Phone: 3057902050
- Email: jessica@hakunawear.com
- Instagram: @hakunawear
- Facebook: @hakunawear
- Twitter: @hakunawear
Image Credit:
@encinitassurfpics Elyse Quartini; @kioreo Kiori; @alyssaboyntonphotography Alyssa Boynton; @katieiredalee Katie Iredale
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