Rising Stars: Meet Shaine BehaR

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaine Behar.

Hi Shaine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I always had a hard time finding swimwear that fit me properly, and this honestly made me dread having to wear a swimsuit. I naturally have a large chest and smaller frame which makes it difficult to find supportive swimwear. In California, swimwear is essential for warmer months. However, finding swimsuits that make you feel comfortable and confident can be a challenge.

In high school, I dreamed of launching a swimwear line that accommodated all body types, breaking free from the limiting body standards upheld by the conventional swimwear industry. My goal was to empower people to feel confident in swim regardless of their shape or size by creating pieces that fit them. I envisioned a brand where everyone felt like their body shape was represented.

After college, I faced the pressure of finding a stable job. So, I worked in the entertainment industry, specifically in the social media space for various entities such as award shows, a talent agency, daytime TV, and more. The pandemic brought changes and a curve ball to everyone’s lives, including my own. It provided me with newfound time and the courage to finally bring my dream brand, inswim, to life.

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?
Breaking into the swimwear industry was a challenge, as I had no prior experience in creating swimsuits or starting a business. I didn’t know where to begin which was the biggest challenge I faced. I was very nervous to take the leap and start inswim because I was in my head about not having a clear path to follow. I was indecisive and unsure of my decisions since I am a one-person team, but I had to learn to trust my gut and just go for it. My passion for creating swimwear that fit my body and a desire to help others facing similar problems kept me determined to learn and push through my fears. I had to learn all new jargon and the ins and outs of designing swimwear in order to reach my main goal of accurately fitting all body types. It was a real challenge and there was a lot of trial and error, but no element of the business was harder for me than starting.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At inswim, the belief is that everybody deserves swimwear that fits and flatters. The swimsuits are timeless, inclusive, and are carefully designed with all body shapes in mind, featuring adjustable elements for comfort and confidence. In a short time, the size range has been expanded up to 4X, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity. The diverse model lineup showcases women of different ethnicities and ages and is a celebration of all bodies. None of the photos or videos used in inswim are photoshopped, as inswim promotes realistic beauty standards. The quality of fabric for the pieces is also the top priority. The most satisfying part is getting feedback from customers all over the world that these swimsuits made them feel sexy and beautiful. Inswim marketing relies solely on organic social strategy. There has never been a dollar towards paid advertising, yet the Sofie one piece has been sold in over 6 countries. I’m currently working on continuing to sell product as well as creating men’s swimwear and more bikinis and one pieces.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My pattern maker Margaret and manfactuer Neil deserve a lot of credit for teaching me the swimwear business and how to create a quality products. Both Margaret and Neil were extremely patient with me, amazing teachers, and pushed me to follow my dream even when it got tough. I also owe a lot of praise to everyone who has modeled for my brand, they made my vision come true and are some of the most badass women. The photographers: Benjamin Smith, Spencer Middleton, and Serge Johnson deserve credit for capturing the essence of the brand. My family and best friends have been the greatest support system: they’ve modeled, captured BTS, spread the word, constantly give me marketing ideas, and have always shown continuous support and encouragement. My previous bosses Andrew Graham and Francesca Hobson taught me an incredible work ethic that allowed me to withstand the challenges of running a business. Ultimately all my customers deserve the most credit as they took a chance on a small business. It’s challenging to create a business alone, but it is the most rewarding feeling to change customer’s relationship with their body in swimwear. I feel so lucky and am so grateful to everyone who has supported and brought inswim to life.

Pricing:

• 35-90

Contact Info:

• Website: www.inswimclub.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inswimwear/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inswimclub/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@inswim?_t=8ZJ9zW98PJW&_r=1 

Image Credits
Benjamin Smith Spencer Middleton (bright color bikini pic) Serge Johnson (group pic with one pieces)