Viera Swim is a sustainable swimwear brand inspired by women and nature. We chat to Giselle Viera, the woman behind the brand about how she started it, her sustainable touch and her advice for running a successful brand.

Check out their Instagram here and keep reading for the interview!

What is the background story behind Viera Swim?

I went to college for fashion design, it's not until I was there that I discovered I was into designing bikinis more than anything. I grew up in Puerto Rico by the beach so I was pretty much always wearing a swimsuit. After college, I moved to NYC to work and save money and start my brand - 3 years later in NYC is where Viera Swim finally came to life. I met with a manufacturer from Bali in NYC and fell in love with their work. I am into sustainability, so I wanted to make sure every piece was good for the planet and ethically made. Months later I ended up going with another manufacturer located in Bali and have been working with them since then. Working with them is amazing and every piece is ethically made.

Viera Swim is "inspired by nature" - could you tell us more about how this implements into every aspect of the brand?

Viera Swim is inspired by Mother Earth. I am fascinated by nature and women. These are my two big inspirations and for me, there's no division in this. Every time I sit to design I go to nature and in her comfort I find the inspiration I need, it is where I feel most recharged. Nature gives me the feeling and women the shape. I design with every single body in mind.

What was the initial process like when the brand was in the making? Would you say you faced some of your biggest challenges then?

For me my biggest challenge was putting my ideas in order. I knew what I wanted but didn't know where to start. For example, I had my first collection ready in my portfolio and it was a challenge for me to look for a manufacturer because I wanted to have a low/zero carbon footprint. So to find a good manufacturer that I could afford and with the qualities I was looking for was a big challenge, once I found one everything made sense.

What is your all-time favourite design?

The Angel Fit, I designed this suit while I was still in college and made the suit for a class. My best friend once went to my house looking for bikinis when I was living in NYC and my sister gave "The Angel Fit" to her, she wore it to Cuba and took a picture of her wearing it at the beach and posted on Instagram, it was a boom.

Where do you see your brand going in the future? Any secrets you can share with us?

I would love to expand Viera Swim to more than swimwear. We'll see where the future takes Us.

Besides Viera Swim, what are some of your interests?

Sustainability is a big thing for me. Animal rights too. In the future, I would love to have more of a voice in the industry where I can bring more eco-conscious choices to people, which is what I'm trying to do with Viera Swim; creating a community where people are conscious of what they're supporting when shopping online.

And finally, do you have any tips on being the founder of a successful brand?

Believe in your vision and don't ever stop.