DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT SERIES: MEET HEATHER HADWEN & MARY LEIGH FREEDMAN, CO-FOUNDERS OF HEATHER LEIGH SWIMWEAR
HEATHER LEIGH SWIMWEAR
Interview with Heather Hadwen & Mary Leigh Freedman [Co-Founders]
SWC: How did you two get started as swimwear designers?
HL: Our journey together began in 2016, as best friends and then on to business partners. I, Heather, have worked in the NYC swimwear industry since 2009 designing for labels such as Calvin Klein, Express and Anne Cole. My love of swimwear design truly started side by side my beloved mentor, lost but never forgotten, Sylvie Cachay of SYLA. Under her wing I experienced the perfect balance of entrepreneurial desire and corporate exposure that I believe gave me the skills and courage to start my own collection years later. Mary Leigh, a native Floridian grew up on the white sandy beaches of South Florida and flourished as a very successful Ballerina where she spent most of her life in leotards and bikinis. Her knowledge of the female form and my
knowledge of the industry was a seamless match.
SWC: What is the inspiration for your collection?
HL: Our inspiration comes from our mutual love of all things Boho Chic and the importance of FIT. We believe that a bikini needs to be carefully designed to offer adjustability in places where woman fluctuate the most so that it can be continuously customized. For example, our best selling bottom THE PIPER features our signature seem-less construction that sits softly on the bum paired with fully adjustable straps that can be taken in or out with each wear.
SWC: How has your brand dealt with the unexpected pandemic?
HL: It is important to stay positive in these uncertain times and focus on how we can learn and grow with the rapidly changing world. Thankfully our direct to consumer online business has maintained operations as usual. We do feel that supporting small business's like ours has become an even greater importance to our consumer which is a great thing for us. As major retailers have closed their doors for the shutdown we feel there is a heightened appreciation for quality over quantity and the personal need for brand & consumer relationships. So with that in mind we have decided to take a look inward on brand identity and dedicate our time ensuring that our current and future customers understand who we are, what sets us apart and how we can help.
SWC: Any tips on working from home?
HL: Our business model has always been a work from home platform so we have an immense level of success doing so. My greatest tip is to maintain a normal work schedule, hold yourself accountable to keep it and make sure your work space is set up for success.
SWC: What are your goals for the future of your brand?
HL: Our goals are to continue designing pieces that fit, flatter and make women feel their best. PR and marketing are a major focus for us at this time along side the planning stages of our Miami Swim Week debut which we hope to be this year or next.
SWC: What are your thoughts about the future of the swimwear industry?
HL: We think smaller brands will continue to prevail as consumers continue to feel good about the #shopsmall and #shoplocal movements. Silhouette trends will still feature Brazilian cuts and print or texture will be the highlights. With the cancellation of the 2020 Miami Swim Week we anticipate this extra year of planning could result in a more unified Swim Week where the shows and agencies find a way to come back together. Swim week is a pivotable moment each year that reminds each one of us we LOVE what we do, and we share that excitement with so many others. It is the heart of the swimwear industry.
To find out more about Heather Leigh Swimwear check out their website and follow them on social media!