Meet Carly Fraizer | Owner & Designer of Steele Swallow Bikini

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carly Fraizer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carly, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The main reason I chose to have a creative career is the simple fact that I get to share and inspire through my creations. The whole process of having an idea and bringing it to life is super amazing and fun! Given the opportunity everyone, I believe should embrace some sort of creative process every now and again. Having a creative career can be challenging at times but it is ultimately the best reward when someone else is just as stoked about your creations as you are.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a one woman show; I handle all the creative things and all of the business stuff too. I design, pattern make, source materials, sample sew, final production sew , quality control, marketing and everything in-between. Making swimwear is fun for me. I am still able to do everything on my own because I make small batches; I use mill end quantities and/or eco friendly fabrics where I can. The main goal of my brand is to just be happy in your bikini, being able to live in your suit and spread the stoke to others. When someone puts on one of my bikinis and has a huge grin, I know I’ve achieved what I set out to. I think that working in swimwear shops and really hearing and learning what clients wanted/needed helped me with my designing, also the fact that I was able to intern with a small swimwear company helped with the business side of running a company. Everyday is a learning experience, I try to adapt and apply that to my life. Being open minded and turning a challenge into a positive is the way I choose to run my business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly one of my favorite places is Balboa Park, there are so many things to do. I love going to museums and the gardens they give inspiration and a sense of clarity. I’m a beach girl all the way, I love Pacific Beach because it has the perfect California beach vibe. Driving along the coast and checking out the smaller areas is fun, like Solana Beach or Leucadia. Checking out the Gaslamp is always fun, too.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family for dealing with my creative process and Zoe Magee of Zoe Bikini for letting me into her business and teaching a bit along the way.

Website: https://www.steeleswallowbikini.com

Instagram: @steeleswallowbikini

Twitter: @steeleswallowbikini

Facebook: @steeleswallowbikini

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/steele-swallow-bikini-san-diego

Image Credits
Alyssa Fraizer Carly Fraizer