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

Hi Kayla, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The biggest thought process behind starting my own brand was the notion that I wanted to created a space that intentionally bridges the gap between sustainability, diversity, and size inclusion. That was the most important part.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a sustainable swimwear company that boasts swimwear created from recycled water bottles and we are size inclusive as we cater to bra cup sizes A-H and sizes XS-3XL. Starting A+P was no walk in the park as when we first started on our journey, finding sustainable fabric companies in the US along with manufacturers that understood our desired sizing, were difficult. But, because we stuck to our guns, we were able to build our company without compromising our morals and ethics. Every speed bump and pitfall was worth it because we have been able to really make a difference in the swimwear realm.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ah I love this question! So if my best friend was coming to San Diego for a trip, I’d be sure to take her to the San Diego Zoo (such a given), shopping in La Jolla, to have ice cream at Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream as it’s one of my very favorite ice cream shops in the world, and to Balboa Park because it’s so breathtakingly beautiful. Each evening, we’d watch the sun set on La Jolla Shores. With it being a week long trip and because we both love museums, I’d have to take her to The Sam Diego Museum of Art, Timken Museum of Art, and the Mingei International Museum because those are a few of my favorites. San Diego is like heaven on Earth. Between the museums and endless beaches and incredible food, you can’t go wrong.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, there’s no way we’d be a brand without the incredible customers who have loved and supported us every step of the way by not only buying from our brand but also sharing our posts and telling a friend to tell a friend. That means the world to us.

Website: www.arrowandphoenix.com
Instagram: @arrowandphoenixswim
Twitter: @aandpswimwear
Facebook: Arrow + Phoenix Swim