Meet Mayra Gutierrez | Designer

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

Hi Mayra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had a Dream of starting my own business and becoming my own boss. I’ve always been creative, and love designing. Growing up I was always into fashion and dressing up. At the beginning I wasn’t sure what business I wanted to pursue because I like women’s dresses, lingerie and bikinis. But I love going to the Beach, so I decide to start my swimwear brand. Starting a business is quite a challenge since I am the designer but also the process that goes into owning your brand; sketching, designing, choosing fabrics, fittings and seeing the final product in production. I am single handling my brand in social media, website, marketing, packing and shipping orders. What I love is the behind the scenes, fun photoshoots with the models, influencers and photographer. ‘It’s been an amazing journey since starting my swimwear business and I continue to keep going and growing my brand. I am learning more, and more every day. It hasn’t been easy with few setbacks and struggles but it’s worth it. This is only the beginning for BellaBesa Swimwear.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work. What sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others is that I am creative in my own way and my designs can be basic chic, to a versatile swimsuit that flatters different body types and to feel sexy and not afraid to show some skin. What am most proud of is starting my swimwear business. I knew what career path I wanted to pursue. I always loved fashion ever since I was little girl, and my dream was to go to fashion school, become a designer and own a business.
In 2000, I graduated from my dream school, Fashion Institute of Design Merchandising in Los Angeles, Ca. I received my associate degree in Fashion Design. At a very young age I became mother and had to put my dreams on hold. While working in the fashion industry it gave me the opportunity to learn, get experience I need in the apparel industry. I always believe in myself that someday my dream will come true and that I will start my own business. After 20years later I finally decide to take my passion and create BellaBesa Swimwear.
There have been some challenges. It has definitely not been easy to get there. I knew I had to do my own research and look for a fabric company and a manufactured in LA. Sometimes it’s not easy to find a good patternmaker and sewer. You want someone that has many years of experience, and you can trust professionally. The first manufactured that I was working with to make my samples didn’t come out the way I wanted to. I had these samples that were wrong. I was disappointed and frustrated because I had to start all over and find new manufactured. So, I research and found company in Los Angeles. I setup a meeting and we went over my designs and samples. So, from there, we worked together, he did my patterns, cut my samples and the final production. He also recommended me a sewer that he knows that has swimwear experience. I meet her and she is in amazing sewer and ever since she’s been sewing my bikinis. She works very hard to make sure all the bikinis are sewn perfectly. I was super excited because this was my first Collection and I wanted it to look and be perfect.
As I start my business, every collection will be different. As a designer, I like to create different collections and have a variety of styles for all shapes and sizes. My inspirations come from SoCal beaches and global beaches all around the world. When am sourcing fabrics for my swimwear, I like to choose good quality fabrics that have a good stretch.
The need to always learn more, get the experience, keep growing and make myself better along the way so I can build my brand. I’m so proud of myself because I never gave up on my dreams and I started my swimwear business. I have learned that I am in charge of my future and to make my dreams come true. I will continue to work hard, stay focus, design and be the boss babe that strives to accomplish her goals.

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.
There are many adventures and places I would take my best friend. I would definitely take her to SoCal beaches, especially Hermosa Beach. First, we will take a walk to the pier to see the beach, where you get to see surfers in the ocean catching some waves. After we will go eat at Baja Sharkeez, it’s a really cool Mexican Cantina. This restaurant has really good appetizers and drinks. I would also take my bestie to local boutiques to do some shopping. Then rent some bikes and take a stroll to Redondo beach pier and of course stop by at Pier Bakery and have a churro, (so good!) From there drop off the bikes and take drive to the coast to Palos Verdes at the Terrana Resort where they have a trail you can walk and see spectacular view of the pacific ocean where they also have dining where you get to view the ocean, definitely go to spa to get a massage , and a private beach to wear are bikini and get a tan .Next we will go to a popular sandwich deli called , Busy Bees market in San Pedro, where they have their specialty hot & cold sandwiches. (so delicious!) From there we go to White Point Beach were we get to view the sunset and eat. I recommend going to beaches because there is so much to do and its fun!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My business wouldn’t be what is today without consent support of my kids, family, friends and a special person in my life that is supportive, encouraging, believes in me and to never give up on my Dreams.

Website: www.bellabesa.com

Instagram: bellabesaswimwear

Twitter: bellabesaswimwear

Facebook: bellabesa swimwear

Youtube: BellaBesa Swimwear

Image Credits
Photographer: Mathew Martinez Models: Melenie Montes, Natalie Mosqueda, Cindy Kennedy-Gomez