Meet Rachel Midori Drolet | Owner & Founder of Midori Bikinis | Life-Long Learner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Midori Drolet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe risk takes on an imperative role in achieving growth; both in our personal and professional lives. If we didn’t pursue risk to some degree, we’d rarely take the steps outside of our comfort zones that often lead to achieving success-or in the least, valuable lessons. The first decision involving risk that comes to mind was deciding between a private elementary school where I wouldn’t know anyone or a public school many of my friends would be attending. I vividly remember thinking this over in my front yard at the age of 5, and for some reason coming to the conclusion that the private school would be the best fit. As a young child, it did feel risky to start somewhere new but that decision, combined with the *opportunity* to make that decision, empowered me notably.

Growing up, I experimented with many different ideas and held dearly to a journal I filled with sketched “inventions.” It seem as if not long after, I was a 19-year-old freshman in college who had just discovered cheeky Brazilian bikinis on an Oahu beach and returned to San Diego to attempt to make my own. Swimwear wasn’t my invention, yet it was certainly an experiment within itself. The only risk at that time was the potential of losing my hard-earned babysitting cash to sewing supplies… aka eating out less and having to rely on our crummy school cafeteria more. While my hand-made trials didn’t withstand the test of….well, pretty much anything, I was able to find a manufacturer! In 2011, Midori Bikinis, a women’s cheeky swim brand, was born at the forefront of Instagram’s release.

Business plans were never something I relied upon. In fact, I didn’t make one until I used my brand as a class project three years into MIDORI’s creation. In my eyes, creating goals and expectations was beneficial to my ability to stay motivated however too much ‘planning’ also imposed less flexibility. In taking risks, I consciously decided that the potential reward could outweigh the possible downfall; also realizing that many pivots would not only be likely but also instrumental in attaining my desired outcome. Many of the decisions I made, even financially, were and continue to be made on the fly with my “jump first, remain afloat” next attitude. This way is not for the faint of heart and while I have had great success, I have also had seasons wherein I found myself counting each penny to ensure I could make it to the next day in business- often sacrificing on a personal level too.

In 2017, I moved Midori’s manufacturing to the US with the onslaught of focus on products “Made in the USA.” Six months in, everything came tumbling down when the fabric we were delivered was incongruent with our quality; to the extent that it literally faded with minimal exposure to the sunlight. One of the most influential thought processes I learned when it comes to the downsides of taking risks is “one step at a time.” First, I practiced transparency with our customer base and personally sent out a video telling them exactly what was going on. Secondly, I found a new manufacturer in the country where we had begun 6 years prior- Brazil. Next, I took one of our current styles and sent it to them to be replicated. And piece by piece I rebuilt our brand.

Clear communication (with a willingness to be transparent, even about your mistakes), and a passion to continue through tribulation, can go far. While it was not what I had intended, that year taught me that when you are true about your intentions and remain confident in your abilities to get through the low valleys, you will always breach the mountaintop again- they may just be miles away from what you had originally envisioned. In my journey through the 11 years, Midori Bikinis has now been in business, I have learned that many believe that with risk comes the likelihood of failure. Instead, I choose to carry the mindset of Thomas Edison; “I have not failed 10,000 times—I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.”

To date, we have sold over 3000,000 bikinis and fostered a tight-knit community of women who have found commonality and empowerment through the phrase “Women are not my competition. I stand with them, not against them.” In line with our commitment to quality, sincere Aloha, and community; our swimwear prioritizes health and wellness through STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified, UPF 50+, PETA-Approved fabrics. We ensure that ethical manufacturing takes a front seat when it comes to production, and have partnered with our facilities to minimize water waste. Fabric waste remains almost non-existent as trims and excess material is used for dog beds then donated to local animal shelters in Brazil. In my quest to stay personal, I remain reachable on my own cell (760-421-9995) 5 days of the week and have had the joy of staying in touch with many of our customers for years on end.

My life and brand today would not have been possible had I not continuously engaged with that choice we so often associate with fear and failure- RISK. Reframed, risk is simply an opportunity that may breach our immediate comfort zone. It is an opportunity that we can choose to pursue with a positive mindset and the knowledge that with it will always result in *something* of value.

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.
San Diego has been home for 11 years, beginning in Point Loma and steadily moving down the coast. These days you’ll find me in Carlsbad, just about as far north as you can go in the county. I love taking friends out to Le Papaguyo in the village but I have to say that Eddie V’s in La Jolla is my go-to for first time visitors; I typically opt for their swordfish over a beautiful sunset view. There’s a cool spot right near the border called Blanco Brothers to ride horses with my friend Cheuy that’ll leave you breathless literally and figuratively as you gallop along the oceanfront, hooves striking the water. I typically search for upcoming events, we have a wide range of concerts (Belly Up, anyone!?), Wine Festivals, and Farmer’s Markets. Pinot’s Pallette in Liberty Station hosts wine and paint nights that I enjoy freuqenting with friends… I recommend starting the evening at Buona Forchetta which is minutes away. There’s good walking to be had at San Diego Safari Park, San Diego Zoo, and Legoland’s Aquarium (located just within the park), in particular is beyond fascinating for adults and children alike!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
To the amazing community of men and women who have supported Midori over the last 11 years. To all those who have worked with me and contributed to the brand; James, Elijah, Kelly, Halo, Dan, Shelby, Aunty Jen, Julia, Kevin, Andy, Navy, G.L. Forward, Jose Munoz, Dr. Randal Schober, Annalisa, Eryn, Luana, Katarina, Jessica, Michael, and the list goes on- whether it was short-term or long; you know who you are and I’m forever thankful and mindful of your time, love, and energy.

Website: midoribikinis.com

Instagram: instagram.com/midoribikinis

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-midori-10490ab1

Facebook: facebook.com/midoribikinis

Image Credits
Shaye Babb @slimshayedy Mood the Agency @moodtheagency Jessica Joy @jjoyc Michael Carranza @michaelcarranza_