Meet Gladis Kiambiy, the Founder behind the diverse swimwear range ‘Culture of Swimwear’. Growing up the young Entrepreneur struggled with her weight and as she often traveled the continent, she found it increasingly difficult to find the right type of swimwear. Swimwear was often catered for women that had slimmer frames or looked a certain way depicting that beauty only came in one size and form. Breaking the stereotype and feeling frustrated with the lack of diversity, Gladis decided enough was enough and created her own swimming designs. The Bold African prints are taking the world by storm, we discuss Diversity and Inclusion in the swimwear industry, balancing a 9 to 5 with a growing brand and much more.
Can you tell us about your designs and what is the inspiration behind them?
I get inspiration for my designs when I come across swimwear brands and think of ways in which I can improve on it. For example, if I see a swimsuit that’s plain, I think of ways to add colors and improve the design.
Mainly African prints and culture are an inspiration behind my designs.
Who would you like to see in your swimwear brand? Are there any women in the media that you would love to see rocking the swimwear?
I am hoping for my swimwear will expand to Men and Children.
Therefore, I would like to see my Swimwear reach out to artists in the UK such as Stormzy, Lethal B, Jamelia, Stefflon don, Ms banks not just here in the UK but also in the US, Congo, Ghana and many more.
Discuss the life of an entrepreneur?
It’s all about balancing, learning from your mistakes and taking in your mistakes.
Where do you see the brand in the next 5 years?
Hopefully, in the next 5 years, I will be more established in the US and Africa and would love to explore the idea of creating swimwear for other cultures.
What was your highlight moment last year in the world of Culture swimwear?
To be honest everything, from gathering the final pieces together, the photoshoot, meeting the models, receiving support from my friends and family and receiving shout outs on my Instagram even from the people I don’t know. That was priceless.
You can find Culture Swimwear on Social media culture swimwear
 Author: Lawrencia Nelson
