Meet Kelly Meacham | Owner and Founder

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

Hi Kelly, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I created Slay Swimwear because whenever I go on vacation I always love to buy a swimsuit that is unique, preferably one with rhinestones ( if I can find one). But every time I find a swimsuit with rhinestones it is $250+. Sometimes just the top or bottom could be $250. *sigh*. As a kid in college or living in a big city paying big city rent that is a lot of money on top of the vacation itself. I wanted to create a brand that was not only sexy and flashy, but most importantly affordable with great customer service. I must emphasize the customer service! Years ago I managed a multimillion dollar retail store at 5 different locations, and no matter the location the company had a reputation for horrible customer service. I could see how frustrated the customers became over a $20 item. I had to stick to the policy, and this was upsetting because to me it wasn’t worth losing their loyalty. I want whoever wears Slay Swimwear to feel confident, and feel as if they haven’t been ripped off, and Slay!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I want everyone to know the backstory of how Slay Swimwear started. Remember Blair Toth, my best friend, and how I said there would be no Slay Swimwear without her? The idea of the company started when she was going through a very stressful time in her life. She would drive 3 hours from Indianapolis to Chicago to see me, and for hours we would sort rhinestones and glue them to any article of clothing we had. This was therapy for her. Then we would wear our items out and people loved them! Once I saw how positive the reaction was to our creations I decided to take the idea further. I tried to sell the swimsuits I created in Chicago, but I don’t believe the weather and culture was suitable for the flashy swimsuits. Therefore, I decided to take a risk and move to LA to start the business here, and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. I finally got the finances to get the company up and running. This took years, so don’t think that because you don’t have the finances yet you can’t make your dreams happen. If you’re really passionate about something you will find the means to make it happen. I decided I would start teaching myself how to sew, so I could make the swimsuits very unique. Teaching yourself something new is definitely a challenge. Thank goodness for YouTube! Now, I make all of my own designs. The biggest challenge I face now is finding a supplier who can sew thousands of crystals because my company is growing quickly, and I am unable to make all of the pieces myself. I realized after going to stores and asking them to carry my brand that the demand was high and they wanted large quantities *Yikes*. I thought if I started with boutiques on Melrose I could make the pieces as they sell. I was definitely not prepared for this much of a demand. I am so happy my designs are in such high demand, but at the same time It’s by far the largest challenge I’ve faced yet.

I believe what sets Slay Swimwear apart from my competitors is design, price and speed of service. Although, we do have speedy delivery our company is not fast fashion. All pieces are designed by me. The artistic theme for Slay Swimwear is bling, flashy, and head turning pieces. We are a company that likes to help build self confidence. Our figure flattering designs will transform any girl into a sexy goddess. This line is for the girl who wants to turn heads and draw attention. I mean what girl doesn’t love attention? Although Slay Swimwear is a designer line we believe in not charging designer prices. Slay swimwear is half the price of our competitors and all swimsuits should arrive to the customer in less than a week, unless it’s a custom order, and yes sometimes we do custom orders. Again, I need to mention customer service. I have had many customers praise me on the company’s customer service, and I love to hear the positive feedback I get from customers.

Slay Swimwear could not have gotten to where it is today without the help, love and support from all of my friends and family. Without their encouragement I wouldn’t be where I am today. Also, being a manager for six years at a multimillion dollar retail store has given me a lot of insight on how to run a company successfully. With this experience I would love to own some Slay Swimwear stores and take the company global!

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.
Since all of my out of town best friends are from Indiana, where I am from. I know they would love to do all of the touristy things that you see on T.V. Therefore, I would take them to the walk of the stars, the Hollywood sign, and Universal Studios because my friends and I are big kids. As for restaurants I love Katana, Catch, EP & LP for the rooftop, and Breakfast Republic. For great sight seeing I would take them to Venice boardwalk, Santa Monica Promenade, Runyon Canyon, and Paradise Cove in Malibu.

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?
My first shoutout is to Blair Toth, my best friend. Without her there would be no Slay Swimwear.

Next is to my Fiancée Andrew Blecher. He’s been such a huge supporter. Everything I do with the company, he is always there to help even though he has so much on his plate already.

Lastly, is Nikki Frustere. She is one of my best friends in Los Angeles. No matter how many times I ask for her help, ideas, or suggestions she is always available and happy to listen. She even recommended me for this interview opportunity. She is always very proactive about women supporting women, and I love her for that.

Website: www.slay-swimwear.com

Instagram: shopslayswimwear

Facebook: slayswimwearlosangeles

Youtube: Slay Swimwear

Image Credits
models: Deborah Lynn, Mollie Gould Photographer: Aria Askari