Today we’d like to introduce you to Kia Rodriguez.
Hi Kia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was told at a very young age, that the WANT to be a fashion designer was too far-fetched and I should settle for something reasonable. This made me work even harder at my skill and pushed me in more directions which is where I found my calling for creating swimwear. I noticed fast fashion was unethically taking over in the world of swimwear, creating pieces year after year for only one high selling season then letting the excess rot away as new trends became more favorable and needed. Looking further into swimwear and the need for something new yet eco-conscious, I set out to create a handmade swimwear shop using ONLY sustainable fabrics made of recycled and regenerated ocean waste. Not only are my handmade pieces fashionable but they are also sustainable, adjustable and reversible making each piece unique every time. Making my swimwear ‘made to order’ also set a very high mark in my zero waste initiative by not allowing excess pieces to be created with no purpose. Also, quality shouldn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, I keep it reasonable.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business is never easy. There were definitely some struggles while creating my small shop. However, with the support of my husband and close family nothing was impossible. I started my shop in my small apartment on my kitchen table. It then escalated to multiple orders and having to create a section in my home just for sewing. My shop is still significantly small but I am overwhelmed with the progress it has received in just two years of been established. Most people don’t understand where I get the time to parent and run a business but I always say it’s simple because when you love something enough, you find time.
I’ve faced many obstacles but none were impossible to conquer when I applied patience and persistence.
A quote I follow closely is: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
ShopKDR is a small online swimwear shop located online and based in Orlando, Florida. We specialize in handmade swimwear, reversible swimwear and we are working on adding more exciting items to the shop in the near future.
What sets us apart from other brands is that we make sure each step in creating the swimwear is well thought out; our swimwear isn’t only made to create a better world, it’s made to create a better you. Made to make you feel the best you’ve ever felt in swimwear and in your own skin.
As we always say: Life isn’t perfect, but your bikinis can be!
Any big plans?
In the coming years, we plan to have physical shops located in Florida where customers can walk in and create a bikini to their liking and have it custom made! Pre-made options will be available as well for on the go shoppers.
We want to be your one stop shop for all your aquatic needs. Your go-to shop whether you are buying for a luxurious trip to the coast or for a casual beach day.
Pricing:
- Tops range from $30+
- Bottoms range from $30+
- One pieces range from $40+
- Non-Swimwear Items range from $3+
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@shopkdr.com
- Website: www.ShopKDR.com
- Instagram: _ShopKDR
- Facebook: Shopkdr
- Other: Tiktok: @shopkdr
Image Credits
VIA INSTAGRAM @_ShopKDR
