Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikelia Nicholas.
Nikelia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2019, I started my swimwear brand out of pure curiosity & as a hobby of mine. I grew up in south Florida near a coastline and some of my fondest memories are at the beach as a child & as a teen. I enjoyed the idea of creating a brand that was completely my own. One that could potentially inspire young women around my age, and younger, to feel confident in their bodies while also fueling their minds. I would sit in my room for hours on YouTube & Canva scanning the web to learn everything I could about starting a business. This was a much simpler time as I still viewed it as a fun hobby I did in my room on a Saturday night. It wasn’t until early 2021 that I actually started to take myself seriously. 6 months before I graduated college, I was serving at a restaurant and getting anxiety because of it. With post-graduation approaching, I felt like it was time to quit my job and do something that actually aligned with my purpose. I decided that I would go all-in & run SB swimwear full time.
With very little planning and a whole lot of faith, I executed and started posting on TikTok & Instagram. I started to attract an audience that loved what my brand stood for! Most of my videos were skits or trends that I used to get on the FYP page, some videos even converted into sales! I was feeling really good about my decision! In April I had a video go viral overnight and I woke up to the most traffic I’ve ever seen on my website. Within three days I had accumulated over 800 orders! I was completely shocked and excited but also terrified because— that’s a lot of orders. I spent the next 2 months sending out packages, responding to emails, posting, and trying to juggle my last semester finals & extracurriculars. Luckily I had the support of my parents who worked from home to help me package orders. We spent hours on the living room floor to send crates out the next morning. I could not have done it without the emotional and mental support of my close friends and family.
SB Swimwear had its first feature in a runway show a couple months later—The No Label Summer Walk.
Going through that process and meeting other designers inspired me to start a line that was different than the one I currently have. One that was hand designed by me instead of a curated collection.
Right now, I am in the process of rebranding my entire line—- with a new name, new look, and everything in between. I’m grateful for my journey and for every stranger and loved one that still supports me to this day. That experience taught me so much about myself and what I’m capable of, how to handle online opinions, and the importance of listening to my intuition!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh, those two months following the viral video we’re absolutely bumpy and full of lessons. Every challenge that you could imagine, I’ve probably faced. From angry customers to bulk orders arriving a month late AND in the wrong color, then overselling and having to backtrack—let’s just say I learned a lot. I struggled with online hate for a while toward my reselling business model—buying in bulk and selling it at retail price. It almost made me quit entirely. It was hard logging in and seeing racist comments on my website or on my social media. I constantly felt like my brand was under attack which is hard because SB is my baby.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I view myself as a multi-passionate person. I love projects & love the idea of collaboration. I recently moved back to South Florida, and while I’m rebranding my entire line, I’ve split my focus to being involved in different facets of the industry! I’ve started content creation for brands and businesses. This is something I really enjoy! I love modeling clothing or swimwear for fashion brands! This year’s model casting calls for the Miami swim week shows were happening all across South Florida. I gratefully get the opportunity to walk in my first Swim Week show at DAER Day club at the Hard Rock in July!
It’s the first time the guitar hotel in the sky is putting on a runway show so I’m excited to catwalk at such a large venue on the big screen! It’s going to be very Victoria’s Secret!
But I like to stay busy; I am currently partnering with the Dan Marino Foundation & The AC Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach to organize a runway charity event—featuring swimwear of course! I can’t give too many details away but I’m excited about the impact it’s going to have on the Autism community!
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Not really, other than how important it is to do something that you enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ShopBaliboutique.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/_nikki3x
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UClWMX-EcM73NggWArv-iPsQ
- Other: https://instagram.com/shopbaliboutiquee
Image Credits
Robert Eichman
Rony Agenor
@_visualkbj
