Elevate your knowledge of e-commerce success with an insider’s look into SKOKA Swim. Join us as we uncover the strategies and insights that have paved the way for SKOKA Swim to stand out in the dynamic landscape of online entrepreneurship.
1. Can you introduce yourself and Skoka Swim?
SKOKA Swim started with the simple idea of creating chic swimwear to represent the Muskoka lifestyle and values. We are dedicated to providing swimwear options that encompass the comfort and feeling one gets when visiting the Muskoka region. Although Skoka Swim is primarily Muskoka based, we are hoping to eventually share our lifestyle and brand across Canada, and around the world. Below is a brief background on our co-founders!
SIERRA NEUDORF
Hello! I am Sierra and I am a born and raised Muskokan. My idea for starting a swimwear company originated while I was on a university exchange in Australia back in 2018. The abundance of amazing swimwear there inspired me to create my own designs specific for our Muskoka region back home. Once I began planning the business out, I quickly realized it was a lot to take on for one person, however this past winter my hometown friend and business degree colleague was eager to join and our shared passion for business has us well on our way to launching in 2021!
RACHEL MILLER
Hello, my name is Rachel Miller! I am 23 years old and grew up living in different areas around the Muskoka region. Coming from an entrepreneurial family, I have always had an ambition and drive to one day start my own business. After four years studying international business, including one semester abroad in Australia, I was eager to join Sierra on her mission to create a Muskoka based swimwear line. I am extremely excited to be creating a brand and company that reflects my Muskoka roots and uses all of the knowledge and skills I have acquired over the past four years!
2. How was Skoka Swim born? How did you start?
Skoka Swim began in 2018 on an exchange to Brisbane, Australia. The abundance of beautiful swimwear options they had there inspired me (Sierra) to custom design my own that were suited towards the Muskokan/Canadian lifestyle! My colleague, Rachel, and I attend the Telfer School of Management and our combined passions for Muskoka, business and swimwear have propelled the idea forward throughout the past year. We have worked extremely hard on every single detail of the brand in order to embrace the beauty and values found in the Muskoka region! Stay tuned for our official launch this April (2021)!!
3. What makes Skoka Swim different? Can you explain your products with details?
Each of the Skoka Swim products are custom designed by our co-founders. From the colour, to the embroidery details, to the swimwear styles that each started out as a simple drawing, we have created unique and soon to become beloved products for everyone!
We offer a variety of unisex merchandise that is embroidered right here in Muskoka. We have caps that are perfect for sunny days and a wide range of crews/hoodies which are a Muskoka evening necessity. We also have some new and exciting products coming soon!
Our featured women’s swimwear line has something for everyone! There is the option to mix-and-match any of the colours or styles as well as the ability to choose different sizes of tops and bottoms. The fabric is of the highest quality and each piece is double lined for extra comfort and support. Each piece also suits a variety of different swimwear preferences. We have the Fairy Top which offers a sexy, strappy design; there is the Kahshe Top which provides more coverage with a bandeau shape while still looking so chic; our Vernon Top is made for smaller-busts that are looking for a little extra lift; both of the bottoms are figure flattering in their own way, with the Kahshe being high-waisted and the Fairy offering the lower-cut that’s perfect for tanning; and lastly, our Bella One Piece is the only one piece you will ever need.. Check out our Instagram and you’ll know exactly what we mean! @skokaswim
4. What reactions do you get from your clients? Do they love your products?
We have heard great reviews! Here are just two of the reviews from our amazing customers!
“I recently purchased two different styles of bathing suits from Skoka Swim! Being from Muskoka I own many bathing suits from different places and I am more than impressed with the quality, comfort and styles that Skoka Swim offers! Most definitely would recommend this company to anyone!
I am not typically someone who wears one piece bathing suits but after seeing Skoka Swim’s Bella One Piece I had to get it in the black! Super happy with the quality and how confident I feel in it!” – Allyson from Port Carling, ON
“I purchased the black hoodie from Skoka Swim this past year and I can say by far it is the most comfortable sweater I own! I’ve already purchased others as gifts for people … definitely go get one if you’re looking to be comfortable and stylish! “ – Ethan from Rosseau, ON
“Skoka Swim is worth all of the hype! They have a versatile range of clothing and swimwear made from very comfortable material, as well as being Muskoka-based, which I love. I bought the white Skoka crewneck and I love that it’s a thick material but still breathable. Can’t wait to see more from this brand!” – Tamara from Huntsville, ON
5. What are the advantages of Skoka Swim?
Some of the advantages of purchasing from Skoka Swim include the company being:
– Local
– Sustainable
– Ethical
Skoka Swim is entirely run by two local Muskoka girls! We have also partnered with a small business in Huntsville who does all of the embroidery for our merchandise products. On top of this, we are pairing up with more local businesses for some exciting new launches in 2022!
Following along with Muskoka values, we have worked towards making Skoka Swim as sustainable as possible. Most notably our swimwear fabric is made of 78% recycled plastic from the ocean! The manufacturer we are working with donates 10 cents from every piece purchased to the ROLE foundation, which continues to work towards eliminating harmful waste from the oceans. They also ensure all excess fabric is recycled again. On our end, we have purchased 100% biodegradable packaging and are continuously looking out for more ways to reduce our environmental impact.
Last but not least is our ethical practices. When you purchase our Skoka Swim swimwear you are purchasing from an ethical manufacturer in Bali whose labour procedures and policies match our Western standards. All employees are paid above minimum wage and are able to negotiate their salaries. Their work week is less than 40hrs/week and all overtime is voluntary and paid for accordingly. All employees receive an extra month of salary annually and are a part of a profit share scheme which allocates part of the company’s profits on an annual basis on top of their salaries. Each employee receives a weekly meal allowance and health insurance for themselves and their immediate family. On top of this, the company ensures that opportunities are frequently given for employees to increase their skills. English classes are offered on a regular basis and free zumba and soccer practices are arranged weekly for all of the workers. We (Rachel and Sierra) will also be personally visiting the manufacturer once borders and travel re-opens to tour their site and practices.
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