[quote style=”boxed”]Keep working hard and DO NOT STOP! I highly encourage all entrepreneurs to keep working no matter how hard it gets. Every day you have to put effort into your business…every single day.[/quote]
It began in her Manhattan apartment…inspired by an array of rock concert t-shirts in her walk-in closet; Robin conceived the idea of custom one-of-a-kind swimwear. Since starting her own line, Robin’s vivacity, originality and charm continue to flourish with her knack to weave elements of history and mesh them with a chic edge. In 1998, Robin made her move from the west coast to NYC and after a stint with an insurance giant; she grew bored with the industry and set about exploring the fashion world. After refining her concept and assessing market potential, she embarked on the founding of Vin-T-Bikini. Robin is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the industry’s bold new designers with a bikini that conveys a downtown look. Her inaugural line debuted, November 2007 holiday season throughout North America and Europe.
Robin founded Vin-T-Bikini in 2006 and serves as the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer through her privately held holding company Robin Ashford Inc.
What are you working on right now?
Currently we are working on “FREE2LUV” an anti-bullying campaign.
Where did the idea for Vin-T-Bikini come from?
Cleaning my closet..going through old t-shirts.
What does your typical day look like?
Normally I wake up at 5am and have my coffee and start answering emails, check Facebook and all social media outlets. Then I start working on the line-up for the day and different projects.
How do you bring ideas to life?
All my designs depend on the individual I’m designing for or the project. I’m very specific to meet my clients look and style.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
I love the bohemian chic look. Sexy- Simple- Easy. If you do it right it can be extremely elegant.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I’d rather not say. It was a very high profile client…so I don’t need to mention how awful it was to work with their stylist. The job was done and the bikinis looked GREAT!
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I would try to use my money more wisely. When you start your own business, it seems to be “tough love” and “learn the hard way”.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Keep working hard and do not stop. I highly encourage all entrepreneurs to keep working no matter how hard it gets. Every day you have to put effort into your business…every single day.
What is one problem you encountered as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
There are several problems I’ve encountered and I’m still trying to solve a few of them. I know I didn’t answer the question but sometimes we have to leave problems where they belong…in the “active, problem- solving file”.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be and how would you go about it?
One thing I’d change immediately would be the abuse of children and animals. I would support all campaigns and obviously I’d have the money and power to make drastic change globally. Does money come along with me being able to make a change in the world? Hope so! I’ll need it!
What are your three favorite online tools or resources and what do you love about them?
Google, Facebook …Pinterest.
These three tools are amazing for connecting with clients, suppliers and media.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
I wish I could remember it! and I can’t find the book my pattern maker gave me.
Three people we should follow on Twitter and why?
- FREE2LUV (anti-bullying campaign)
- Bloomberg (we all need to know what’s going on financially)
- Jaime Krell (celebrity stylist)
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
I decided to give my hair a honey/olive oil and egg yolk mask. I left it in my hair for 20 minutes, washed my hair and then got ready for mass. My daughter was sitting next to me in mass and was holding her breath. I asked why she was doing that. She said my hair smelled so bad, like egg, and it was gross! We had to leave church. Yuck! I still laugh about it and that happened a day ago.
Who is your hero?
Wonder Woman.
How do you stay motivated and positive during the “the down season for swimwear”?
I usually make a list of things I haven’t had time to do. Also it’s a perfect time for me to reach out to editors and stylists to prepare for the upcoming season.
I’m sure women tell you all the time “I can’t wear a bikini…I need to lose weight”. What is your answer to that?
Most women are not happy with their bodies..no matter how great of shape they are in. It amazes me every time I hear it! So my answer is: Then wear a wrap. I do! Problem solved.
Connect:
- Robin Macy on LinkedIn: Robin Ashford Macy
- Vin-T-Bikini on Facebook:
- Vin-T-Bikini on Twitter: !/vintbikini
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.