From Side Hustle to Full-Time Empire

When I started my MBA journey, I was on a mission: climb the corporate ladder as fast as possible. My goal was clear — become a VP by 40, and I would be happy. Happy… right?

I had everything mapped out:

• Executive program ✔️

• Leadership trainings ✔️

• Manager role ✔️

• Company investing in my growth ✔️

• A corporate job I found rewarding ✔️

I was doing all the “right” things to build a successful corporate career. And then everything shifted…

The Matrix is Imploding?!

Mass layoffs hit the industry. Organizational restructures reshaped teams overnight. The VP I had intentionally chosen to work for took an extended leave of absence. Uncertainty crept in. Eventually, the structure collapsed entirely. While I was fortunate to still have a job, I no longer had a team. The ladder I had worked so hard to climb suddenly felt longer. I was back at the bottom. The environment changed. It became demoralizing. Toxic. Hostile. I found myself reporting to someone who didn’t value their team. Gaslighting became normalized.

Is this success? Is this what I worked toward? WHAT AM I WORKING TOWARD? Is this where I imagined I’d be? FML… more like FCL (Corporate Life)

During my MBA program, we did a developmental exercise called “the f*cked up story,” where we shared our worst professional experiences in a peer setting. As I thought about what to share, I realized, I was currently living it, I was a character in the f*ed up story.  That realization changed everything. Let’s disrupt the disruption, layoffs, AI disruption, corporate politics, these factors won’t dictate my identity or my future. I’ the main character of this story, and I will dictate what happens next. First step: end the abusive cycle and leave that job. So I did.  nd when I spoke up, others found their courage too. That was the break-free moment. We don’t have to tolerate yelling, belittling, or disrespect. Professional women deserve better.  What can be worse than getting punched in the face everyday, whether metaphorically or physically? Enough. Time to end that ish, reclaiming control, I asked myself: What do I love? What do I not love? What would actually make me happy?

... and then, Morgan called: “Ugh. Don’t you hate going to company events and feeling ogled at the pool?” she said. “Like I want something cute and modest but not frumpy. I can’t find anything! I just want to feel… not naked.”

Not Naked… while I do love myself a tiny bikini, I often remove myself from corporate after hours because of that exact reason, whether in a swimsuit or in skimpy cocktail dress or skintight lululemons I hated feeling exposed, especially in that setting. Or being uncomfortable with my in-laws or other parents as I run around my kids at the beach with a thong up my... well you know. That was it!

“Buy the domain." I responded. And just like that, Not Naked Swimwear was born.

Building a Modest Swimwear Brand for Modern Working Women.

As working professionals and women who travel for conferences and corporate events, we understood the problem deeply:

• We wanted stylish swimwear.

• We wanted modest coverage.

• We wanted to feel confident.

• We didn’t want to sacrifice femininity.

• We didn’t want to feel overly exposed.

And as a mom, I also knew another truth: we’re so busy putting sunscreen on our kids that we forget ourselves. And we most definitely don’t have time to coordinate entire outfits: swimsuit, flip flops, hat, towels,... and a coverup? I need a one and done. Something I can slip on and wear all day in multiple settings. 

That’s why we designed modest swimwear with UPF protection. Our pieces offer full-day wearability and sun protection, like a built-in layer of sunscreen. They are cute and comfortable, and most certainly pass the bend-over test. 

Not Naked Swimwear is more than just a fashion brand. It’s a solution. Our brand, aligned to our values.

• Modest but cute swimwear

• Sustainable, not fast fashion

• Quality pieces meant to last

• Designed for women by women

From the beginning, we committed to building a sustainable swimwear brand rooted in circular fashion principles.

We believe in:

• Fewer, better pieces

• Long-lasting quality

• Thoughtful production

• Reducing environmental footprint

Fast fashion wasn’t an option. We are building a women-owned swimwear brand that values craftsmanship, longevity, and responsible manufacturing. Our goal is to support carbon-conscious initiatives and leave the smallest footprint possible.

Boss Babe Era, defining success on own on terms.

There was a moment when I felt crushed, devastated, and defeated. But sometimes pressure creates transformation. It creates Diamonds… Yes, there have been challenges. Manufacturing hurdles. Design iterations. Learning curves. Timelines missed. But we’ve learned, adapted and grown. This isn’t just about swimwear. It’s about redefining confidence for today’s woman. It’s about creating modest, stylish swimwear that allows you to show up at a work retreat, family vacation, or beach day feeling empowered! Something we’re proud of. Will this become a full-time empire? I can’t to see. Who said women can’t have it all?

This is a working prototype and not a finished version of our full-coverage one piece that we will be selling end of spring early summer 2026