Meet Celeste Madhere | Designer & Caribbean Sea Lover

We had the good fortune of connecting with Celeste Madhere and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Celeste, what do you attribute your success to?
I would say the most important factor behind the success of Olivia London is our ability to provide unique swimwear. I’ve always loved fashion and creating looks that you didn’t see on others. When it came to swimwear, I wanted pieces that stood out and created conversation (in a good way). When I started Olivia London I was nervous. There were tons of brands in the marketplace already. Why would I start another swimwear line? When I started sketching I created pieces that appealed to me. All I could do is hope that consumers would love what I love. Because I’ve grown up experiencing different cultures, I believe that comes through in our pieces and draws people in.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My goal is to always transform the customer to the Caribbean-the bases of my energy, vibe, color/print choices and design. I think a customer said it the best, “You bring the world of the Caribbean to women who aren’t from there, but love the culture. You make us feel sexy.” I am most proud of my beautiful hand-beaded pieces and how the brand continues to elevate..
Wow my path wasn’t easy. I’ve always designed, but swimwear was never the plan. It only became a passion when I started traveling more and couldn’t find anything I LOVED in the marketplace. I didn’t go to school for Fashion. It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s I started taking classes at Parson’s school of Design. I had to teach myself how to sew, sketch, EVERYTHING.
If I had to do it over again, I would have studied business in college. It’s so important in running your business.
Our brand: Olivia London is a luxury swimwear brand that specializes in creating looks for the beach, not just swimwear. We are not just a brand, but a lifestyle.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I think it would be fun if my best friend was visiting my favorite city/island, Barbados. Funny, this is the question because we are going in 2 weeks. Favorite shopping: Limegrove
Favorite hang: Oistens
Favorite places to eat: LaCabane, The local, Seashed
Food of choice: Flying fish sandwich w/pepper sauce
Drink of choice: Rum punch

If it’s Miami, any place that has salsa & great cuban food
Fave Restaurant: Amara
Fave lounge: Bodega

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh wow, there are quite a few to mention. Let’s start with my bestfriend, Traci Greene. She’s the one that recognized i wasn’t doing what I really loved and really pushed me to jump back into designing.

2nd would be Pastor Crosby at Wheeler Ave Baptist Church. He doesn’t realize it, but he gave several powerful. sermons regarding following your heart, living to your full capacity. I felt like I kept hearing it over and over and finally I said, let’s do this. His words really resonated with me.

Books that really had an impact on me and that I reread often are: Battlefield of the Mine by joyce Meyer and You are a Bad Ass by jen Sincero

Website: www.olivialondonswimwear.com

Instagram: @olivialondonswim

Facebook: olivialondonswimwear

Image Credits
Seashell (Sitting down) + Turquoise bikini: Photoographer: Ikenna Douglas Brown/turquoise beaded (Dark skin model): Photographer: Jessy J Photo/Model: Tanyka Renee Standing seashell: Singer Ashanti