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

Hi Ashanté, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always been drawn to fashion. From the time I was little, and collected over 200 Barbie’s that I had to dress to my liking every day, all the way up until I enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology. It took me a while to find my way to the swimwear design world, but I always knew I’d work in interior design, store visual merchandising, or fashion in some capacity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
With family at the forefront, Novados combines my parents’ lineage; Nova Scotia and Barbados. My maternal Nova Scotian side is where I began loving the art of crocheting and knitting. My grandmother and great-grandmother taught me both when I was four years old. My draw to the ocean comes from my paternal Bajan side.

I spent too much time trying to find swimwear that fits my top and bottom. One-piece and monokinis are a nightmare to fit. Bikini bottoms in sets are always too small for my bottom. Knowing I’m not alone in this dilemma, I had to do something about it.

It is essential to me that I am as inclusive as possible since many swimwear brands neglect womanly shaped customers. I want to make sure I offer women different swimsuits that embrace their bodies. That’s why I crochet. The form-fitting yet comfortable feel of a crochet piece is like an extension of the skin you’re in. So many other collections can make you feel ashamed when the size you think you should wear is too small. It’s not our fault we are made with complexities; it’s that brand’s for not highlighting it!

Website: https://novadosswim.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/novadosswim?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/novados-swim/

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/novadosswim

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/novadosswim

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa9qA0Dv0rVL1Jn7I6iyByA

Image Credits
Photographer: Andres Zawadzki

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