Meet Marcia Hacker | Owner of Sauipe Swim

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

Hi Marcia, how do you think about risk?
I have always taken risks, even before I started my business. Over 30 years ago I decided to study Computer Sciences in college. Back then men dominate the field of computers and engineering. After college, I made the most risky move of my life. I left my home, family, and friends in Brazil and came to the United States. I did have about $500 in cash and a small credit card. Although I did not initially have a job, I did come legally and was hired by a large consulting firm, where I started to work in my field of systems engineering.

Starting a business was just another risk I took, and it wasn’t surprising to me or to those around me.

I see risk taking as a challenge for growth, even fun, and an opportunity to discover new things and, to enjoy new experiences. I don’t really feel any fear when taking risks, so there is never a negative or heavy connotation to the work ‘risk’ in my mind.

That absence of fear serves me well in the business. For instance, when the pandemic started, it was a very difficult and unknown situation for everyone. Obviously, I was also stressed over it, but I realized very early on that I had to come up with solutions to pivot my business and continue. I turned fear and stress into determination.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started the business almost by accident. I wanted to have a swimwear brand but didn’t know where or how to start. My family already had the manufacturing know-how in Brazil, so that part was relatively easy. But not knowing anything about fashion and specifically about the niche of swim, and jumping into a business was risky and a bit crazy. From the very beginning, we never wanted to compromise on quality. No matter how much harder it would be to sell our products (higher cost), quality was and still is a top priority. A few years ago stores and sales reps told me that we needed ‘newness’, more production, cheaper, and without considering if that would be sold. I persevered and told them no, that we would focus on creating very high-quality, timeless swimsuits in small batches. I did not want us to be a fast-fashion brand. Staying slow fashion was important to us because we did not want to waste materials or see our suits go to the landfill. I believe that quality is more important than quantity.

Sounds familiar? We were sustainable before the word was en vogue and I am really proud of that. We started for the right reasons, not thinking it would be so important 13 years later. And I want the world to know that, and to associate Sauipe Swim with good business ethics. And sustainability goes beyond the actual product we create. I strongly believe that women are the backbone of any economy, and we set an example for our children, no matter their gender. Being a sustainable business, in my opinion, includes paying fair wages to our associates and supporting organizations that educate and support women and girls.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Certainly the beach and going for hikes. I live in Culver City, California and we have lots of fun restaurants in my town and others nearby. To combine the beach, great food, great drinks and a fun relaxed environment, I would take my guests to the Shutters in Santa Monica.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The most influential person in my life is my father. Maybe genetics played a role in the fact that we are risk-takers and are never afraid of trying new things. I have always said that when I grow up, I want to be like my dad. There are many examples of his legacy. After a double major, a Masters in Economics, and retiring from his job, my dad decided to attend Law School. He never missed a day of class. His goal was to experience something new and to learn. He never thought he was old, or ‘done’, or tired. Fourty years ago, when home banking was starting in Brazil, my dad volunteered to test the system for the bank at home on his computer. Imagine, there were not many home computers in Brazil, and my father was already in his 50’s. I have a lot more stories about him! He approached every day as a new opportunity to learn something new, to experience life to the fullest taking risks every step of the way.

Website: https://www.sauipeswim.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sauipeswimwear/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sauipeswimwear/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sauipeswim

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SauipeSwimwear

Image Credits
Camilo Rios Antea Ferrari