Meet Rachael Sirigotis | Founder / Creative Director

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

Hi Rachael, how do you think about risk?
Every choice is a risk and risk itself, comes in all forms. I’ve learned that the risk of making conventional choices that appear to provide safety and security will often suppress the opportunity for growth, fulfillment and exploring ones potential. 
I was able to embrace risk when my fear of failure was diminished by my desire to follow my creative curiosity and pursue my passions.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I created Meraeke, a sustainable swimwear brand with the intention to close the gap between sustainability, luxury and accessibility within the swimwear space. I recognized the massive and detrimental impact the textile industry as a whole has had on the health of the planet and felt compelled to combine both my love of design / fashion while creating awareness and providing an alternative option for those who wish to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Meraeke’s values are unique in the swim space by adopting a sustainable business model from concept to completion, it is the core value of the brand.

When asked how did I get here, the truth is simple, I just decided to start. I have always followed my curiosity, taken risks and tried on as many hats as I could get my hands on. You know the whole, “shoot your shot” concept? I’ve embraced it since ’93.

Although, I see the value in a straight conventional path, my life has taken a more fluid route driven by curiosity and hunger for new experiences. Meraeke was that next thing for me. I never knew where it would take me nor how it will continue to unfold but I have learned the importance of staying inspired, staying open and always leaving space for the unknown. I’m excited to see how things continue to take form, shift and change within the sustainable fashion space and the possibilities on the horizon for Meraeke.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The unwavering support and outpouring of love of my friends and family has armed me with the confidence, courage and resilience to relentlessly pursue any endeavor I feel called to explore. When beginning my venture with Meraeke and becoming a sole business owner, I realized that although the risk and workload fell entirely upon me alone, that the support of my circle played a vital role in energizing me to stay the course through the fear of uncertainty and unforeseen roadblocks ahead. Defeat is not a unique feeling to feel in the process, and I’ve heard it said that if you’re not failing, you’re not even trying. It is something easy to understand yet difficult to navigate and not allow to consume and discourage you. We all fall into it from time to time. It’s in the inevitable moments of density, frustration and exhaustion that my circle reminds me of my vision, of who I am and what I’m capable of, of how far I’ve come and continue to propel me forward. They may do this through offerings of their time, their patience, their skills, their experience, their unique perspective or simply the act of just being present and holding space for me through talking it out or sharing a comforting silence. As important as it is to have the support through the challenging times, the value my circle provides in the moments of victory and celebration run parallel. Allowing the people close to me into the transparency of the process has opened the space to get to share any amount of success that is derived from it. The seemingly small moments of victory, excitement and joy, deepen greatly by the ability to share in it and celebrate together. I have been blessed with an intimate and beautifully curated circle in my life who encourage and inspire me, who motivate me to pursue my passion because that is what I want, but would ride for me the same if it all burned down tomorrow. People who don’t hold my worth in what I do, but who I am. Those are the people I value most, and those are the people that are essential and deserving of the credit to any success I may ever achieve.

Website: www.meraeke.com

Instagram: @meraeke

Linkedin: RachaelSirigotis

Image Credits
Valeria Sarto