For years dessert has been the bikini’s ultimate nemesis but entrepreneur Dani Kates has found a way to bring them both together in perfect harmony.
Inspired by all women’s favourite indulgence, sweets, Kandi Swim by Dani Kates line of swimwear is a fun, playful and flirty line of swimwear that lets you have your cake and wear it too!
KanDi Swim has already made a splash in the fashion world and can be seen in the pages of WWD, Seventeen and Women’s Surf Style Magazine. Additionally Dani Kate’s swimwear has been showcased on The Travel Channel’s ‘Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches’ and The Los Angeles KTLA morning news.
It’s clear that Dani is bound for a great future in building her empire as she’s not afraid to dive head first into the deep end with her unwavering passion and enthusiasm for what she does.
WomanzWorld: What was the catalyst that made you want to start your own business?
Dani Kates: I always knew that I wanted to eventually design my own line of clothing one day, but I had never planned when that day would be. While I was studying at Parsons School of Design, I had an idea for a swimwear collection that I developed and created for my senior thesis project.
I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to present my collection to a panel of industry professionals, which included the director of Bergdorf Goodman. She told me it was a great concept to build a brand around and to run with it. Hearing these words from someone with her level of experience was amazing and extremely motivating.
What has been your biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it?
Dani Kates
The biggest challenge that I have faced is finding balance. As an entrepreneur, and more particularly an extremely dedicated person, it is hard to separate my business life from my personal life.
I overcame this by acknowledging that there is no exact formula to finding balance while growing a company, it is something that has to be continuously worked on in order to stay fresh.
When did you experience your first business win or success & what impact did it have?
My first real big success was definitely when KanDi Swim was on The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch. I just applied online, and they selected me! After appearing on the show, the interest and excitement from so many strangers reinforced my belief that this company would be a success and made me realize that it was time to take the company to the next level.
As a result of my appearance on the show, I was introduced to an individual who became my business partner and together we built a management team that will help the company reach its goals.
What’s the single most important thing you’ve learned to date?
The most important thing I have learned to date is to think objectively, not emotionally sometimes. As an owner of a company, there is often more passion and attachment involved which can make it harder to step back and detach yourself from a situation.
I love having my heart in this business but I have learned in order to make rational and intelligent business decisions, you have to know when to think with your head and when to think with your heart.
What are the key strengths/qualities you’ve found in yourself as an entrepreneur?
My key strengths are definitely my adaptability and my optimism. I welcome constructive criticism and I always maintain a glass-half-full attitude.
What’s your secret to keeping focussed on your business and the vision you have for it?
My secret is to think back to where I was 4 years ago when I first came up with the idea. Tracking the progress the company has made mentally helps me realize how far I have come, and motivates me to keep going.
I love what I do and am constantly thinking of ways to improve myself, the company, and my designs. For me, passion is a driving force and being so passionate about what I do keeps me extremely focused and driven. My secret to staying passionate is always being optimistic and inspired.
Do you have any daily habits as an entrepreneur that propels you to success?
As a designer, it was never in my nature to be organized and systematic, or to have “daily habits” for that matter, but I quickly learned that as entrepreneur and a business owner organization and structure are essential.
I worked to develop my own creative organizational habits which have proven to be extremely helpful. I stay incredibly organized by constantly preparing and updating checklists because remembering to do the little things truly does matter.
Which books you’ve read have made a personal difference to you and influenced you and why?
Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey. He talks a lot about the importance of being pro-active rather than re-active and the importance of thinking objectively. The book also discusses the concepts of synergy and balance which are not only extremely important in the professional and entrepreneurial context, but also on a personal level.
Who Moved My Cheese is about change and adapting, but it’s written as an allegory about mice in a maze. It’s cute but profound at the same time!
What key resources did you draw on when starting out that you’d recommend to entrepreneurs?
- The Newspaper: It is so important to know about what’s going on in the world, with the economy, and in your local news. Knowledge truly is power!
- I research industry related resources like infomat.com and attend trade shows for textiles, prints, and clothing.
- There is a great book called The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing, by Kathleen Fasanella which is by far the best resource for a designer.
Which females are your personal source of inspiration and why?
I find Betsey Johnson to be completely inspirational to me. She lives and breathes the Betsey Johnson brand, and has a real connection to her consumers. Everything she does, whether it is her store layouts, her personal style, and even her personality, really reflects her fun and adventurous nature.
What are your future plans?
For the future, I envision the Dani Kates Company and its labels, Dani Kates and KanDi Swim by Dani Kates to grow into lifestyle brands, but for now the focus remains on building our core business and initial two lines.
What is your key piece of advice to any female considering becoming an entrepreneur?
Trust and have confidence in yourself, first and foremost. There is no way to fully prepare for challenges that may come, so you just have to be ready for change and be willing to adapt.
Of course you will learn as you go, but don’t be afraid to ask questions, or for help, if you need it! Also, remember that passion is universal. If you are passionate about what you do, it’s contagious!
Read interviews of other inspiring female entrepreneurs including Malene Grotrian and Kerry Bannigan
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