Swimsuits look good, fit well and help people
It’s no secret that finding the perfect swimsuit can be a struggle.
But, when Amy Bonner got frustrated with her swimwear search, instead of choosing an ill-fitting suit that was the least offensive among the rest, she decided to make her own.
What started as one swimsuit quickly turned into a brand, and the Vancouver-based Union Swimwear was born. Bonner stepped away from her swimsuit business to chat with Postmedia News about her company: Q What is Union Swimwear?
A Union Swimwear is socially responsible, and the reversible one-piece swimsuits are cute. A portion of the profits are donated to HOPE International Development Agency (HOPE International), specifically to provide clean water to communities in need. HOPE International exists to improve the supply of basic human necessities for the neediest of the developing world through self-help activities, and to challenge, educate and involve North Americans regarding development issues. Union Swimwear has recently donated enough to purchase our first well in Cambodia.
Q When and why did you start the brand?
A Union was born about a year ago. I moved up to Squamish and started a full-time accounting role, working from home. I had a lot of time on my hands, and I felt like I wasn’t getting the social aspect of working in an office. Plus, I wanted something creative, fun and also wanted a way to give back. I was really struggling to find a one-piece swimsuit that really fit my body the way I wanted. A friend of mine suggested I just sew my own — I had tried sewing in the past and was no good at it — even though my mom is an avid sewer. Her house is complete with a sewing room, including three different sewing machines.
Q Did she help with that first design?
A I mocked up some sketches, and my mom sewed the first sample. I searched for a Vancouver manufacturer and couldn’t find one that made sense, price-wise, if I wanted to offer at the reasonable price point of $85, plus being able to donate a portion from every sale to HOPE International. Long story short, I created a suit for myself and made it into a business because I wasn’t feeling fulfilled with my current state of life. Since then, I’ve moved back to the city.
Q How much are the Union Swimwear pieces?
A They’re $85 online — since they’re reversible — you’re really getting two for the price of one.