ThriveInspire: Strange Bikini CEO Ali Conway
I am so excited to introduce a new ThriveMomma Series — ThriveInspire — a series featuring Mom-Preneurs who are willing to give us some insight into the good, the bad and the ugly on balancing motherhood and business!
“Making women feel their best and looking their strangest, Ali Conway: killin’ the bikini game.”
The only thing more awesome than Strange Bikinis is Ali Conway, the mom behind the brand! Ali is momma to an adorable 6 month old boy, Calvin, and the mastermind behind the handcrafted swimwear for women, Strange Bikinis.
I wanted to interview Ali for this series for a few reasons. For starters, I first discovered Ali and Strange Bikinis via a fundraiser she sponsored called The Big Dip. Not only did this event seem super fun (think fancy polar bear plunge — Tahoe, rad bikinis and yoga) it also raised money for two deserving causes centered around women supporting women (LOVE THIS): Women as Change Makers and Zawadisha. Take a read about the event here and check out the featured story on the Strange Bikini Insta. I immediately wanted to know who was behind creating such an event and was pleasantly surprised (although I don’t know why I surprised!) to see that it was an entrepreneur momma!
Second, after a bit of social media stalking, I realized that, not only did this momma make to die for bathing suits, she was also working to create a community of women supporting women: “We’re all about keeping the vibes good and encouraging Strangers to embrace what makes you, You.” (Stranger = member of the Strange Bikini community — STILL LOVE). Further, Ali says:
“My main goals are to make women feel amazing in a swimsuit and to build up a community of supportive women (and men)”.
Long story short, I had to know more about Ali!
Ali started Strange Bikini, headquartered in Reno, after obtaining a degree in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA. Having originally made swimsuits prior to fashion school, Ali embraced that passion, made a few swimsuits and Strange Bikini was born! Fueled by a strong social media following, Ali worked 2, sometimes 3, jobs to to get the Strange Bikini going, reinvesting every saved penny back into the business. Ali actually hand made each bikini for the first 5 years at which point she had saved enough for production!
“People love Strange Bikinis because of the inclusivity and the way they look and feel on.”
Ali’s dedication to her business and her son is really inspiring. Ali takes Calvin to the office with her and while she hopes to find a better balance between running Strange Bikinis and giving him (what she considers to be) a better day she does offer some important advice for working moms, Ali says, “know that you are showing your child leadership, dedication, perseverance, entrepreneurship, work ethic, the list goes on by choosing to work and be a mom. Some of us don’t have the luxury of a baby sitter or nanny and we have to find a way to make it work. Just know that you can do it and don’t let the guilt of doing both weigh you down” and honestly, I just love this.
I’m so happy to support Ali! Her mission and support of women is admirable and the example she sets for her son and other working mom-preneurs is inspiring! In conclusion, you’ll find this postpartum body running after a toddler on the beaches of Coronado in a Strange Bikini suit all summer!
Here’s some contact info for Ali and Strange Bikinis:
Phone Number: 775.499.4888
Hmm those bikinis don’t look too strange to me but I’m guessing the naming is for marketing. I’ve seen some athletes wear those types of bikinis.
Very good marketing and I will show them to my wife and daughter as we head to the Caribbean. Thanks for this series on entrepreneurship and good pics
Women supporting women is always a good thing. Ali seems to be doing great work in her space!
You have just reminded that summer is around the corner and I need some good swimwear. http://www.thecozyme.com
Check them out!!
Ali has launched an interesting brand and it is good to come across successful women making a name for themselves.
That’s really fun marketing with the naming. I love inclusive brands that want to help women feel great about themselves.
Ali has done extremely well in getting this business off the ground. Wishing her success.
Very inspiring and encouraging mom for all women. Would like to share this with my friend circle. 😊
Please do!
First thought was that that’s a really funky name! Great to see women supporting other women.
I will be checking out Strange Bikini! I love that they are not only creating an amazing product but are also supporting women and mompreneurs. As a mom and business owner, I understand the need for balance and want to support others fighting similar battles. Thanks for profiling this amazing company!
Thank you! I’m so happy to bring this company to others!
Your movement is about positivity and encouragement. Great initiative and wish you the very best
I’ll pass the well wishes on to Ali!
What a great story! I look forward to more posts in this series. Now, off to check out Ali’s website.
Find yourself a nice bathing suit!!
This is such a cool idea for a series!!! I loved this post!!
I’m having a ton of fun talking to all these mommas too!
Inspirational start up story, I live reading this kinda thing! Great post! 🙂
More to come from Mom entrepreneurs!
Went through the instagram page. Loved it. This was an inspiring post. Thank you.
So happy to hear you enjoyed! Her insta is really well done!
Saying yes to embracing who you are and celebrating your bod with a pretty swimsuit! Happy Spring, Kippi #kippiathome
Happy Spring Kippi!
I kept waiting to see a strange bikini, but only saw amazing ones. Way to go! This was a great story to read. I love when women succeed!
I think Super Awesome Super Flattering Super Stylish was too long of a name 🤪
This was an inspiring story of a woman teying to help other women feeling better about themselves. Thanks for sharing her journey
Of course! Glad you enjoyed!
I have never been comfortable being in a swimsuit. I grew up in a culture that didn’t encourage showing more skin than necessary so we used to go swimming wearing shorts and shirts. lol. When I moved here in the U.S. and we went swimming, I was the only one not wearing the proper attire. So great to find your blog and learn more about swimming attires!
There is a wide array of options! It’s all about what you are comfortable in
I’d love to see more photos of the swimwear that Ally has designed. It sounds awesome.
Check out her instagram!!
Wow what an awesome and inspiring mama!!
It’s always great to see a fellow mom living her dream of running a business and it’s even better that it’s one to support other moms!
Agreed! Ali is awesome!
It is always inspiring to read the stories of other moms living their dreams. I especially love the advice she shares for other mothers!