Shout Out Miami
We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Hinchcliffe and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Amanda, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
There are many reasons as to why I decided to start your own brand. As a former swimwear model, I had a strong desire to start a swimwear label, with the love of the ocean and desire to build an online platform that will allow me to work from anywhere in the world. I knew it would be a thrilling and rewarding experience that would allow me to express my creativity and pursue my passion in a way that is uniquely mine. I aspired to be my own boss, and take control of my career path, knowing that it would lead me to personal and professional growth.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m beyond excited to introduce you to my Australian brand. Founded in 2018, Kobu Collective Swim is a brand committed to producing the next in fashion swimwear flair. Despite launching during a pandemic, my brand has quickly become a go-to for must-have styles. My designs are focused on empowering individuals to feel confident and beautiful, while promoting body positivity and self-love. Each piece is created with high attention to detail, demonstrating my brand’s commitment to quality.
My swimwear offers a unique blend of style, elegance and sustainability that will invigorate your beach and poolside wardrobe like never before and perfect for any occasion.
With a dedication to sustainability, Kobu Swim uses only luxurious soft-touch recycled and upcycled fabrics, making a bold statement in the swimwear fashion industry by supporting the conservation of our oceans and marine life.
We invite you to join us in our mission to create a more sustainable future while looking and feeling amazing in our swimwear
What you are most proud of or excited about?
I’m thrilled to be showcasing my latest 2023/24 collection at Miami Swim Week fashion shows this July 2023. Kobu is embarking on a new venture by introducing a line of resort wear for both men and women.
I’m also proud to announce that KOBU will be teaming up with Beyond Tha Noize, a talented Australian DJ, electronic artist, and music producer, for our upcoming runway shows. We can’t wait to collaborate with Beyond Tha Noize and create an unforgettable musical experience for our audience.
During our stay in Miami, we will be giving away Kobu Hemp Goodie Bags in collaboration with several remarkable Australian brands, such as Found My Skin (sunscreen), ME2 Official (Sports wear) , Naked Tann (Tanning product), BBsleek (Hair products) and many more. To obtain one for yourself, simply locate us, snap a photo, and tag Kobu. We’ll be sharing all the details on our stories.
How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?
Establishing my brand from the ground up has definitely been a challenging journey, Particularly due to the impact of COVID, start-up financial constraints, and my initial lack of business expertise.
Running a business requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt. By learning valuable lessons and overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship, you can build a thriving business that serves your customers and supports your goals.
What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
Through the years of experience, the 2 most valuable lessons I’ve learnt are:
#1 Time is money: In business, time is a valuable resource. I’ve learnt how to manage my time effectively to get the most out of my day.
#2 Embrace failure: Failure is an inevitable part of entrepreneurship. You Learn a lot from your mistakes, you need to know when to pivot when necessary and always keep moving forward.
What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Kobu’s mission is to empower women and men by creating eco-friendly swim & resort wear that is both stylish and sustainable. We take pride in reducing our ecological footprint and promoting body positivity and self-love. Our goal is to encourage individuals to find their perfect fit, feel their best, and join us in the eco-fashion movement. With Kobu Swim, you can look good and feel good, knowing that your swim/resort wear was crafted with love and care for both you and the environment”
We’re committed to ethical manufacturing practices to ensure that our products have a positive impact on the world.
We believe that sustainability is more than just a trend – it’s a way of life.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
#1 ShoutOut to My mum “Carol Hinchcliffe”
My Mum has such positive influence in my life and has played a critical role in helping me build your brand. It takes a great deal of effort, time, and dedication and having my mum in my corner who is willing to provide mentorship and encouragement can make all the difference. My mum’s continued support has helped me to stay motivated during the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and her guidance, love and belief in me has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams & has helped me to navigate difficult decisions and challenges along the way.
She is an incredible person who has had a profound impact on my life and my success and it is clear that her influence will continue to be felt in my life and with my brand for many years to come.
#2 Shoutout to
Eloise Monaghan’s founder of Honey Birdette , her story is a great example of what can be achieved with the right mindset and approach to building my own brand! Her journey serves as an encouragement to me & anyone who is thinking of starting their own business. With dedication, perseverance, and a clear vision, I knew I could also build a successful brand that inspires and empowers others. It is also a clear reminder that anything is possible if one sets their mind to it.
“One day, I walked into a Sunshine Coast, AUS, newsagent’s and saw her picture/story in the paper. Eloise had just sold her brand for $440 million to playboy. At that moment, I remember thinking to myself, “That will be me someday!”
Website: www.kobucollective.com
Instagram: @kobucollectiveswim
Facebook: @kobucollectiveswim
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kobucollective
Image Credits
@rockybatchelor @decentcrop @itsonlyjustv @shefoxyphotography