Meet BRITTANY JOHNSON

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful BRITTANY JOHNSON a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi BRITTANY, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I wasn’t always the confident person I am today. In high school and my early years of university, I was quite shy. Everything changed in my second year at university when I got a job with Red Bull. This role required me to step out of my comfort zone and confront my shyness head-on. Initially, I had to fake confidence, but over time, it became genuine. My friends at Red Bull, some of whom were my high school classmates, were incredibly supportive and encouraging.

After Red Bull, I secured an internship with Dream Entertainment in Kingston Jamaica, which put me in a dynamic, fast paced environment with new people. This experience forced me to grow and interact more confidently. At the same time, I was developing my swimwear brand, Miakalani Swim, which involved engaging with customers, manufacturers, and suppliers.

Through these jobs and the continuous support from my amazing friends, who always uplifted me, my self-esteem grew. These experiences and the people around me have shaped me into the confident and self-assured person I am today.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Hello!

I’m Brittany Johnson-Murray, the visionary behind Miakalani Swim, a brand that has become one of Jamaica’s leading swimwear brands over the past decade. Our journey started small, inspired by my love for creating and desire to work for myself. The brand is named after my adorable little cousin Mia-Kalani, and has grown into a celebrated label. You can dive into our collection at [MiakalaniSwim.com](https://MiakalaniSwim.com). Miakalani Swim is proudly showcased at Locale in Kingston, Jamaica, at The Collective in Montego Bay, Jamaica and at Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay, and until recently, we were also featured in Flying Solo in Paris, France.

Building Miakalani Swim has been a thrilling adventure. I’ve poured my heart into creating vibrant, stylish swimwear that captures the essence of island life. Seeing our designs on beaches and in stores around the world has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited for the future as we continue to expand and innovate.

But there’s more to my story. I’m also deeply passionate about animal rescue and run an animal rescue in Kingston. I’ve always had a soft spot for animals and I am committed to going above and beyond to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. This work brings immense fulfillment and balances the creativity and energy I channel into Miakalani Swim.

On the personal front, I’ve recently embarked on a new chapter—marriage! My husband and I have recently moved to London, and we’re enjoying the vibrant culture and opportunities this city offers.

My life is a blend of fashion and compassion, driven by a love for creating beautiful swimwear and a dedication to animal welfare. Both my brand and my rescue efforts give me a profound sense of purpose and joy, inspiring me to keep pushing forward.

Brittany Johnson-Murray
Owner & Director, Miakalani Swim
[MiakalaniSwim.com](https://MiakalaniSwim.com)

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The Three Pillars That Built My Brand

1. Grit: The Backbone of Success
Building my brand wasn’t a stroll on the beach; it was more like hiking up a mountain! I often flirted with the idea of settling into a comfortable 9-5 job, but each time, my commitment to my brand and vision won out. There’s no how-to guide for creating a brand, especially in Jamaica, so I became my own teacher and sought wisdom from those who had traveled similar paths. Many people throw in the towel too early, but I was determined not to be one of them.

2. “Live Good with People”: The Power of Relationships
My knack for nurturing genuine relationships opened doors I never knew existed. Connecting authentically with people has led to opportunities I couldn’t have scripted. This philosophy of “living good” with others has been a game-changer, making the journey as rewarding as the destination.

3. A Strong Support System: My Unsung Heroes
My brand’s success isn’t a solo achievement; So many amazing people behind the scenes help to make everything come together. Every photoshoot, every runway show, everything! From models to photographers, my mother and sister, and amazing friends, and ofcourse my amazing husband! Every contribution has been a stepping stone towards progress and growth. I’m deeply grateful for the incredible support I’ve received. Your help has been invaluable, and you all truly are amazing!

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

In Jamaica, I collaborated with a group of talented ladies who assisted in the sewing and production of my pieces. Recently, I relocated to London with my husband. Due to this move, I am now seeking manufacturers to produce my pieces and high-end stockists to showcase them. Currently, my pieces are available at Locale, an absolutely beautiful artisan store in Kingston, Jamaica, and at The Collective in Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica. They were also recently stocked at Flying Solo in Paris and the Flying Solo Copper Room in New York.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Models:
Krystal Pitt @krystalangelique
Liane Chung @libogie89
Megan McNaughton @megzannaja
Veronika Sramata @veronnnie

Photographers:
Sara Webley @sara.webley
Jamie Barnett @jamie_barnett
Mark McFarlane @ypinkphotography

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