Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bianca Stacey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Bianca with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My mother has always been my role model—the source of my strength and inspiration. As the daughter of a Marine who served for 20 years, my childhood was shaped by frequent moves every few years to different countries, while my father was often away on assignment. Through it all, my mother raised the three of us with unwavering love and grace. I have so many memories of her embracing life with creativity with joy, no matter where in the world we found ourselves.
In her 40s and 50s, after we returned to the U.S. and settled in a small town outside of New Orleans, my mother made another bold decision. She took on a full-time job and enrolled in college to earn the degree she had once set aside to be a full-time mom. Her determination to invest in herself while continuing to support her family is something I carry with me every day.
I am deeply inspired by her strength and the way she built a fulfilling life for herself—despite the constant change, the challenges of raising three children, and the demands of work and school. She has always pushed us to be better humans, to move through the world with kindness, and to believe that it’s never too late to grow into the person you’re meant to be.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Outside of my work in tech, I’m the founder of Mahogany Coast Swim, a women’s swimwear brand that launched in Fall 2023. The brand was born out of a love for intentional design, travel, and self-expression. I wanted to create pieces that women feel confident in—whether they’re lounging poolside, vacationing at a beach resort, or just savoring life. As a designer, I draw a lot from my own lived experience and from the incredible women around me: my mom, my friends—women who are resilient, radiant, and constantly evolving.
What excites me most is the intersection of function and beauty, whether I’m designing digital experiences or physical garments. With Mahogany Coast, I’m especially proud of our commitment to ethical manufacturing and thoughtful production—working with partners who prioritize both craft and care.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding our brand partnerships just in time for summer, and planning a few upcoming pop-up events that will give people a chance to experience the brand in person. I’m also continuing to grow my voice as a designer and creative leader, especially in spaces where women—particularly women of color—are underrepresented.
At the core of everything I do is a belief in joy, intention, and the power of creating things that make people feel seen. Whether it’s through tech or textiles, that’s what drives me.
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?
Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are curiosity, resilience, and intentionality.
Curiosity has kept me learning and evolving—whether it’s diving deep into design systems or exploring what it means to build a fashion brand from the ground up. I’ve found that staying open to new ideas, asking thoughtful questions, and embracing the unknown is what leads to real growth.
Resilience has helped me navigate the inevitable setbacks and pivots, especially in fast-moving spaces like tech and entrepreneurship. There will always be moments of doubt or disruption, but your ability to stay grounded and adapt is what will carry you through.
And intentionality—making decisions aligned with your values, even when it’s not the easiest route—has helped me build a life and career that actually feels good to live in.
For anyone just starting out, I’d say: nurture your curiosity by staying a student of your craft, practice resilience by reframing failure as information, and make space for reflection so you can move with clarity. Your journey won’t look like anyone else’s—and that’s the beauty of it.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m overwhelmed, I try to slow everything down. I’ll step away for a walk, make a cup of tea, or just sit in silence and let myself feel it without trying to fix it right away. I’ve learned that pushing through usually makes it worse, but giving myself space—even just 10 minutes—helps me come back with a clearer mind. My go-to strategy is reminding myself that I don’t have to do everything at once. One thing at a time is enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mahoganycoast.com
- Instagram: @mahoganycoastswim
Image Credits
Ben Amare Photography
@solymargoddess
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