We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kelsey Myers. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kelsey below.
Kelsey, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
This is an incredibly important question! Growing up, I remember being told “if you are the smartest one in the room, go find a different room”. Meaning, there is always something to learn, always something that someone can teach you. If you keep your mind open, be humble, and have a willingness to be taught, you will be successful, no matter the outcome. I thrive on being surrounded by others and hearing their stories, motivators, and what they have learned along the way. So being the only one in the room that looks like me isn’t scary, but being the only one in the room – that would scare me.
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?
Growing up in southern California, I am fairly use to waking up and jumping straight into a swimsuit. A few years ago, I just had the thought, “well I could design something too”. So came home one day, drew up a couple designs, made some examples, and voila. The most exciting part is seeing a design not only come to life, but see other people get excited and want to wear it as well. I wanted to create swimsuits that worked not just for everybody but for every body. So I love getting the feedback, I love hearing what others love and don’t love about the swimsuit – it is incredibly encouraging and makes me better at my job.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Hard work, resilience, and patience – obviously each for their own reasoning. I was taught hard work is one of the most important qualities you can embody. While resilience and patience may seem to be an oxymoron, you cannot have one without the other. You need to be patient enough to know your hard work and resilience is going to pay off one day – whether it be in two weeks or 10 years. While I have learned countless of lessons along the way, looking back at my first sketches and samples, those beginning moments taught me so grit and gave me so much determination to see my dream come to fruition. That is what I hope for others who are struggling or just starting out.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
I like this question – this builds from your earlier question about being in the same room. I do think it is incredibly important to recognize where your strengths lie and to learn your weaknesses and vulnerabilities and learn to differentiate why each is vital to your operation. I am a big proponent of learning and listening to others. They may not be an expert in your field but they could be an expert in their field and might have something to teach you. Myself, I tend to focus on my strengths while tending to my weaknesses. Recognizing them is half the battle and while there is always room for improvement, with either, I do think your strengths is what separates you from the crowd and makes you the expert that people want to consult with.
Contact Info:
- Website: sixfortyswimwear.com
- Instagram: sixfortyswimwear
- Other: sixfortyswimwear@gmail.com
Image Credits
Erin Rose Photography erinrosephoto.com
