We had the good fortune of connecting with Carla Pallares and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carla, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I can’t really tell you my thought process when I started my business, I just knew I always wanted my own line. I had experience in many aspects of the fashion/production industry working from retail, to buying, to celebrity styling, etc so I felt somewhat confident that I knew some things. But at the same time, I had no idea what I was doing. One day I just knew I wanted to work hard for myself rather than for other people. I wanted to be creative in my own way and help women feel great and comfortable in a swimsuit in ways I knew I could b/c at that time, there wasn’t much of a market for it. The one thing I did have was belief and confidence in what I wanted to start and achieve.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Yemaya Swimwear is a South American-inspired swimwear line that is made in the USA and designed all over the world. What I think separates us from others is that every top is designed to be matched with every bottom in the collection. We also use non-pinch elastic which makes a huge difference in the comfort of the suit. I started this swimwear line 8 years ago because I couldn’t find a suit that made me feel great while sunbathing and comfortable at the same time. I always knew I wanted my own line but I decided to take the leap one day and just go for it. Was it easy? Absolutely not. But I knew at the time that if it was easy then everyone would do it. At first, people didn’t take me seriously because I was a girl in her twenties with a dream. People did try to put me down, letting me know how difficult it is and also try to take advantage of me with prices and such but I knew and I truly believed in my vision. If it’s one thing I did learn is that all you need is you. If you believe in your business or your product that is all you need. Be confident in your dream and in your product. Work hard and things will fall into place.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Denver is a great place to have company visit because there is so much to do and see. First, I would definitely make plans to to do a day trip on the slopes to Vail for the day. We would leave early morning and stay until early evening, topping off a great day of skiing with a hot toddy or a glass of wine. The next day we would probably start the day with a hike to Chautauqua Park in boulder. I would show them around pearl street mall and finish off lunch or brunch at flower child. Soon after we would head down to Denver and hit up some breweries in the Rino district and walk around and shop the cute local stores around. Stop by Crema coffee and get a coffee or match to go. We would then head to Senor Bear for little afternoon drink and a small plate. After that, I would show them around The Highlands and then take them to Cherry Creek and walk around, maybe grab a juice shot at Clean Juice. We would finish off the day at Safta Restaurant for dinner where we would splurge on all things on the menu because it’s just so good.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today without my family, specifically my parents. They have always been my number one fans and continue to be. The support and love that I receive from them helped me get through the hard times in business and personal life. Having a strong support system is super necessary in an industry like this one. So many people trying to bring you down or tell you it’s hard out there or continuously letting you know how many people don’t survive it.

Website: www.yemayaswimwear.com

Instagram: www.carlaloren.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/carlaloren

Facebook: www.facebook.com/yemayaswimwear

Other: www.picturesonpalms.com

Image Credits
photo credits: sports illustrated photographer sarah orbanic carla pallares (myself)

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