Having dreamt of starting a fashion label since she was a little girl, Queenslander Sophia Calvi founded conscious swimsuit brand, onetwenty swim, after spotting a gap in the market for beautiful one-pieces.
Each onetwentyswim design is exclusive and unique, with only 20 per style ever sold.
With a major focus on inclusivity, the brand prides itself on celebrating beauty in all shapes, sizes, looks, ages, backgrounds and genders.
Sophia hopes that when you put on a onetwenty swimsuit, you elevate into a higher version of yourself.
“Working for someone else has never been for me and I knew that at some point, I was going to be the boss. I’ve loved fashion since I was a child, I’ve loved swimwear since I was in my teens and I’ve dreamt about onetwenty swim for three years before I actually started it, just to be sure that it was something I really wanted to do. I finally reached a place in my life where I was ready to fully commit, put in the hours and do whatever it took to get the business off the ground. So, I bit the bullet and started it. My ultimate dream is that someone puts on a onetwenty swim suit and elevates into a more confident, sexier and sassier version of themselves.”
“Every time I see someone wearing one of my pieces is a pinch-me moment. So much love, thought and intention went behind this launch and first collection so to see other people resonate with it and love the pieces as much as I do is honestly surreal. It makes me feel incredibly happy, so fulfilled and also gives me a sense of validation that I’m doing things right.”
“Patience really is required – this is definitely not my strong suit but through this business I’m learning to become more and more patient every day. Things don’t happen overnight (even though we wish it did) and it’s really about building for the long run.
"Account for the marketing, the brand building and the effort that you need to put in after launching! It’s not just launch and then poof you’re the most popular thing out there – it takes time!
"There are going to be bumps in the road but no matter what, it’s going to be okay. If you truly love your business and believe in it enough, you will keep pushing forward & it will always work out.”
“Women hold so much power that a lot of us don’t even tap into! There is enough room for everyone to reach their goals and we can all do it hand-in-hand. I personally think female-founded businesses come with a lot of heart and passion and I love to see that shine through in the business world.”
“The ‘Chiara’ is selling like hot cakes and I understand why! It is hands down my favourite cut and the black just makes it look so sleek and sexy. Honestly if you’re looking for a one-piece swimsuit that’s going to turn heads and make you feel super hot, this is definitely the one!”
