A celebration of womanhood
"We've always hoped that it's not just a swimsuit that people buy, but rather an experience and sisterhood that you become a part of," says Lî Rossouw, co-owner of Cheeky, a local business that sells swimwear and will celebrate its first birthday tomorrow.After Air Namibia was liquidated, Lî and her business partner, Belinda Hoebes, who worked as pilots for the national airline, urgently had to come up with a plan to keep the pot boiling. They then turned their shared love of the sun and a day next to the pool into a business and that's how Cheeky took shape.
"The dream was actually born in the lockdown period. I then rented another apartment in a complex that had a swimming pool. Lî and I had similar views on how we wanted to spend the time. We spent every day by the pool and Lî wore a different swimsuit every day. I am a woman with curves and I told her about my challenges with swimwear and Lî gave advice. I think the seed has already been planted there," says Belinda.
"We design the costumes ourselves and choose the materials and colours ourselves, but the swimwear is produced abroad. Our next goal is to establish as much of our production chain locally as possible," says Lî. She says their focus has always been to offer a quality product - which looks and feels luxurious.
"In the beginning it might have seemed like we were full of confidence and did so well, but the truth is that we didn't know anything. "We learned as we progressed and now we are at that point where I can say to myself that I am a business owner and not an amateur," says Lî.
Lî and Belinda participated in several entrepreneurship competitions which, according to Lî, created a road map for them to start their own business.
"I would tell every young entrepreneur to just take the first step. We were under tremendous pressure because we had no other choice. But there is so much help available and so many people who are willing to help," says Lî.
According to Lî, the life of a businesswoman is not as exciting as it may appear. "People think that when you have your own business, your money knows no bounds and you have a lot of time on your hands. However, the reality is that you have to constantly think about how to do the best things for your business with your money," says Lî.
Lî says that Cheeky was created with all women in mind.
"It has always been important to us to be inclusive and to ensure that every woman can feel comfortable and beautiful. After we first launched our products, someone messaged us who was unhappy because the largest number was an XL.
"As a young business it was important that we have as many sizes as possible, but we had to start small. It showed us that people are interested. They have generally been very accommodating and appreciative and have always made us feel welcome," says Lî.
"I am very proud of the fact that we have created a brand that focuses on women. I want them to think of Cheeky and feel inspired. I want women to love themselves and accept the body they are in. I believe every body is a bikini body - you don't have to look a certain way," says Belinda.
Lî and Belinda's future plans are to launch another variety of series and Lî says there are still a few surprises waiting. – [email protected]