Meet Kelsey Myers | Creator of Six-Forty Swimwear

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

Hi Kelsey, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
Growing up, “can’t” was the four-letter word we weren’t allowed to say in our home. Even to this day, the word leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I remember as a kid being in the backyard shooting hoops with my dad and I said “I can’t make one” in frustration, and he must’ve made me shoot free throws about 40 times until I made a few – just to prove it to myself that I could. I stuck to other sports that required less hand-eye coordination but that was always a good lesson for me in not giving up. So failing is okay, in fact, it’s encouraged, as long as you learn from it. But failing to follow through on a dream or something that drives me is not an option.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I thrive on community and I am also a sucker for taking huge-risks. I bought a house site-unseen and moved across the country to a place I had been only twice before. I remember thinking, “if I end up hating it, whatever, I will figure it out”. Thus far, it has been one of the better decisions I have made. So while the unknown frightens me, it also is such a driving force for helping me assess priorities and chances I want to take.

I have spent some time in the corporate world and have sat in boardrooms where the conversation was dull and lifeless and other times, where ideas and creativity flowed seamlessly. Those have always been the conversations and meetings I want to foster within my brand and my personal circle. Sometimes the creative juices flow and something there’s a lull. But surrounding yourself with a community that understand you, both in a personal and professional capacity, makes all the difference in your success.

Growing up in southern California, I lived a very active lifestyle in the water, and hated swimwear that shifted or didn’t fit my body type correctly. We had a photoshoot a few weeks ago and I told the girls, “don’t be afraid to give me your critiques, it actually helps me”. I never want to put someone in something that highlights or reminds them of their insecurities. I believe there is great profundity in consistently learning and listening to those around you, so I do my best to make sure everyone is heard.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love to lay on the beach or go boating on the Intracoastal Waterway – I have run into several dolphins there. I love Drunken Jack’s, be sure to sit outside on the patio and order the crab dip while watching the boats come through the marsh and people walk by. There is always live music occurring along that strip so it is a fun place to be. Go do the touristy things in Charleston – Rainbow Row, the City Market, and walk the shops along King Street. Bartaco just opened up a new location on King Street and their chips and salsa are *chefs kiss*.They also have the best churros I have ever had. Walk the side streets as well, you stumble across some of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think that’s the beauty of it. As I get older, I learn that we surround ourselves with those that encourage and believe in us. So the encouragement I receive can be found within my closest friendships and other areas of my life. But for me, the short answer is always my parents. They always encouraged us kids to believe in ourselves and dream – almost wildly delusional dreams. But they made wild dreams happen, so their attitude and spirit has always been my blueprint.

Website: https://sixfortyswimwear.com

Instagram: sixfortyswimwear

Image Credits
Erin Rose Photography