This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hawaii chapter.
Brooke Hauguel is a former student at Mānoa, who launched Peace of Paradise Creations for women of all shapes and sizes. Hauguel’s line generates over 90+ fabrics and styles of bikinis ranging from full to brazilian coverage. POPC is paving a different path in the industry and is unlike anything you’ll seen in Hawai’i. Learn more about the self-taught, inspring woman below.
1) When did the idea for POP come about?
I started out making beach jewelry while still in college, at UH Manoa and I found out that I really enjoyed being creative. There are so many cute boutiques on island, and many handmade items, and while I loved them, I couldn’t afford many items I was interested in due to being a poor college student, so I decided that perhaps I could make it cheaper myself, and really make it the way I wanted it to be! This eventually translated into my need and want for clothing and swimsuits, as it is hard to find something fashionable, affordable, and in all sizes. I figured if I could figure out how to make my own jewelry, why not try making my own clothes!
2) How long did it take for you to start and gain recognition?
I spent a lot of time researching how to sew and especially how to sew swimsuit, I was desperate to take sewing classes and get some fast skills, especially when it comes to making swimwear, however I could not find anyone to help me, so I decided to just teach myself. There was a bit of trial and error, but from the time I bought a sewing machine, to my first swimsuit sale, it was only about 5 months. Within another 8 months I became so busy that I ended up having to quit my full time job, and just run this business solely! And it has been an amazing ride since then. I have been selling bathing suits for 3 years this spring.
3) Have you always known how to sew, if not, did you teach yourself, and why?
I took one sewing class when I was 5, and since I was a Pre-med and Psychology major, I didn’t have time in my rigorous schedule to take any fun classes, so unfortunately I wasn’t able to take any fashion classes in college. I bought a machine and did my research online on how to construct clothing and accessories and started making things for my friends and myself, once I got used to my sewing machine, I then tried making some swimsuits. And while I struggled with making dresses and purses, as soon as I started sewing swimsuits, I knew it was for me. It came much more naturally and became something I truly enjoyed. Plus if you mess up, its a lot less fabric to just throw away vs. if you are making a dress!
4) Describe POP.
Peace of Paradise Creations is a brand for everyone. We want everyone to be able to find something that they can wear that will make them feel attractive, and fashionable without breaking the bank. We specialize in offering custom made to order swimsuits. Our customer’s feedback is taken into consideration when designing new pieces, we listen to what they want, in regards to styles, fabrics, sizing options. We want our swimsuits to fit our customers, not for our customers to fit into pre-made items of a limited collection of pieces. Our goal is to help people who haven’t been able to get a swimsuit, may it be for physical reasons, money reasons, etc.
5) You use a lot of plus size models (which I totally appreciate), do you think this puts you ahead of your competitors?
I started this business because, as a plus sized gal, I find it extremely difficult to find clothing, let alone something that is actually fashionable! Everyone needs to be clothed, and everyone should have the right to purchase whatever they want in their size. That is why we offer all of our styles in any size needed. We do try and offer various cuts and coverages as to offer flattering styles for all body sizes, but we offer our skimpiest and fullest coverages in all sizes.
I believe that it does make us stand apart from the competition. For most stores, you must buy a “set” but what we have come to learn is that many women have very different top and bottom sizes. So regardless if they are tiny or big, they need something a little more custom to fit their shape. As for plus size options alone, there are very few companies (stores or handmade shops) that offer the customization and variety of sizes that we do, and we are proud to be able to offer options to all women.
6) What makes you different from the bikini companies all over Hawaii?
We offer so many options! We currently have over 90+ different bikini styles, with a constantly changing array of fabrics to choose from (60+ fabrics), and again, we do every size! We even do custom suits for men upon request, and we have recently added our children’s line! Our suits are mostly reversible, or semi-reversible, so people are getting more for their money, since they are getting 2 suits for the price of one, and we have tried our best to keep our prices very competitive to other brands out there. We hardly offer pre-made items, so every suit that we ship out is really one of a kind! You most definitely will be the only one on the beach wearing that bathing suit if you buy from us!
7) What is your favorite pattern and why?
My favorite pattern is the Lani Kai, it is a cheeky brazilian cut bottom that looks good on all sizes. It is fully reversible and is one of our first designs, and one of our best sellers!
8) Where do you see POP in 10 years?
This is a tough question, I have a couple of routes I would like to see my business go, but if all of the stars aline, I would be….
Having some of my most popular styles and fabrics manufactured, so that I would be able to be competitive in boutiques and department stores, but I never want to loose the custom hand made appeal of my swimsuits, so I would love to be able to have shops in beach towns where the suits are made on site by local men and women who I have taught how to sew!
We are constantly growing and trying to evolve to provide a better product. If there is something you like or have questions about, always email me, I am more than happy help you build your own “Peace-Of-Paradise.”