Lucia Roman is a creative, surfer and soul behind Ninefoot Studio. She established Ninefoot as a swimwear line, made with high ends recycled fabrics, manufacturing in small quantities, and working with small workshops, and slowly building up the business. Lucia previously worked in the fashion industry as a designer for more than 9 years. She was fed up with the 9-5, so four years ago, she moved from LA to Bali.
Lucia launched the brand in September 2018, and have been working full time since. She started as a digital nomad/ freelancer but in the end, she got caught up with the surfing lifestyle, and ended mixing up her two favorite things in the world, design, and surfing.
What motivated you to get started with Ninefoot?
I was working in corporate where everything moves too fast. You end up learning about the many facets of the fashion industry, especially the real cost of buying “cheap”.
When I started designing my own brand, it became clear to me that I wanted to design timeless and trendless products with good quality materials for conscious people. The collection moves organically, I design thinking about what my customer will need to feel more confident inside of the water. I create and test samples, and from that feedback, I make modifications until I am happy with the results.
What went into building the initial product?
When I first moved to Bali, I was working as a freelancer on a few projects. After trial and error, I decided to stick to what made me happy which was surfing, so I decided to create a sustainable surf swimwear line for women.
It took 7 months to find the right material, manufacturers and develop the initial product. Then I had to design the website, start marketing the brand and I have been at it since. In total, I can say that took me over one year, know exactly what I want to launch.
How do you get and retain your customers?
I get and retain clients through personalized service and quality products. I always try to contact them personally, I ask them about the pieces, showing them that is someone behind the brand, and being the best customer service that I can be. For example, if they have a question about the size or a product, I try to find a friend with a similar body type, I try the piece, and I send them photos. I think being reliable and answering the questions and concerns, is an organic way to connect with them.
What were your challenges and obstacles of growing your business?
At first I wanted to do everything but I quickly realized in order to be more productive, I would need to delegate some tasks. It was challenging as I wanted to be involved in every aspect of the business but I have learned to prioritize tasks and find help where needed. This has enabled me to be able to organize my time and make more space for creative work, instead of being always caught with the non-creative ones.
What has been helpful to help you to grow your business?
Meeting other female entrepreneurs and business owners has been life-changing. Having a mentor/ friend, especially when you have a crisis moment, and you can make a call, and receive support.
I highly recommend reaching out to other female business owners, attending networking events and always be willing to learn.
If you had to start over, what would you do differently?
I will be more gentle with myself choosing the goals that you want to achieve in the first year.
Where can we learn more about you?
Website: www.ninefootstudio.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninefootstudio/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/ninefootstudio/
