kai conversations with... Andréa Bernholtz, founder of swiminista

we couldn't be more excited to share this conversation with my long-time dear friend, andréa bernholtz, former president/co-founder of the celebrity favorite denim line rock & republic, who is debuting her newest fashion venture, swiminista - a collection of comfortable, ultra-chic swimwear made from luxury recycled fabrics featuring adjustable, personalized fits in sizes a-ddd. andréa has shared with us that her new line gives women the confidence to celebrate themselves and their own bodies, which is wonderful. cheers to that mission, and congrats to andréa on this exciting new launch. we hope you enjoy learning more about andréa below. 

xo,

gaye.

how are you taking care of yourself and your loved ones during this time? are there certain things that are proving to be sources of motivation/ inspiration? if so, please feel free to share. 

i am respecting everyone's feelings and boundaries. i am also trying to share only laughter and comedy. it is too easy to spiral and i always feel humor has usually helped me brighten my outlook, and i try to share that with my friends and coworkers. i also am obsessed with ryan heffington's sweatfest on instagram, it's a fun way to keep us moving when there is nowhere else to go. 

how do you embody kai's "breath*life*flow" lifestyle? 

i love supporting women, especially hard working, passionate and kind women. my love for the ocean as well as my home away from home, hawaii, has inspired my own business, creating eco friendly chic swimwear. i feel i am contributing in a positive way to women and the earth. 

what's the best advice you've ever received? 

the best advice i have ever received was, "don't give advice". usually sharing experiences and knowledge is more impactful and relatable; switching the narrative is frequently more helpful, rather than just getting an earful.

do you have a mantra you live by?

life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death, you have to LIVE LIVE LIVE. i try to practice that every day and teach that lifestyle to my daughter. 

what's your beauty secret? or must have beauty product?

kai's deodorant - it's safe and smells wonderful. my other daily go to is coconut oil - i use it on my entire body, face and hair. i am super low maintenance, but i do require a lot of water!!

go-to lipstick color? 

chanel mademoiselle

what color nail polish are you wearing right now?

ESSIE - 5 different colors (my 9 year old painted my nails). 

who is your role model? 

i have many different role models for the many different areas in my life. coco chanel's groundbreaking impact in fashion and life is very inspirational as well. 

how would you describe your personal style? 

eclectic with an edge

what do you love most about where you live? any secret spots you love to go to? 

the mountains and ocean are minutes away, my secret spot is my secret spot lol.

describe your perfect day.

going on a nature adventure, knowing my loved ones are safe and taking in life! 

favorite date spot?

sushi.

ultimate getaway? 

getting a massage on the water in bora bora. 

favorite food?

mexican hands down!! i have rarely met a chili relleno i didn't like.

guilty pleasure?

Ben and Jerry's Glampfire. it's limited edition, so it's hard to find (thank goodness).

kai obsession?

kai's room reed diffuser and kai's home linen spray!! OBSESSED, i spray lightly on freshly folded laundry, it's heaven. 

morning person or night owl?

the night time is my time! 

currently craving? 

papayas from the big island.

ideal way to relax/ unwind?

overlooking the ocean on a hammock listening to khruangbin, snuggling with my daughter.

what book are you reading currently?

Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle.

what's the most adventurous thing you've done?

in my early 20's i picked up and went to india and south east asia for 3 months, with no set plan and no cell phone or internet!!

thank you, Andréa Bernholtz!