Podcast Summary: The Interview with Leslie Heaney
Episode: Every Body is a Swimsuit Body - feat. Joyann King Michael and Chrissy McCurdy
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Introduction
In this inspiring episode of The Interview with Leslie Heaney, Leslie sits down with her friends and the visionary minds behind the innovative swimwear brand, Stylist—Joanne King Michael and Chrissy McCurdy. The conversation delves deep into the journey of transforming a poolside wardrobe mishap into a nationally acclaimed swimwear sensation that seamlessly blends beautiful design with effective shapewear.
Origin Story: From Pool Party to Startup
The brainstorming session that led to the creation of Stylist began organically at a pool party in Millbrook. Leslie recounts how Joanne hosted the party to make new friends after relocating from New York City, inadvertently sparking the idea for a specialized swimbra.
Notable Quote:
"We were looking up and there's, you know, quick Google searching. I'm like, not really anything that's being truly marketed for this." — Joanne King Michael [10:37]
Identifying the Gap: The Need for a Swim Bra
The guests discuss the lack of swimwear designed to provide adequate support and coverage, especially for women with larger busts. Chrissy shares her personal struggles with fitting traditional bras under swimsuits, highlighting the necessity for a product like Stylist's swim bra.
Notable Quote:
"I've been to every single product that Spanx has ever designed, so I feel like a shapewear expert. And I'm like, what? What are you doing?" — Joanne King Michael [07:29]
Product Development: Overcoming Challenges
Developing the first-ever patented swim bra involved meticulous research and sourcing specialized fabrics. The team discusses the technical aspects, including waterproof materials and seamless designs that ensure comfort and functionality.
Notable Quote:
"We chose a fabric that historically had not been used for swim, now it had all the swim capabilities." — Joanne King Michael [25:33]
Fundraising and Building the Brand
Joanne and Chrissy share their experience raising capital through friends and family, emphasizing the importance of believing in their vision despite initial skepticism from others, including Chrissy’s husband, Jeremy.
Notable Quote:
"If what you launch is perfect at launch, then you've waited too long." — Chrissy McCurdy [27:28]
Recognition and Growth: Oprah’s Endorsement
Stylist's breakthrough came with endorsements from high-profile platforms like Harper's Bazaar and Oprah Daily. Leslie highlights Oprah's significant role in elevating the brand through annual Swim Awards, which have consistently driven organic traffic and sales.
Notable Quote:
"Oprah has given us her stamp of approval now two years in a row." — Joanne King Michael [33:54]
Expanding the Product Line: Beyond Swimwear
While Stylist remains committed to swimwear, the team discusses introducing complementary products like the COVID ups, versatile garments that can transition from poolside to evening wear seamlessly.
Notable Quote:
"We want that lifetime customer that knows she can always come to us and trust us." — Chrissy McCurdy [42:41]
Customer Impact: Confidence and Inclusivity
Joanne and Chrissy emphasize the emotional impact of their products, aiming to eliminate swimsuit anxiety and promote body confidence. They share heartwarming customer stories that underscore how Stylist has empowered women to embrace their bodies and enjoy swimwear without self-consciousness.
Notable Quote:
"We want our customers to understand that like we want them to feel like they can wear whatever they want and they don't need to have the swimsuit dread." — Joanne King Michael [44:16]
Future Plans: Focused Growth and Market Expansion
Looking ahead, Stylist plans to deepen their presence in key retail locations like Nordstrom and upscale resorts, ensuring accessibility for their target audience. They aim to remain highly curated, focusing on perfecting their swimwear before considering broader category expansions.
Notable Quote:
"Our tagline is 'Sexy and Sculpted,' and it really captures what we're about." — Joanne King Michael [41:05]
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Joanne and Chrissy offer valuable insights for those looking to start their own businesses. They stress the importance of moving forward despite uncertainties, defining a clear brand vision, and understanding the target customer deeply.
Notable Quotes:
"Don't worry about all the things that you don't know yet. Trust me, you're going to find out." — Joanne King Michael [49:08]
"Forge ahead. You know, there's always a problem every day, so, you know, live with it." — Chrissy McCurdy [50:34]
Conclusion: Empowering Confidence Through Innovation
Leslie wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude towards Joanne and Chrissy for creating a product that has transformed her own experience with swimwear. The conversation highlights the power of recognizing a market gap, leveraging industry expertise, and fostering a supportive team to build a successful and impactful brand.
Notable Quote:
"Thank you both for creating something that allows me to swim in public. I'm very grateful to you both." — Leslie Heaney [51:49]
Key Takeaways
- Identifying Market Gaps: Recognizing unmet needs can pave the way for innovative solutions.
- Persistence in Development: Overcoming technical and logistical challenges is crucial for product success.
- Building a Supportive Team: Collaborative efforts and diverse skill sets enhance entrepreneurial ventures.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Focusing on empowering customers fosters loyalty and brand strength.
- Strategic Growth: Staying focused on core products while planning for scalable expansion ensures sustainable growth.
This episode serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating how passion, expertise, and resilience can lead to groundbreaking success in the fashion industry.