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

Hi Rachel, how do you think about risk?

While it may sound intuitive, one of my first light bulb moments as an entrepreneur was centered around the belief that an acknowledgment of risk alludes to a belief in failure.

The doubt that accompanies failure is undoubtedly a heavy shadow cast over many dreams, frequently guilty of holding us back from pursuing our greatest potential. Early on, I mapped out my future and determined there were three possibilities; I could embark on a journey along a relatively smooth path, a surely rocky path, or a path that would encompass elements of each with occasional treacherous cliffs along the way.

In each of these, the journey was inevitable- the question was was just a matter of which path I’d choose. I reframed my mind to view the journey as my success… and anything along the way, even the lowest of lows, as a byproduct of that success. Failure no longer existed. If an obstacle suddenly arose, it called for a pivot; not a complete stop. No end was a dead end, even when that obstacle meant backtracking before continuing forward.

In gaining this new perspective, I cast aside the immense pressure I’d burdened myself with for years. The weight of perfectionism. Instead, I adapted Thomas Edison’s mentality: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

In 2016, 5 meager years after the birth of my swim brand, Midori Bikinis, I made a decision to move production from Brazil to the United States. What followed were many lowlands, the company was bringing in 3.1 million a year at that time but within 4 months we had lost everything. Each bikini we produced in the US with a vetted manufacturer faded not only in the water but with mere sun exposure. Over 11,000 units were produced and each one had to be replaced with inventory I didn’t have available and a manufacturer that had yet to be found. Even our style prototypes were lost in the end as the facility went under. Starting from scratch is not what I had in mind for an established business but with resilience, we rose again from the ground up.

As it’d come to be, the next manufacturer we worked with improved our quality tenfold and led largely to the success we experience today. A shift in perspective, accompanied by the strong-willed belief of our team revived the brand. Had it not, the journey would have been just as successful, however, having led to experiences and lessons that will no doubt continue to strengthen future decision making.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Midori is a community. They are synonymous- without our community, the brand would not exist let alone thrive. It is a platform, a dm, a shared post where women can relate to one another and find commonality instead of the comparison matrix that’s become so popular in the modern day.

We’re not your average swim company, in fact, we go far and beyond many of our customer’s expectations and perhaps even needs. But that’s where the transparency and dedication to not only the product but the entire experience can be so clearly seen.

Rachel Midori has served as the point person at Midori since 2011. Although we have had a team dedicated to customer service at times along the way, she has always been accessible. Today, you can text her directly on her personal cell any time of the day and typically get a response within a few hours.

Midori is manufactured ethically with UPF 50+, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certified, and Eco-Friendly materials. Our fabric is also PETA-APPROVED Vegan. Most notable is our fabric which is by far the #1 reason we have a retention rate that hovers between 68-72%. Our line is made from Xtra Life Lycra, a material known for its durability, resistance to chlorine, sustainability, and fit retention. Swimwear made from Xtra Life Lycra is known to last up to 10x longer than traditional bikini fabric and is structured yet buttery-soft. Sustainability is a priority and is seen across all packaging and trims.

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.
When friends come to San Diego, I first take them out for drinks and appetizers at the Monarch in Del Mar. Atop the bluff, it has a beautiful sunset view and delightful cocktails. We’d begin the first full day with a sailboat trip out of San Diego Bay and hope for a glimpse of dolphins as we sipped champagne and enjoyed an array of snacks. Later we’d head to Balboa Park and gain entrance to a few of the museums. We’d end at Miguels Mexican Cocina for their famous white cheese dip and chips paired with seared Ahi tacos. Other stops would include the San Diego Zoo, Botanical Gardens, shopping at UTC, and a night dancing at Moonshine Flats in downtown San Diego. We wouldn’t skip over Eddie V’s in La Jolla where our meal would comprise of Swordfish, Ahi poke, and Banana Foster. Waking up to breakfast at The Point in La Jolla would also be imperative; their breakfast toasts are out of this world and range from savory to sweet Nutella.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Midori Bikinis was inspired by my time on Oahu in 2011 after booking a one-way trip to experience the island with my college boyfriend, James Fisher. He along with his family supported me as the brand grew, often even hosting events at their home where hundreds lined up to purchase our swim. Professors Jose Munoz, GL Forward, and Randal Schober were instrumental in the early workings of Midori, equipping me with valuable skillsets I utilize today. My first landlord at our La Jolla office, Don Allison, believed in my 21-year-old self from the beginning- always providing encouragement and wisdom from his own successful background. Finally, my daughter who inspires me to put my best foot forward in every step of life.

Website: midoribikinis.com

Instagram: instagram.com/midoribikinis

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/midori-bikinis

Facebook: facebook.com/midoribikinis

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.