Maybe it’s because I’m biased. Maybe it’s because I am a woman. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent the majority of my life surfing, and a lot of that in the surf industry. Maybe it’s because I designed the first women's wetsuit designed by a woman. Maybe it’s because I have always pushed for a functional beautiful product. Maybe it’s because I started a swimwear label off the sniff of a bar of wax. Maybe it’s because I have two daughters. Maybe it’s in reverence to Hinemona and Parawhenuamea (deities of the ocean and mother of all freshwater). Maybe it’s all of the above.
However it came to be, the Wāhine essence is another of our guides. Are we providing goods for women that have been made by women? Has that product been designed by women? And are the business women owned? The more ticks the better. One day I might find the link to the research, but the health of women is a great overall indicator for the health of a society. If our grandmothers, mothers, aunties, sisters, daughters are thriving - everyone is thriving.
There are favourites like Salt Gypsy, because Dani (SG Founder) and I have been friends for a long time, and I love everything she does. We would love to hear your favourites in and out of the water so we can help make them more available for the wāhine of Aotearoa.
See you in the water, Kelly.