V i X Swimwear owner on company and brands

V i X Swimwear owner Paula Hermanny on business trends, managing the downturn, the company's partnership with Manhattan Beachwear and more.

Can you tell me a little bit about when you started and why you started the brand?

I started V i X in 1998. Growing up in Brazil, I always had a million swimsuits because you live on the beach there. In Brazil, swimwear is not a seasonal purchase; it part of your wardrobe. I moved to the United States to study marketing.

When I started shopping around I found it challenging to find cute, fashionable swimwear. I quickly realized there was an opportunity for me to fill a void, so I started V i X.

How many employees do you have now and where are you headquartered?

Our sales, marketing and distribution are headquartered in San Diego. I have 12 employees that work out of that office. I also have my own manufacturer and Atelier (design studio) in Brazil. Combined, there are over 120 employees there.

How is the brand doing right now?

The V i X brand has a strong, established position in the swimwear market. We have a loyal customer following that we are very proud of and continue to nurture.

Is business up/down by what percentage?

Our sales are up year-over-year, which is great news. We were prepared for a flat year or a loss and are grateful that this won’t be the case.

How are you financed?

We are privately held.

On page 2: The Sofia and Hermanny lines, distribution and strategy