Welcome to our YCL Women's Series; a space created to share the stories & insight of women all around the world, whom inspire us.
YCL Women's Series | Abby Vuister
We shared five minutes with Abby Vuister, the founder of Sunshine Coast-based swimwear label, Abby Rose Bikinis. With a strong focus on sustainability, each piece is handmade in limited quantities in their Noosa Heads boutique. Here, Abby shares her journey, advice and future plans for her empire.
1. How did you get to where you are today? Tell us a little bit about your journey.
I started Abby Rose 6 years ago when I was 21. I have always been a very creative person and loved sewing in my spare time so naturally Abby Rose evolved from making myself and my friends pieces of swimwear, into what it is today. I now own a Boutique in Noosa Heads with an in house studio where my small team and I design and create and sell all of our pieces. The journey to where I am today has taken a huge amount of hard work and persistence and a lot of learning and growing. As hard as it has been, I feel when you are truly passionate about what you do and the life you want to create for yourself and everyone around you, you will do anything to get there.
2. Who is your ultimate muse / inspiration?
I have never really had a ‘muse’ but I do find inspiration from ALL women in life. I see qualities in my family; my mum, my sister, my beautiful friends, women in the fashion industry and women in everyday life that inspire me and that I aspire to create in myself. I think if you surround yourself with women who constantly inspire you and you them, you will become the best version of yourself!
3. You are based on the Sunshine Coast. What are the local sights, cafes and restaurants you frequent?
I am lucky enough to have my boutique next door to my fave Mexican restaurant Paradise Arcade which means friday lunch time Margaritas are always a thing, and their Notcho fries are next level. Dinner at Sum Yung Guys in Sunshine Beach is a must and also El Capitano has THE best pizzas in town. An early morning walk through the national park is the best start to any day followed by a coffee from Larder and Baked or Providore.
4. What is your favourite piece of jewellery and what story does it hold?
I am very minimal when it comes to jewellery and will only wear one or two pieces at once if any, but I never take off my engagement ring, which is by far my favorite piece. My husband and I designed it together and it was hand made by my sister in law Maria Natoli. It’s simple and unique, a solitaire diamond on a white gold band and I love it!
5. In such a fast-paced industry, we love your focus on sustainability and handmade, timeless designs. What steps have you taken to remain true to this message?
I think it’s so important today to keep a focus on sustainability, especially in the fashion industry.
We source sustainable wherever we can which means using recycled fabrics for all of our garments. And our main focus is on staying handmade in Australia, in our Noosa heads boutique. Its definitely been a more challenging process to keep producing all of our swimwear here but we wouldn't change it for anything, we find that this also means our standard of quality is much higher and therefore our pieces last a lot longer, meaning less waste and discarded garments.
6. As Abby Rose Bikinis expands, what are your plans and dreams for the business?
We definitely plan to stay handmade within Australia and specifically on the sunshine coast, as the label is growing and getting busier, we are expanding our production and design team.
Our overall dream is to continue creating a sustainable and quality product for women that gives them confidence and makes them feel amazing when wearing it. A huge part of that dream for me is to be able to do this along side an amazing team of women who love what they do and empower one another on the daily.
7. YCL stands for Your Core Light, what does Your Core Light mean to you?
Passion, authenticity and Love more than anything else. I think if you are always shining your light on everything you do and everyone around you, life will flow and you will end up exactly where your meant to be.
8. What advice would you impart on the next generation of women?
Always stay true to yourself and your beliefs. Don’t get lost in the crowd and in what you think you should be doing. Follow your heart and intuition always.
7. YCL stands for Your Core Light, what does Your Core Light mean to you?
Passion, authenticity and Love more than anything else. I think if you are always shining your light on everything you do and everyone around you, life will flow and you will end up exactly where your meant to be.
8. What advice would you impart on the next generation of women?
Always stay true to yourself and your beliefs. Don’t get lost in the crowd and in what you think you should be doing. Follow your heart and intuition always.
Words by Emily Scholtes | YCL's Styling & Communications Coordinator
