Ashlee Campbell is a go-getter, traveler and young entrepreneur ready to take on the world one swimsuit at a time.
If you’ve ever dreamed of designing your own suit, Ash’s rad Australian brand, Postcard Swimwear, can make that dream a reality. Postcard allows you to take your art work, photos, or digital designs and print them right onto custom made swimwear. They also collab with artists, including Cass Deller, if you feel like having someone else’s art around you during your water-filled adventures.
Meet Ashlee…
Where are you in the world?
I’m in Brisbane, Australia at the moment. Hopefully I can move to Byron Bay next year though – I am constantly dreaming of a sea change.
When did the inspiration for Postcard Swimwear first come about?
I was originally trying to have just one swimsuit made with a photo of mine printed on it. It was a lengthy process however the buzz I got when I finally convinced a large manufacturing company to make me one overpriced sample was crazy.
I had wanted to run my own business since I was a little girl and I have a million different business ideas every week but this was the first one that really stuck with me. Surely I am not the only person in the world who wants to design my own swimsuit?
photo by @samgrantmedia
If fear ever shows up in your life, how do you move passed it?
With business I try to view it a bit like a game. Of course there are times that I get scared, but then I ask myself “What is the worst that can happen?” I could go broke (I’ve been close) I’d have to get a ‘normal’ job to save money and start again. It wouldn’t be ideal but it also wouldn’t really be that bad in the scheme of things haha.
I also have a really positive support network. I try to be independent but my boyfriend, friends and family are always there when I need a reminder that I’m on the right path.
Why do you love what you do?
My dream ‘job’ is more of a lifestyle. A creative outlet that I could do from anywhere in the world while working with inspiring people. Postcard Swimwear offers me all of the above. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now.
How do you fund your dreams?
I worked in the corporate world for 5 years before deciding to start my own business. I saved what I thought was more than enough to start Postcard before I quit my full time job… But things didn’t really go to plan. I had a pretty big hiccup with my web development team that meant I launched about 8 months later than we originally scheduled – I lost a lot of money in the process.
I now work in a fun part time marketing role to provide some stable income while Postcard is in start-up phase. Having a regular income is so important during start up phase. Even if you are creative with marketing strategies you still need some money to make the most of opportunities when they come along. My tip to anyone starting their own business is to calculate how much they think it might cost, and then times it by 10 haha.
Photo by @emmakateco
Do you do other things to support you and your passions?
Sure, I love to get creative and I love to travel so I try and do both of those things as often as possible. I am also passionate about building businesses (not just my own) so I am always brainstorming new ideas with friends and other entrepreneurs. It sounds nerdy but I love it!
What’s one of the biggest risks you’ve taken, and how did it feel to go for it?
Probably quitting my full time job to start Postcard Swimwear. I knew the time was right though. I was that beautiful age of 25. Old enough to be taken semi seriously, and young enough to still think anything is possible.
Tell us a time when something totally synchronistic happened?
I think that the universe has a bit of a plan for me but that ‘luck’ actually takes a lot of hard work and an open mindset. My brain is always switched on and I’m constantly finding positive new opportunities.
What advice could you give to someone who knows what they love to do, but haven’t gone for it?
Just start. If you are really passionate about something you will make time for it. If you are not, then you will make excuses. And not to get too caught up on the idea of perfection. You are going to make mistakes and you are not going to please everyone – that’s ok 🙂
Check out all of her artist collabs and create your own swimwear over at Postcard Swimwear and follow her journey on Instagram x
