Meet Sally and Elke, mothers to a tribe of boys, surfers and creators of Halcyon Daze – the brand new swimwear label you need this summer.
As well as being a mother to three young boys, Sally has an environmental science background as well as working as a town planner and project manager for the last 10+ years. She was very much in need of a creative outlet when the idea to create Halcyon Daze came about.
Elke is a mother of two young boys and has a background in fashion and design, having worked in sewing and alterations for years.
What made your pursue your creative passion?
The story of Halcyon Daze is one that begins with friendship. Two women connecting over a shared love of the ocean, a passion for surfing, avid bikini collecting and motherhood.
We are the type of women that seem to live in our swimwear year round, as you never know when the opportunity to sneak in a surf or a quick dip in the ocean may present!
Born from a desire to create unique, comfortable, flattering and functional swimwear......it seemed like a no brainer that we put our creative passion into use creating our own swimwear range.
When did you take the plunge and start your own business?
We took the plunge mid 2017, learning the ropes along the way. Our first range "Love Song" was launched in October 2018.
What does your brand consist of?
Our swimwear embodies the slow fashion ethos in the swimwear landscape, focusing on using Vita lycra- a high-quality Italian lycra made from recycled post-consumer plastics, making this beautiful swimwear not only environmentally conscious but more durable and longer lasting to ensure that you can wear your favourite pieces for many summers to come. Our styles and prints are vintage inspired and include one pieces, mix and match bikini sets and surf suits.
We also have capsule collections of resort wear, including 70's style jumpsuits and slip dresses on their way.
Where is the label designed and made?
Our clothing and swimwear is designed by us, in Byron Bay. We have also designed our own prints too.
Our manufacturing is done in Bali.
What inspires you?
Our daily life in Byron is a constant source of inspiration. We are surrounded by incredibly talented and creative friends who help drive our startup business and inspire us to chase our creative passion. They have shown us that running a successful business and juggling a family life can be done with style and grace.
Our love for everything summer, surfing and our environment are our main source of inspiration.
What are your plans for the brand and where do you hope it takes you?
We hope to be running a successful swim and resort wear label, scouring the world for exotic tropical locations to shoot (& surf) and seeing women around the world in our swimmers.
What were the biggest challenges when launching your brand?
Our biggest challenge has been learning the production process and time-frames, however we have a great team and loads of support, so this will get easier.
What is the best thing about having your own business?
The best thing about owning our own business has been working together as friends and creating a product that we both love and are passionate about. Work has never felt like a chore, as we are doing something we both love.
The other perk would be our never ending bikini supply!
Find Halcyon Daze at TVM this Sunday 4 November and check them out online here.
