Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Armstrong. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Twenty-nine-year-old Cameron Armstrong is an Atlanta native and UNC-Chapel Hill Alum. She left her role in Marketing at L’Oreal in 2018 to combat the woes of swimsuit shopping and build Kitty and Vibe. Armstrong ultimately hopes to cultivate kindness by helping women feel more confident in a swimsuit through a better fit and empathetic experience.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve found challenges at times being a solo founder. Although end-of-year reviews, report cards, or exams can be stressful, oh, how I miss the days of consistent feedback! I must actively check my progress as a businesswoman and leader. I also don’t have someone checking in on how I’m feeling with my workload, so I need to step back each quarter and identify opportunities to improve my work-life balance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your business.
In 2017 I conducted a study of 500+ women and found that 96 percent hated shopping for swimwear. The beauty standards that came hand in hand with the industry, the improper fit of the product, and the lack of trust in brands all contributed to this negativity. Despite being unsatisfied, most women in this study purchase a new swimsuit yearly. I’m on a mission to make shopping for swimwear a positive experience. Kitty and Vibe are solving this through our first-to-market sizing metric and inclusive, community-centric marketing. Our sizing metric offers two inseam options for every hip size. This has caught the attention of consumers and press alike: a video explaining the metric garnered 3.9 million views on TikTok, and Forbes dubbed our sizing metric “the future of swimwear.”
We cultivate community by inviting our followers to assist in developing each launch through email surveying and social media polling. Furthermore, Kitty and Vibe superfans are encouraged to apply to model for our campaigns. We currently have a waitlist of 3,000+ applicants. Our swimsuits are offered in sizes XS – 6XL and our website is photoshop-free, supporting our core belief that all bodies are beautiful and anyone is worthy of being a swimsuit model.
When looking for a place to grow my business outside of New York City, having an entrepreneurial spirit was a key factor. Austin drew me in because some of the most successful female-founded businesses have been built here – Bumble, Outdoor Voices, Kendra Scott, etc. I was also looking for a slower-paced lifestyle, easier access to nature, and more of a small-town vibe. I made the cross-country move in February 2022 and have been so pleased with the move thus far.
I’ve found that Austin is an incredibly inclusive and welcoming town. Whether you meet someone new at a coffee shop or attend a local event, everyone is curious to support and get to know one another. We hope to become Austin gals’ favorite swimwear brand – where we are always spotted on Town Lake and Barton Springs, top of mind for women of all shapes and sizes, and known for our inclusive nature and welcoming events.
Let’s end by discussing what matters most to you and why.
A part of my story that could be more well-known is how I chose to focus on a mission of kindness. I am blessed to be the sister of a special needs person. My brother, Richard, has been instilling the virtue of kindness in me from the day I was born. Although he can’t talk, his heart speaks volumes. He is the purest person I know, incapable of cruelty, jealousy, or ill intentions. Having him by my side has given me a world perspective that I’m beyond grateful for a much stronger empathy muscle. His impact on my life has directly influenced our mission of fueling kindness at Kitty and Vibe. Our trademarked slogan, “Kind Is My Vibe,” always makes me think of him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kittyandvibe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitty_and_vibe/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kitty_and_vibe?lang=en
Image Credits
Kayla Davis
