Shea Marie entered the fashion world as an influencer, but this role prompted her to carve out something more sustained—an actual brand. Co-founding Same in 2015, a swimwear line rooted in chic, versatile designs, she navigated a landscape marked by uncertainty. “It was me learning everything from scratch,” she recalls, illustrating the untamed waters she ventured into. Her mission was clear: swimwear wasn’t just about coverage; it should stand as a strong fashion statement, reflecting the desires of stylish women everywhere.

Initially seen as more a passion project, the brand struggled to gain footing amid the chaos of retail partnerships. But the turning point came with the pandemic—a time when other brands faltered. “Women weren’t spending all their money on dresses and shoes,” Shea notes, highlighting the unexpected surge in swimwear demand. With a growing direct-to-consumer focus, Same thrived as it tapped into the freshly vacation-hungry consumer, revealing a shift in priorities and an untapped market.

Today, the swimwear brand enjoys visibility through a network of influencers, aided by Shea’s background as one herself. Despite this, she often stands behind the scenes, opting to let the quality of the product shine rather than her image. “There are a lot of people that just come and put their name on a project,” she admits. A fair observation; the fickle nature of influencer brands is often painted in broad strokes, yet Marie maintains a steady hand on the wheel.

Peering into the future, the brand aspires to bridge into other categories like resort wear while expanding internationally. Shea acknowledges the daunting task ahead and, with a smirk of exhaustion, expresses, “I’m taking everything a day at a time!” It’s a reminder that building a lasting legacy is as much about persistence as it is about vision—in a space where the tide can turn unexpectedly.