In the realm of fashion, luxury swimwear often takes a backseat when it comes to product design challenges. Many brands prioritize aesthetics over functionality, forcing women to choose between looking fabulous and feeling secure in the water. However, an undeniable demand for high-quality swimwear continues to grow. According to market analysis, the global swimwear industry was valued at approximately USD 23,096.4 million in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 36,150.5 million by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% expected from 2024 to 2030.
The increasing popularity of water sports and recreational activities is driving market expansion. A surge in health-conscious lifestyles and an interest in wellness have motivated more consumers to engage in outdoor activities like swimming, whether in oceans, lakes, or rivers. Notably, over 91 million Americans—about 31% of the population—enjoy swimming in natural bodies of water each year, according to statistics from the Livestrong Foundation. This rise in outdoor swimming not only reflects physical benefits but also delivers mental wellness, further pushing the swimwear market towards innovation.
At the forefront of this transformation is Laura M. Mackay, the Founder and CEO of Mina
swimwear. With her Detroit roots and experience in product design from Silicon Valley, Mackay recognized the disconnect between beauty and performance in swimwear. Determined to address this gap, she embarked on developing a luxury swim brand focused on allowing women to move freely and confidently without compromise.
Mackay’s career spans years of product design at industry giants like Google and Intuit, and she has honed her problem-solving skills through structured discovery and iterative processes. “As a product designer, I usually build a Vision and then scale it back in iterative steps,” she shares. This methodology informed her work in creating Mina swimwear, where the initial vision was shaped by constant adaptation based on user feedback.
One of Mackay’s hallmark approaches involves extensive user testing. Unlike traditional design processes that may rely on theoretical assumptions, she immersed herself in the design phase by living the product. Swimming daily in her samples and using comparative suits led to insights about performance, comfort, and style. By inviting women of diverse body types for hands-on testing, she prioritized practicality over aesthetic conformity; performance became the muse for design choices.
Guided by systems thinking, Mackay developed a cohesive brand identity for Mina swimwear. “Creating design systems promotes consistency, a hallmark of my industry,” she explains. Core elements—such as back-strap placement and mesh integration—repeat throughout the collection, keeping the line intuitive and focused. This design philosophy not only streamlines the creative process but also alleviates decision fatigue for consumers seeking purposeful swimwear.
Mackay’s design journey blurs the lines between tech and fashion. By adhering to a principle-based approach, she views swimwear creation through the lens of rigorous tech product design infused with the essence of athleticism. The ultimate vision is one that positions women’s movement—both physically and metaphorically—as the standard, rather than an afterthought.
For aspiring entrepreneurs and creatives, Mackay’s process elicits valuable takeaways:
1. Start With Discovery, Not Assumptions
Rather than relying on preconceived notions, Mackay emphasizes documenting current pain points in swimwear and testing real solutions. Her daily swimming sessions unveiled nuanced details, from strap durability to body contouring. This approach underscores the importance of real-world testing over speculative design, particularly for products focused on movement.
2. Build a Vision, Then Iterate Down
Leveraging her background, Mackay encourages starting with an expansive vision before methodically refining it. This iterative process protects creativity while grounding the end product in reality, ensuring that design remains both innovative and focused.
3. Use Systems to Avoid Reinventing Every Detail
Mackay argues that repetition fosters consistency. The incorporation of mesh not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also enhances structural integrity. Creating a system around effective design elements allows for a coherent brand message while freeing creators to focus on broader improvements.
Another critical aspect of Mackay’s philosophy is her choice to self-fund Mina swimwear. “I wanted to create a product that reflects my personal history—product design, art, swimming—while contributing positively to society,” she states. By evading outside funding, she safeguarded the company’s mission and identity. This strategic decision highlights the importance of financing in shaping a business’s ethos; creating meaningful products doesn’t necessitate rapid scaling.
Mackay’s Detroit upbringing heavily influences her work ethic. “Coming from Detroit ingrained in me the value of perseverance,” she reflects. This mindset fueled her dedication, enabling her to develop Mina swimwear on nights and weekends without fear of hard work. For budding entrepreneurs, this proves essential: steady progress stems from persistence rather than sporadic bursts of effort.
In terms of design specifics, Mackay’s creations emphasize the freedom of movement, with innovative features that instill confidence. For instance, her suits incorporate strategic cut-outs that maintain a two-piece feel while swimming, blending elegance with support. This ingenious design aspect draws inspiration from figure skating costumes, where the harmony of form and function must coexist.
Designing With Principles, Listening With Intention
Three central values underpin Mina swimwear: sovereignty, innovation, and decisive action. Mackay defines sovereignty as the fundamental right for women to move freely—physically and beyond. Innovation manifests through consistent and well-researched design elements, while decisive action drives her decision-making process, a lesson learned from former CEO Lynn Perkins.
Collaborating closely with qualified consultants, Mackay utilized her own skills in sketching and visualizing products to enhance the design process. This unique ability set her apart in an industry where many tech product designers lack traditional artistic skills. It allowed her to bridge disciplines effectively and accelerate her learning curve.
Laura M. Mackay’s journey is not merely about swimwear; it’s a testament to how problem-solving can transcend disciplines. By intertwining lived experiences with robust testing and principled design, her approach illustrates the strength of creativity when fortified by real-world engagement and value-driven principles.
In Partnership with APG