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It’s not too common for someone to enjoy work, let alone consider it their happy place, but for Bec, our Founder and Creative Director at IIXIIST, is precisely that. Rewind 8 years, Bec was studying psychology and forensic science when one afternoon, her roommate came home with a ‘crazily expensive’ bikini. Bec’s entrepreneurial brain started ticking as she realised there was a gap in the swimwear market for high-quality, affordable swimwear. At 23 years old, on the sunny Gold Coast in Australia, Bec started a side project - designing minimalist, uncomplicated bikinis. Fast forward 8 years and Bec’s hobby has transformed into IIXIIST, a global swimwear label. Under the direction of Bec, IIXIIST has grown to be a forward-thinking, much loved and followed brand. Classic, affordable and more importantly, sustainable, Bec has combined her love for fashion, travel and the ocean with the determination to do her part in helping the environment. As of late, Bec has changed the way IIXIIST is designed to ensure a more sustainable process, and as her tribe, we couldn’t be prouder.
As a business-women, devoted partner, and mum, Bec is basically superwomen. We are lucky enough to work alongside her each day and decided it’s time we give our #iixigirls a glimpse into the life of Rebecca Klondisky - who she is, what she does and how she does it. Enjoy!
Hey Bec, can you introduce yourself:
I’m Bec, the Founder and Creative Director of IIXIIST. I started IIXIIST when I was 23 years old. At the time, I was studying psychology and forensic science. How things change!
Where’s your happy place?
Believe it or not, I wake up every day and go to my ‘happy place’. I don’t go to work, I don’t consider IIXIIST my job, it is my passion. I love what I do and I wouldn’t change a single aspect about it.
When you’re not working, what are you doing?
Hanging out with my son and partner, at the beach or on a plane! I’m a traveller at heart and have another business, @placesallday, which fulfils my love for travel. My bucket list is continually growing, which was the inspiration for starting Places All Day with my partner. Another passion project that’s in its early days - stay tuned!! ;)
Where’s your favourite place in the world?
Home, the Gold Coast!! We are spoilt rotten here and living right on the beach is a dream. I am so grateful for my home everyday! Second to home is The Whitsundays! It’s a slice of heaven.
Where’s your first post-covid holiday?
BALI! I need to get there for work, but also can’t wait for a little holiday
How did you get your start in fashion? How did IIXIIST come about?
The light bulb moment for IIXIIST happened on an idle weekend afternoon when my roommate arrived home from a day of shopping. It was while she was proudly showing me her new bikini which she had picked up off lay-away, that I felt something had to change. If my roommate was lay-buying a bikini, surely she wasn't alone. There had to be hundreds of other girls out there doing it too?! There was a hole in the market for a great swim at happy prices.
You’re not only a mum to IIXIIST but also a beautiful boy. Tell us about parenting as a business owner?
The most amazing thing to have happened to me, ever! My son is now 2 and a half years old and he is the greatest little guy in the world! Parenting and being responsible for a little soul really does put life into perspective. It certainly makes me want to strive for bigger and great things and gives me an extra push of encouragement I need to get the job done. Parenting has actually come quite easily to me. In the same breath, I am the first to admit that as a single mum the challenge of succeeding is definitely heightened. This doesn't for one second worry me though; I have always been very head-strong 'tell me no, I'll prove you wrong' type of girl and I take great solace in knowing that I am so capable of this balancing act. Women in business is one thing, single mothers in business is serious stuff!
You recently changed the way IIXIST does business, can you tell us a little bit about the new IIXIIST and it’s sustainability focus?
We've always been cautious with the way we produce our swimwear here at IIXIIST, but with Australia's recent bushfires and Covid, 2020 has been a wake-up call for many businesses. It's more important than ever to protect our beautiful mother earth, so with our latest collections, we designed and manufactured sustainably. Everything is responsible, from the recycled materials to the childfree labour. This will be our process moving forward for all collections. No more fast fashion - earth first, fashion second.
