Jorgie Apparel is a handmade swimwear brand that offers sustainable, colourful, and thoughtful pieces for your collection. Their patterns are different and vibrant, and their designs are made to make their customers feel the most comfortable and confident. They even offer their customers an option to customize their own bikinis with the patterns and designs of their choice. We spoke with Jorgina Thompson, the creative mind behind Jorgie Apparel to learn more about them.
What is your business called and what does it do?
My brand is called Jorgie Apparel and I make handmade sustainable swimwear. With our build-your-own-bikini online store, you can customize your bikini to suit your preferences!
What made you want to do this work?
I was personally experiencing a gap in the market for cute and fun printed swimwear for curvy and busty women, which led me to find my specialty in sewing swimwear. Soon after launching, I realized that I could take the swimwear line even further – to empower and uplift our community. My passion for making a positive impact on my community is truly the center of why I do all of this.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
My Swimsuits are custom and made-to-order, which helps women of all shapes and sizes find a perfect fit. Customers can send in their exact measurements, preferences in booty coverage, and much more to meet their needs. Swimwear is a very personal part of your wardrobe and therefore having so many options to customize is essential.
In addition, I stock a majority of recycled nylon (polyamide) fabrics made from plastics discarded into the ocean. This allows for customers to make an environmentally friendly suit, all while supporting a small business and battling fast fashion.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
We welcome all walks of life! Our main demographic are women from 19 – 35 who want to feel good as they are and enjoy the sunshine and other water activities.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We sell our Swimsuits at a reasonable price where the costs are broken down on our website. This includes a fair wage to employees (currently a one-woman show).
Where in Vancouver can we find your profession?
You can shop Jorgie Apparel at Jorgie.ca anytime, and keep an eye out for pop-up shops around the lower mainland where you can try on samples, have your measurements taken, and touch & feel our stock fabrics!
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
What does it mean when you say your swimwear is custom?
Every suit is made-to-order which allows each piece to be personalized to your needs. Directly from our shop, you can select styles with different drop-down menus that allow you to choose colours (reversible too!), booty coverage, and other modifications or add-ons. You can also send in your exact measurements so we can get the fit just right!
Currently, we have over 35 different fabrics to choose from which adds to the fun of mixing and matching to create your dream suit.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
One of the best parts is hearing feedback from customers that tell how Jorgie Apparel has impacted their life. In April 2022 I asked my top customers if they would write a short paragraph on their experience with my brand and they absolutely knocked it out of the park. They are featured on our reviews page on the website. If I can help more women feel comfortable and beautiful at this moment, just the way they are, my heart is full.
The worst part is that I’m very self-critical and sometimes mistakes happen or things don’t go as planned. It happens very rarely but it is definitely hard to stay positive! I’m so lucky I have built an amazing community of Peach Babes that have my back when things go sideways!
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
I love good puns, and my slogan is “Every Booty is Welcome”
What are your social media channels?
Instagram is the main one. We post all our events, sales, and drops here! Coming soon in the form of emails!
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Vancouver business that you love?
I have collaborated with many amazing boss babes in Vancouver! Here are some favourites:
– Custom press-on nails @icannailthis
– Spray tans @lovellolounge and @indysglow
– Jewellery @sweetcollectiveco
– Body essentials @beanandbutterbody
– Hair and make-up artist @kangartistry
– Clothing @hermodernshop
