Changing Manufacturers & Challenging the Stigma Around China

Growing pains, hard lessons, and a reminder that our values are bigger than a country.

When I first started Aiana Swim, I had a vision for the kind of swimwear brand I wanted to create. I wanted to stay true to the values that mattered to me: sustainability, ethical production, animal welfare, and fair wages. Finding a manufacturer who understood that vision felt like such a huge win. Our first manufacturer in Brazil was amazing in so many ways. They understood my ideas and knew how to bring them to life. They were kind, creative, and aligned with the sustainable values I wanted Aiana Swim to stand for. Their communication was great, and I genuinely felt like I had found the right people to help build this dream. However, as Aiana Swim began to grow, things started to change.

Growing Pains I Never Expected

When I launched my first bikini collection, I honestly had no idea what to expect. As a first-time swimwear business owner, I was learning everything as I went. I didn't know how much demand there would be, and I did my best to keep up with it while staying true to the quality and experience I wanted to offer.

Eventually, I reached a point where I simply couldn't keep up. Production timelines became inconsistent. The fit of our bikinis wasn't working the way it needed to, and communication became increasingly difficult. Messages would go unanswered for days, and it became harder to get clear answers about when things would be ready. I tried to make it work for as long as I could. But as a small business owner, there is only so much you can control when the production side of your business becomes unpredictable.

I'm still grateful for the role our Brazilian manufacturer played in bringing Aiana Swim to life. They helped turn ideas in my head into real bikinis, and that will always be part of our story. I also had to recognize that what worked for the beginning of my business wasn't necessarily what would support its future. Something needed to change.

Challenging My Own Stigma Around Manufacturing in China

I'll be honest: for a long time, I had preconceived ideas about manufacturing in China. I associated it with unethical production, poor working conditions, and a lack of sustainability. Without really understanding the full picture, I had written off an entire country of manufacturers based on assumptions. 

Looking back, I realize how limiting that mindset was. As I searched for a new manufacturing partner, I began doing deeper research, asking more questions, and having conversations with different manufacturers. I also spoke with other small businesses here in Hawaiʻi, and referrals from people I trusted helped give me the confidence to explore options I might have previously overlooked.

I had also looked into manufacturing in Bali, but the costs were simply too high for where Aiana Swim was at that stage of business.

The more I learned, the more I realized that I had been looking at the decision through the wrong lens. A manufacturer's country of origin doesn't automatically tell you whether they are ethical, sustainable, reliable, or aligned with your values.

Those things come down to the individual company, its practices, its transparency, and the people behind the work. There are responsible manufacturers in different parts of the world, just as there are companies that fall short of their promises. Assuming otherwise means missing opportunities to build meaningful partnerships with people who genuinely care about what they create. I didn't want to choose a manufacturer based on fear or stereotypes. I wanted to choose one based on research, communication, capabilities, and shared values. And that shift changed everything.

Finding a New Partner in China

Working with our new manufacturer in China has helped me regain hope in my business. From the beginning, I've felt a difference in the way we communicate and work together. They listen to my ideas, understand my vision, and help translate those ideas into the products I imagined. When changes need to be made, they communicate them. When questions come up, I feel like we can work through them together. That might sound simple, but when you're running a small business, having a manufacturing partner who communicates clearly and takes your vision seriously makes an enormous difference. I'm learning that finding the right manufacturer isn't just about finding someone who can make a product. It's about finding a team you can collaborate with, trust, and grow alongside. Most importantly, I don't feel like I have to leave my values behind to make this change.

Sustainability Is Still at the Heart of Aiana Swim 

Changing manufacturers doesn't mean changing our values. Sustainability, responsible production, and thoughtful material choices will always be important to Aiana Swim.

Our new manufacturer offers premium sustainable fabric range of options, including:

• Recycled Nylon/Spandex (from ocean plastic & recycled textiles): Soft stretchy, same durability as virgin fabric, reduce plastic pollution

• Eco-Friendly Lycra®: Quick-dry, chlorine-resistant, UPF50+ UV protection, perfect for swimwear daily use

• Organic Recycled Blends: Breathable, skin-friendly, no irritation, suitable for kids/adult sensitive skin

Growing With Purpose 

Changing manufacturers wasn't an easy decision, but it was an important step toward building a business that can grow sustainably. This experience taught me to challenge my assumptions, do my research, and focus on finding the right partners rather than judging them by where they're located.

Made with intention. Growing with purpose.