Lauren Fleurie and Baohan Nguyen

What’s your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?

Keijo was born out of our love for versatile fashion. We  created the first collection with a focus on pieces that could become wardrobe staples, in tones that were reminiscent of the beach. We recalled trips away in the summer and nights out with friends; It was in these moments that we further developed the final designs that could take our customers from ‘swim to social’.

Describe the process of launching the business.

The process of launch has many moving parts. When you are a small business, you play every role imaginable. We are the marketing team, web designer, contact for manufacturers, social media management, creative directors, designers, accountants and more. Having one another to lean on and bounce ideas off of during these moments was invaluable. Following our years of coordinating each of these areas, and of course having a manufacturer we trusted wholeheartedly, we launched in 2021.

Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?

We have worked with a diverse range of influencers and are so happy every time we see a new way our pieces are styled. We have always believed in the versatility of our designs, so getting them front of an audience was what we needed most; through the development of our business we saw just how powerful social media really is.

How are you doing today and what does the future look like?

We recently launched a restock of collection one, with limited sizing now left, which we are grateful for. Our focus at the moment is on our second collection and continuing to create pieces we personally love, and are equally as versatile and exciting for our audience.

Through starting the business, have you learned anything particularly helpful or advantageous?

Be a strong planner and know what you want. So when the time comes that you find for example, your ideal manufacturer, you will know it!

What platform/tools do you use for your business?

Shopify, Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok. Social media is incredibly powerful when it comes to getting your brand in front of an audience.

What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?

Working Hard, Hardly Working: How to Achieve More, Stress Less and Feel Fulfilled (Grace Beverly) would have to be the number one book recommendation! While youtube is filled with information that can help you when it comes to business, we recommend spending time with other business owners. These conversations regarding your passions are always important to be having, they are what gets us excited and pushes us to keep going.

Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?

Business can be challenging, but nothing is more rewarding than putting something out into the world that you are truly proud of – so go for it!

Where can we go to learn more?

www.keijolabel.com or instagram @keijolabel