COVER STORY: FASHION & STYLE KBAYO SWIMWEAR

Summer is in full swing, so what better way to enjoy it than sporting some super sexy swimwear. Wire Magazine sat down with Andres Vasquez, president of KBAYO swimwear from OUTfair, to learn more about the brand and their products.

Rafa Carvajal: Where can people interested in your products purchase them in person and online? Andres Vasquez: The main sales channel for our company is outfair.com, where we have all the brands in stock and we offer free shipping on all orders. But if you want to see and touch the products first, you can visit our pop-up store at the new LGBTI focus hotel in Miami Beach, AxelBeach Hotel. Axel Hotels has partnered with OUTfair, and soon we will have a store in all the 11 Axel Hotels around the world.

RC: What do you enjoy the most about your business? AV: There is nothing better for OUTfair than seeing all these small businesses grow and succeed. One of the brands in the program was created by a kid that was expelled by his family after coming out, and was living in a shelter in Bogotá, Colombia. His only possessions were his creativity and a sewing machine. We discovered him selling some swimsuits at weekend street markets. After three years working together, he is now living in his own place, exporting his collections around the world, has employees and is economically independent.

RC: What are the top three business challenges you had to overcome? AV: 1) Legality: Many small LGBTQowned businesses in developing countries do not have the financial resources and legal advisory to have accounting, registrations and taxes done. That has been a big challenge as every country is different, and the needs of every business also vary. 2) Money: To keep supporting the brands, have new collections, improve the products and reach new markets, money is always an issue. We have to help find the resources for every new brand. 3) Reliable suppliers: One of the most difficult challenges is to find the right suppliers, responsible, consistent and able to honor deadlines.

RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers? AV: All our customers on outfair.com may not know it, but you have changed the lives of dozens of LGBTQ entrepreneurs around the world. These people were expelled from their homes after coming out, fired from their jobs, or lost bids just because of who and how they love. As a community, we have to understand the terrible situation the LGBTQ community around the world also lives in and help them to succeed economically, as it is proved that an economic independent LGBTQ person is less vulnerable to discrimination. If you know an LGBTQ entrepreneur who wants to be featured in our marketplace, tell them to contact us at info@outfair.com. Follow OUTfair on Instagram @outfairshop, Facebook @outfair and Twitter @outfairshop.

LET'S GO SWIMMING!