At ViX, female empowerment is always on the agenda.
For us, empowering women isn't just a campaign theme; it's woven into the very fabric of our brand. From our founding story to our everyday operations, female empowerment is our driving force and what fuels the inspiration behind our products. As we approach an importantly recognized day,Ā International Equal Pay Day, we're proud to spotlight how we support women not just today, but every day.
The ViX DNA: Women Empowerment at the Core
ViX was born from a deep respect and admiration for women. Our founder, Paula Hermanny, drew part of her inspiration for ViX from her two grandmothersāstrong individuals who shaped her vision to start a global brand that celebrates the power, beauty, and confidence of women everywhere. Since being founded over twenty years ago, ViX remains a woman-founded and woman-owned business, with 83.6% of our team composed of women. We are proud to be leaders in both the ready-to-wear and swimwear categories, offering products that continuously radiate and uplift our customers, further inspiring women to embrace their power, their sexiness, and their natural beauty.Ā
What Female Empowerment Means for ViX
Empowering women is not just our mission that we hold dearly within our office space, but also extends far beyond, into our neighboring communities. Through initiatives like CASA ViX , we support local women in leading better, more fulfilled lives, helping pave the way for their success. Hereās a closer look at the creation of ViX, what female empowerment means to our Founder, Paula Hermanny, and the ongoing initiatives we support.
What inspired you to start ViX, and how did your grandmothers influence your journey?
Growing up in Vitoria, Brazil, I was surrounded by inspiration that shaped my dreams of creating something special for women. My grandmothers were my greatest influencesāone a highly skilled seamstress, and the other a well-traveled fashion enthusiast. From an early age, I was captivated by their grace and style, and I knew I wanted to carry their legacy forward. With ViX, I set out to create a swim and resort wear brand that embodies both classic elegance and modern sophistication, blending the timeless beauty I admired with the innovative designs I envisioned.
How does ViXās commitment to female empowerment influence the design of your collections?
At ViX, our commitment to female empowerment is at the heart of everything we do, especially in the design of our collections. I want every woman who wears ViX to feel empowered by their personal style. When I design, I think about the strength and elegance of the women who inspired meālike my grandmothers and other ViX muses, who embody grace and resilience. With every collection, my goal is to create pieces that not only reflect that inner strength but also enhance it, allowing women to embrace their power and express themselves through their unique style. Each collection is carefully and thoughtfully designed to captivate, whether they're walking down a beach or going about their daily lives.
Can you share more about CASA ViX and how it supports women?
CASA ViX is a project thatās very close to my heart. Itās an extension of our commitment to empowering women, not just through fashion but in all aspects of their lives. I started CASA ViX to have a space where women can find the support and resources they need. Whether itās through career guidance, personal development, or community-building activities, CASA ViX is about helping women realize their potential and to help achieve their dreams. Just as ViX swimwear is designed for women to channel their confidence, CASA ViX aims to uplift and empower women in our community every day.
What do special days like International Equal Pay Day mean to you personally, and how does ViX support this cause (and others)?
Days like International Equal Pay Day remind us of the progress made around the world but also the improvements that still need to be addressed. Iāve always been inspired by strong women who taught me the importance of unity. At ViX, we believe in uplifting women and celebrating their achievements. For me, itās about spreading positivity and using our platform to make a meaningful difference.
ViX Gives Back
We are dedicated to supporting global causes that reflect our core values. To help address the uncontrolled pay gap, where women earn 84 cents for every dollar men make, weāre donating 16% of our net proceeds on September 18, 2024, to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) for International Equal Pay Day. This organization works to help close the wage gap.
How does ViX ensure that female empowerment remains a priority within the companyās culture?
At ViX, female empowerment is a cornerstone of our company culture. I will always ensure it remains a priority by fostering an environment where women are not only valued but actively encouraged to lead and innovate. From our predominantly female team to our supportive initiatives like CASA ViX, we are committed to creating opportunities for growth and success. We celebrate each womanās unique contributions and strive to uphold values that empower and uplift our entire team every day.
What advice would you give to other women looking to start their own businesses?
My advice to other women looking to start their own businesses is to stay true to your vision and believe in your ability to bring it to life. Start by identifying what youāre passionate about and what drives you, then build a strong foundation based on those values. Surround yourself with a supportive network and donāt be afraid to seek out mentors who can offer guidance. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and always stay resilient. Most importantly, trust your instincts and let your unique voice shine through in everything you do.
At ViX, empowering women is not just a campaignāitās a commitment. We remain dedicated to helping create a world where women are uplifted, celebrated, and empowered today, and every day.