The idea for Slay Swimwear was born out of a moment of friendship and creativity during a difficult time. Founder Kelly Meacham’s best friend, Blair, was going through an incredibly stressful period in her life while living in Indianapolis. In search of an escape, Blair would drive to Chicago on the weekends, where she and Kelly would spend hours immersed in a creative outlet. They began by separating rhinestones and meticulously applying them to any clothing they could find, turning simple pieces into unique, sparkling designs.

What started as a fun way to cope with life’s challenges soon became something more. Kelly and Blair proudly wore their customized creations out, and the overwhelming positive reactions they received sparked an idea. The two realized that what they were doing was more than just a weekend hobby—it had potential to be something bigger.

Fueled by the excitement and inspired by the attention their designs were getting, Kelly decided to take a leap of faith. She packed up her life and moved to Los Angeles, determined to turn her passion for fashion into a business. From those humble beginnings of DIY rhinestones in Chicago, Slay Swimwear has since evolved into a luxury swimwear brand known for its intricate detailing and bold designs.